Guitar, thin wood which is easily affected by temperature and humidity.
This combination is the most important single part of your guitar's surroundings.
We keep our factory at a constant 45-55 percent humidity and 72-77
degrees Fahrenheit. If either humidity or temperature get far away from
these factory conditions, your guitar is in danger. A rapid change in
temperature or exposure to cold can cause small cracks in the finish.
We recommend the use of a hygrometer/thermometer to
measure the relative humidity and temperature surrounding your guitar.
As humidity increases, moisture content of wood goes up rapidly, causing it
to expand and swell. A gradual increase in humidity won't generally do
permanent damage to your instrument. When very high humidity is combined
with high temperature, glue joints could possibly become weakened and may
even open slightly. If your guitar is exposed to high temperature or
humidity for any length of time, the glue under the bridge could weaken
causing the bridge to pull off.
Rapid changes in local humidity are what you want to guard against. If, for
instance, you place your guitar near a source of dry heat, the humidity
around it will drop much faster than it would naturally, although a sudden
dry spell can have the same effect. If the moisture tent of wood is forced
down in a hurry, portions of it shrink faster than others, causing cracks
and open joints. Don't set your instrument next to a source of heat or hang
it on a wall where it will dry out. At all costs, avoid hanging your guitar
on an outside wall during winter months. The wall will be cooler than the
inside air. The result is a conflict between the temperature of the top and
back, with potential damage as a result.
Caution should be taken if you choose to use a humidifier to combat low
humidity. Moisture in direct contact with the guitar could cause damage, as
can the rubber or vinyl parts of a humidifier.
We recommend storing your guitar in its case when not in use. Humidity is
easier to control in a smaller space. Don't bother loosening the strings
when putting your guitar away unless it won't be used again for several
months. Constantly tightening and loosening strings quickly ruins their
sound.
Hard case supports the neck and body of your guitar as evenly as
possible. It's important that you don't let anything lie under the head (the
tuning machine end), as this could damage the neck and body.
Repairs to your instrument should be performed by an authorized repair
person.
The best way to clean your guitar is with a warm, damp cloth. This will
remove harmful chemicals. Your guitar is coated in the highest-grade finish
available and is sensitive. Perspiration can also damage your guitar, so keep it dry.
We recommend wiping down your instrument and strings with a soft, dry cloth
before storing to remove harmful skin oils. Products containing silicone
should not be used.
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