Humidity and Guitars: Why It Matters and How to Protect Your Instrument
Humidity might seem like a small thing — but for guitars, it can make or break your tone, playability, and long-term value. Whether you’re storing a vintage acoustic or gigging with your electric every weekend, knowing how humidity affects your guitar is key.
Radnor Guitars in Nashville sees weather-related damage all the time. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect your instrument year-round.
Why Humidity Matters for Guitars
Guitars are made of wood, which naturally expands or contracts based on how much moisture is in the air.
Too little humidity = wood dries out and cracks
Too much humidity = wood swells and warps
This can affect:
Neck stability and relief
Fret sprout or sharp fret ends
Glue joints (especially in acoustics)
Top and back separation
High or low action
Finish checking or bubbling
Ideal Humidity for Guitars
45–55% Relative Humidity (RH) is the sweet spot.
Below 40%? Your guitar is at risk of drying out.
Above 60%? You’re risking swelling, warping, and mushy tone.
In Nashville, that means:
Winter: Dry indoor air = risk of cracks
Summer: High humidity = risk of swelling
How to Protect Your Guitar from Humidity Damage
Use a Room Hygrometer
Track RH where your guitar lives. You can get accurate ones for $10–$20.
Humidify in Winter
If RH drops below 40%, use:
Soundhole humidifiers (like D’Addario or Oasis) for acoustics
In-case humidifiers for electrics
Room humidifiers if you keep multiple guitars on stands
Dehumidify in Summer
If RH climbs above 60%:
Use silica gel packs in your case
Keep guitars in climate-controlled rooms
Use a room dehumidifier if needed
Keep Guitars in Their Case
A hard shell case protects better than open air. It keeps humidity fluctuations gradual, not extreme.
Signs Your Guitar Is Being Affected
Fret ends feel sharp? Likely too dry
Action suddenly higher or lower? Neck swelling or bowing
Finish cracking or bubbling? Rapid moisture change
Acoustic top has sunk or swelled? Wood reacting to humidity
If you spot these signs early, a professional setup or adjustment can often fix it. If left untreated, it can mean serious repairs.
Need a Repair or Setup? We Can Help.
At Radnor Guitars, we:
Repair cracks and warped tops
Reset neck relief caused by climate changes
Recommend the right humidification system
Offer seasonal setup adjustments to match Nashville's weather shifts
🎸 Want to keep your guitar playing and sounding great all year long?
👉 Contact us or stop by the shop — we’ll check your instrument’s condition and help you protect it.
