Temperature & Humidity

Temperature and Relative Humidity(RH) are the most important factors Burchette Guitar owners can be aware of! A guitar case is the best storage method for a solid wood guitar, as it protects the instrument from extreme temperature changes and assists in maintaining a consistent RH level.

Extreme Temperatures can quickly cause cracks to the lacquered finish of your guitar. Hot and cold temperatures also draw moisture out of the wood which leads to actual cracks in the wood! Visit frets.com to see how extreme temperatures can ruin your guitar!

Relative Humidity (RH) is measured with a hygrometer that can be purchased at most guitar shops. Your Burchette Guitar should be stored in an area with a RH of 45%. If you must store your guitar out of its case, store it in a climate controlled room with a RH of 45%. This RH level is easily achieved by running a room humidifier. I store a few instruments out of their cases during the winter. This type storage requires me to add up to a couple gallons of water EACH DAY to my room humidifier!

The BEST Advice I can give a guitarist is to store your instrument in a humidified case during the winter or anytime your heat is on!

Use the chart below to see what is really happening to a solid wood guitar during changes in Relative Humidity.

95% - This is dangerous for your instrument. It is swelling and putting stress on every glue joint. Your guitar is on the verge of disaster

90% - This is far too humid for your instrument. The action of the strings is very high, it’s time for some air conditioning for both of you? Run a dehumidifier or bad things will happen to your instrument

85% - Too humid. your wood plates are beginning to swell from excessive moisture. This isn’t good

80% - A little too humid. Soundboard movement is starting to affect the action (making it higher over the frets)

75% - Getting too humid. This RH level is ok for short increments but if it stays up you may actually notice soundboard movement.

70% - OK for awhile but don’t let the guitar get too moist. The tone woods are moving with the soundboard bellying out.

60% - Tolerable

50% - OK

45% - PERFECT

40% - OK

35% - It is time to humidify your guitar. The soundboard is starting to sink in; probably will be OK for a few days so don’t panic (yet!) Install Planet Waves humidifier when not playing and keep your guitar in the case.

30% - It is really time for humidifying your guitar. The action is starting to get low, maybe you can start to feel the ends of the frets beyond the edge of the fretboard (which is shrinking due to moisture loss). Install the Planet Waves Guitar Humidifier when you are not playing the instrument and keep your guitar in the case.

25% - Time to be really concerned. The frets are hanging over the edge. The top and back are sinking and are going to crack. The bridge may even lift off.

20% - The guitar can’t take being that dry and it gives up. It probably is beyond repair at this point and is trash.


ONCE AGAIN, My warranty does not cover abuse or neglect associated with extreme temperatures and/or lack of or too much humidity.