HEAT & HUMIDITY

​In caring for your Whitney Guitar, maintaining consistent heat and humidity levels is essential. Rapid fluctuations can lead to serious damage, such as loosened glue joints and detached bracing and bridges.

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In our studio, the temperature and humidity are kept at a constant 50% humidity and a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. If your guitar's environment differs significantly from these ideal conditions, your guitar can be adversely affected.

 

Our recommendation is to store your guitar in an environment similar to that of where your guitar was made. 45-55% relative humidity and a comfortable room temperature of 21-23 degrees Celsius (72-77 degrees Fahrenheit) will keep your guitar stable and happy.

 

Remember, prolonged exposure to extreme conditions can warp your guitar, adversely affect its sound quality and void your warranty, so be sure to keep it in a stable environment for optimal performance.

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INCREASES IN TEMPERATURE / DROPS IN HUMIDITY

Placing your guitar near a heater or in a heated room can quickly lower humidity, causing the wood to shrink unevenly and leading to cracks and open joints. When bringing your guitar in from the cold, allow it to warm up gradually in its case over several hours to reduce the risk of damage.

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DROPS IN TEMPERATURE

Rapid temperature changes or cold exposure, such as moving a guitar between indoors and outdoors, can cause small cracks in the lacquer.

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INCREASE IN HUMIDITY

Increased humidity rapidly raises wood moisture, causing expansion, swelling, cracks, and joint openings, but gradual humidity increases usually don't cause permanent damage.

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WHAT TO DO?

Temperature and humidity fluctuations affect every wooden instrument. Maintain a stable environment for your guitar and avoid extreme temperature changes. Store it in a hard shell case to minimize these effects. Use a guitar case humidifier or a 'whole home' humidifier on your furnace to maintain constant levels.

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CLEANING

Wipe the surface: Make it a habit to wipe down your guitar after each use. A soft microfibre cloth helps prevent dirt and grime buildup. Clean all sides, the soundboard, back plate, the neck, strings, and tuning machines, focusing on areas touched by your skin, which can leave oils behind.

 

POLISH

Some people use polish on their guitar for added shine, but avoid harsh chemicals due to the porous nature of the finish. For safe polishing, I recommend a very small amount of Menzerna Liquid PO91E Polish. In most applications, a dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth with do just fine. If using the polish,  wipe in a circular motion with a soft cloth, and ensure excess polish is removed. Repeat on the back and sides. When working with a satin finish, limit rubbing to prevent unwanted shine. Avoid any polishes with grit, silicone or commercial polishes such as Pledge.

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CLEAN & CONDITION YOUR FINGERBOARD

Wiping your fingerboard after playing will prevent the buildup of dirt and oil. Use a microfiber cloth after each session and remember to Condition or oil your fingerboard to prevent dryness, as it is raw wood. Do this a few times a year, depending on humidity, to keep the wood moist and avoid cracking. 

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ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRINGS

Strings are essential for guitar performance, akin to tires for a car. Be proactive with your string-change routine, as worn strings appear dirty and sound poor. Wiping them with a soft microfibre cloth after playing will reduce oil and dirt buildup, extending their lifespan.

 

Remember, caring for your guitar is similar to nurturing a friendship; treat it well for longevity.

 

ADDITIONAL TIPS

• Monitor the relative humidity and temperature in your environment using a digital hygrometer, aiming for 45-55% humidity and a moderate temperature of 21-23 degrees Celsius.

• Always store your guitar in a case with a case humidifier and avoid exposing it to extreme conditions, such as moving it from the cold outdoors to a warm indoor setting, placing your guitar in front of a window in direct sunlight or keeping it out in the open near a wood stove.

• If your guitar is exposed to temperature extremes, keep it in the case and allow it to acclimatize for a minimum of three hours. Twenty four hours is ideal.

• Keep your guitar clean.

• Additionally, if you're travelling by airplane or shipping your guitar, loosen the strings and use a sturdy case for extra protection.

• Do not leave your guitar in a vehicle for a prolonged period of time.

• Leave your truss rod and other adjustments to a trusted luthier.

• Do not tune your guitar above pitch (electronic tuners are both reliable and inexpensive).

• If traveling by airplane, loosen all the strings on your guitar and use the best fitting, best constructed case you can find.

• Finally, play your guitar regularly. This will further help develop it's tone and keep you aligned with what it needs.