A guitar is a string instrument which is generally played with a pick or fingers. It consists of a body and a neck to which strings, usually 6 in number, are fastened. Traditionally guitars were made of wood. However, the modern version is made using various polycarbonate materials. Guitars can be broadly classified into two main categories: electric and acoustic. The acoustic guitars are usually made of wood and have been used for more than a thousand years. The electric guitar is a modern version and was introduced in 1930s.
Since acoustic guitars are made of different kinds of wood, their playability as well as tone may greatly vary depending upon the state of the components. The lack of moisture may cause the wood to dry out over a period of time, which may lead to the contraction of the neck as well as the body of the instrument.It may also cause cracking or warping. Different kinds of wood contract at different rates. This may damage the guitar and negatively affect the tone. A guitar humidifier can be of great help in this regard.
A humidifier can be inserted into the guitar while you keep it in the case. A humidifier can keep the wooden base of the guitar moist so that it does not crack or warp too dramatically. These humidifiers are available in several forms. However, in most cases, the humidifier uses a thin long sponge which is encased in plastic or latex and is moistened with water. This sponge is inserted between the guitar strings. An acoustic guitar humidifier, on the other hand extends downwards into the guitar body, allowing low level of moisture content all through the cavity.
However, one should also remember that just like drying of the wood can badly affect the playability and tone, over-humidifying the guitar is harmful too. In case you reside in a region with dry climate, a guitar humidifier should be used regularly. However, for residents of cooler or damper climates, the humidifier might not be necessary at all and may even damage your guitar. Over humidification can lead to the growth of mold. It may also cause the wood to soften way too much. Therefore, it is best to consult the local guitar shops for this purpose. They will be able to tell whether you need to use a humidifier or not.
The humidifiers are widely available on the internet. These are not very costly and are a great tool to ensure a long life for your guitar. It would also save you on repair costs as well.
Since acoustic guitars are made of different kinds of wood, their playability as well as tone may greatly vary depending upon the state of the components. The lack of moisture may cause the wood to dry out over a period of time, which may lead to the contraction of the neck as well as the body of the instrument.It may also cause cracking or warping. Different kinds of wood contract at different rates. This may damage the guitar and negatively affect the tone. A guitar humidifier can be of great help in this regard.
A humidifier can be inserted into the guitar while you keep it in the case. A humidifier can keep the wooden base of the guitar moist so that it does not crack or warp too dramatically. These humidifiers are available in several forms. However, in most cases, the humidifier uses a thin long sponge which is encased in plastic or latex and is moistened with water. This sponge is inserted between the guitar strings. An acoustic guitar humidifier, on the other hand extends downwards into the guitar body, allowing low level of moisture content all through the cavity.
However, one should also remember that just like drying of the wood can badly affect the playability and tone, over-humidifying the guitar is harmful too. In case you reside in a region with dry climate, a guitar humidifier should be used regularly. However, for residents of cooler or damper climates, the humidifier might not be necessary at all and may even damage your guitar. Over humidification can lead to the growth of mold. It may also cause the wood to soften way too much. Therefore, it is best to consult the local guitar shops for this purpose. They will be able to tell whether you need to use a humidifier or not.
The humidifiers are widely available on the internet. These are not very costly and are a great tool to ensure a long life for your guitar. It would also save you on repair costs as well.
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