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How does relative
humidity affect your Martin guitar?
Wood will try to equalize to it's surrounding air, in temperature and
humidity. If wood becomes too moist it will swell; on the other hand, if
wood gives up it's moisture, it will shrink. All are physical
characteristics of wood.
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What is the desired
humidity level my Martin guitar should live in?
45%-55% relative humidity is optimum. If this is obtained, you minimize
the risk of damage.
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What if my Martin has
been subject to excessive humidity?
If your guitar has been exposed to excessive humidity seams may
separate, bridges may become loose and your action may become
unplayable. A dehumidifier is recommended if your guitar has seen these
changes.
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What if my Martin has
been stored in a dry environment?
Low humidity seems to occur more often than excessive humidity. As your
guitar dries, the wood actually shrinks. This results in the top
lowering and the strings come with it. All of this stress results in the
wood cracking. To solve this problem you should invest in a humidifier.
Be sure to also get a hygrometer to measure how much humidity you bring
into the air.
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What happens to my Martin
at 60% humidity?
At 60% relative humidity or above symptoms may include tarnished frets
and strings, corrosion to nickel, chrome or gold plating on tuning
machines, swelling of the top, high action and loose braces and bridges.
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What happens to my Martin
at 50% humidity?
At 50% relative humidity your guitar is in good condition.
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What happens to my Martin
at 40% humidity?
At 40% relative humidity you may see sharp fret ends. This is the area
of the fingerboard that extends over the body that may begin to crack
slightly from the 12th or 14th fret toward the soundhole.
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What happens to my Martin
at 35% humidity?
At 35% relative humidity your top will begin to shrink. The soundboard
may look and feel rippled or dried in. The sharp fret ends seen in 40%
relative humidity will become more evident.
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What happens to my
Martin at 30% humidity?
At 30% relative humidity you may see cracks in your guitar. Even if you
do not see a crack in the guitar, it has still lost moisture and the top
has begun to sink. To make your guitar playable you may need a higher
saddle.
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What happens to my
Martin at 25% humidity?
At 25% relative humidity more cracks are seen. Fret filing may be
needed.
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