Humidification

Started by GUITARMANDAN, September 22, 2011, 07:27:09 AM

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I've always heard that when you humidify your guitar, you should notice a slight rise in the top of the guitar, directly behind the bridge. Besides using a humidity gauge, digital or otherwise, this method of simply looking across the top of the guitar side to side would show the guitar is not suffering low humidity. Any takes on this? :?
I just got my L-03K two weeks ago and I have been using a Dampit ever since b/c I think the guitar was pretty dry. I do notice a more pronounced tone from the guitar; clarity is much better.

By using a Dampit everyday and only re-wetting it when completely dry, can I "over" humidify the guitar? I use a Dampit on my 814 Taylor regularly without and adverse reactions. I'm just wondering if Koa wood needs more humidity than other woods? Oh, yes I have yet to put my digital humidity gauge in the guitar for accurate readings. I am just trying to judge by the above method of seeing a slight upward bow in the top near the bridge.

Thanks. I know I have lots of questions on here already, but your answers have really helped me out thus far.  :bowdown: :donut :coffee

First sign of poor humidification id "corrugation...you can feel the grain.
Second is bellying....a pronounced hump behind the bridge.
Next is a crack...OUCH!!!


If you put a straight edge on the top right behind the bridge there should be a very slight gap between the straight edge and the guitar top at each end of the lower bout.
This gap should be somewhere in the neighborhood of 1/16"

overhumidification can be a problem, too. You might start to notice a "dip" at the soundhole where it meets the neck.

Larrivee website has some tips, I think.
Bob Taylor gives a great tutorial on the subject. That can be found on that site and theres always Acoustic guitar magazine, Stewart Macdonald, Google , and youtube.

Good luck!


Quote from: JohnTully on September 22, 2011, 08:24:20 PM
Larrivee website has some tips,

Yes and they are HERE
Larrivee Electrics - My Dream then and Now!!!!!<br /><br />Forum IV     00-03MT       #4      (Treasured)

Quote from: JohnTully on September 22, 2011, 08:24:20 PM
First sign of poor humidification id "corrugation...you can feel the grain.
Second is bellying....a pronounced hump behind the bridge.
Next is a crack...OUCH!!!


If you put a straight edge on the top right behind the bridge there should be a very slight gap between the straight edge and the guitar top at each end of the lower bout.
This gap should be somewhere in the neighborhood of 1/16"

overhumidification can be a problem, too. You might start to notice a "dip" at the soundhole where it meets the neck.

Larrivee website has some tips, I think.
Bob Taylor gives a great tutorial on the subject. That can be found on that site and theres always Acoustic guitar magazine, Stewart Macdonald, Google , and youtube.

Good luck!


There is NO raising of the grain on the guitar. Finish is a satin finish but shows ZERO indication of raised grain. However, there is a slight upward bow in the lower portion of the top directly behind the bridge. But it is ever so slight. I really need to get that digital humidity gauge in there and see for sure what the guitar is doing. I am going to research more on the subject but I swear that I've always heard that the top "should" belly just a bit and NOT dip as to implode--so to say. Absolutely NOT doubting anyone here; maybe I've just heard wrong all these years. :blush: :rolleye: I'll hit Bob Taylor's site again and see what he says too. It goes today to my luthier, Charlie Powers, for a complete go-over and set up.
Thanks to all! :wave

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