Topwood for Desert climate?

Started by John Lee Pettimore, March 01, 2026, 09:35:55 PM

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I'm headed to the high desert for a few weeks and taking a guitar.   It will be insured and traveling in a Crossrock CRF2021 with humidifier hanging in the sound hole at my destination.  I'm thinking a western red cedar top will generally do better with arid conditions than sitka spruce.  If anyone one was an opinion or experience with this comparison/issue, I'd appreciate your thoughts.   It will be out of the case for a few hours daily, at most. 
Larrivee OM-05
Alvarez LD70e
Alvarez MG75CE
Fender Stratocaster

It's good that you're thinking about it though, as someone who lives in a desert climate (Phoenix), I feel the difference between the two tops will only matter if all other things are equal. And, even then, both require similar care.
I'd personally take the one that's more substantially built. It will probably be heavier because the woods are thicker. The finish may also be thicker. These things all contribute to slower movement in the wood as shifting quickly (from drying) tends to be what cracks tops.

This time of year tends to be the best for guitars in desert climate as the ground moisture held in the winter is starting to warm and go into the air. Yet, it's not warm enough to run AC (which is drying). I don't even need my humidifiers right now. However, high desert climates can very a lot.

Quote from: B0WIE on March 01, 2026, 09:55:28 PMIt's good that you're thinking about it though, as someone who lives in a desert climate (Phoenix), I feel the difference between the two tops will only matter if all other things are equal. And, even then, both require similar care.
I'd personally take the one that's more substantially built. It will probably be heavier because the woods are thicker. The finish may also be thicker. These things all contribute to slower movement in the wood as shifting quickly (from drying) tends to be what cracks tops.

This time of year tends to be the best for guitars in desert climate as the ground moisture held in the winter is starting to warm and go into the air. Yet, it's not warm enough to run AC (which is drying). I don't even need my humidifiers right now. However, high desert climates can very a lot.

Thank you
Larrivee OM-05
Alvarez LD70e
Alvarez MG75CE
Fender Stratocaster

Have a great trip. JLP.
Those Crossrock cases are 'the bomb'; aren't they?

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