Learn how long to let your acoustic guitar acclimate to its new environment. Properly acclimating your guitar can prevent cracks and warping.
An imported wooden acoustic guitar has been shipped to you after days of waiting, and now you can’t wait to get your hands on it and play it, but before you can do that, you must let it acclimate to your surroundings. You may be asking, “How long should I let a new guitar acclimate?”
Why is it important to let the guitar acclimate?
It is important to allow a new guitar to acclimate because temperature and humidity changes can affect the guitar. If you don’t let the guitar acclimate, it may expand or contract, which can cause issues with the guitar’s tuning, playability, and overall sound. Acclimation also allows for a better playing experience because the guitar will adjust better to your playing style.
Gibson, one of the biggest and most popular guitar manufacturers, recommends acclimation for all new guitars.
Temperature and humidity changes affect the guitar
If the guitar is exposed to temperature changes, it can cause the neck to move, which changes the intonation of the guitar. If the guitar is exposed to high humidity levels, it can cause the wood to swell, which can lead to cracks and other issues. Likewise, if the guitar is exposed to low humidity levels, the wood may dry out, causing the guitar to lose its tone and causing the neck to move. Therefore, letting the guitar acclimate helps to avoid these issues.
Acclimation allows for a better playing experience
Acclimation allows the guitar to adjust to its new environment, which means it will play and sound better. This is because the guitar will be adjusted to your playing style and produce a consistent sound throughout its lifetime. A well-acclimated guitar will stay in tune better, which means you’ll spend less time tuning and more time making music.
Gibson’s recommendation for acclimation
Gibson recommends letting the guitar sit in its case for 24 hours before opening it. This allows the guitar to acclimate to the room temperature before opening the case. After this, let the guitar sit at room temperature for 8 hours before playing it.
How long should you let a new guitar acclimate?
It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after receiving a new guitar before opening the case.
Wait at least 24 hours to open the case
If you’re excited to get your hands on your new guitar, it’s important to remember to wait at least 24 hours before opening the case. This will give the guitar time to acclimate to the temperature and humidity levels of your home.
Let the guitar sit at room temperature for 8 hours before playing
Once you have waited 24 hours, it’s time to let the guitar acclimate to your room’s temperature. Letting the guitar sit at room temperature for 8 hours before playing allows the guitar to adjust to its new environment and ensures that it will perform at its best.
What to check for before opening a new guitar
Before opening the new guitar, it’s important to check that the box has reached room temperature. If the guitar is still cold, wait until it has reached room temperature. Additionally, check the guitar for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. If you notice any damage, contact the seller immediately.
What if you have to open the guitar sooner?
Sometimes, you may need to open the guitar before waiting 24 hours. In these cases, it’s important to do it properly to minimize any damage to the guitar.
What to do if you need to open the guitar before waiting 24 hours?
If you must open the guitar sooner than 24 hours, you should let the guitar sit in its case out of direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours before playing it. This will allow the guitar to come up to room temperature gradually, minimizing any potential damage.
The effects of opening the guitar too soon
If you open the guitar too soon, it can cause many issues such as changing the guitar’s intonation, making the guitar hard to tune, and even causing the guitar’s neck to warp. These issues can cause permanent damage to the guitar and will make it difficult to play in the future.
How to properly open the guitar
To properly open the guitar, first, ensure that the box has reached room temperature. From there, loosen any packaging materials and inspect the guitar for any damage. Only then should you remove the guitar from its case.
What if the guitar has been in extreme temperature or humidity changes?
If the guitar has been exposed to extreme temperature or humidity changes during shipping or other means, it’s important to acclimate it properly to avoid issues.
The risks of exposing the guitar to rapid temperature or humidity changes
Exposing the guitar to rapid temperature or humidity changes can cause permanent damage to the guitar. This is because the rapid changes in temperature or humidity can cause the wood to warp, which can cause many issues with the guitar.
How to properly acclimate the guitar after exposure to extreme changes
To properly acclimate the guitar after exposure to extreme changes, let the guitar sit in its case for 24 hours before opening it. From there, let the guitar sit at room temperature for 8 hours before playing it.
Why to avoid nitro finishes in areas of extreme temperature changes
Nitro finishes are more susceptible to cracking and checking in areas that experience extreme temperature changes. Therefore, it’s important to avoid nitro finishes in areas that frequently experience extreme temperature changes, such as the middle of winter or overly hot and dry climates.
What are some tips for preserving the guitar after acclimation?
After you’ve allowed your guitar to acclimate, it’s important to take steps to preserve it.
Keeping the guitar at proper humidity levels
Keeping the guitar at proper humidity levels is important for preserving it. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels of the room where the guitar is stored and use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed to keep the humidity levels in the proper range.
What to do if the guitar needs to be transported after acclimation
If you need to transport the guitar after acclimation, be sure to keep it in its case, with any necessary packaging materials, to protect it during transport.
Checking the latch on the case for proper closure
Before transporting your guitar, always double-check the latch on the case to ensure that it is securely closed. This will help prevent the guitar from being damaged during transport.
FAQ
Q: How long should I let my acoustic guitar acclimate?
A: It is recommended that you let your acoustic guitar acclimate for at least 24 hours before opening the case. This will give the guitar enough time to adjust to the climate changes that occurred during shipping.
Q: What does “acclimate” mean?
A: “Acclimate” refers to the process of allowing your guitar to adjust to the temperature and humidity of its new environment. This is important because rapid changes in temperature and humidity can cause damage to the guitar.
Q: Is it important to acclimate my acoustic guitar?
A: Yes, it is very important to allow your acoustic guitar to acclimate before playing it. This will help prevent damage and ensure a better experience when playing your guitar.
Q: What temperature should my guitar reach before I can open the box?
A: Your guitar should reach room temperature before you can open the box. This means that it should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Do I need to wait 24 hours before opening the case?
A: Yes, it is generally recommended that you wait 24 hours to open the case after you receive your guitar. This will give the guitar enough time to acclimate and adjust to its new environment.
Q: Can I open the case right after receiving my guitar?
A: While you could probably open the case right away, it is not recommended. This is because there may be condensation inside the case, which can cause damage to your guitar.
Q: What should I do if my guitar is cold to the touch when I receive it?
A: If your guitar is cold to the touch when you receive it, it is important to let it warm up slowly. Pull the case out of the box and let it sit in a room with a constant temperature for at least 24 hours before opening the case. This will help prevent any potential damage to your guitar.
Q: What is nitrocellulose finish checking?
A: Nitrocellulose finish checking is a normal occurrence in most acoustic guitars. This is a result of the wood expanding and contracting due to varying humidity levels.
Q: Do I need a climate-controlled room for my guitar?
A: While a climate-controlled room is ideal for storing your guitar, it is not always necessary. However, it is important to store your guitar in a room with a consistent temperature and humidity level to prevent damage.
Q: Should I open a new guitar case out of the box right away?
A: It is generally recommended that you wait 24 hours before opening a new guitar case out of the box. This will give the case enough time to acclimate to its new environment and ensure the protection of your brand-new guitar.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, letting your new guitar acclimate is important to ensure a better playing experience and avoid issues that can arise from temperature and humidity changes. Gibson recommends letting the guitar sit in its case for 24 hours before opening it and letting it sit at room temperature for 8 hours before playing it.
If you must open the guitar sooner, let it sit in the case for at least 4-6 hours before playing it to minimize any potential damage. Remember to take steps to preserve the guitar after acclimation, like keeping it at proper humidity levels and securing the latch on the case before transporting it.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your new guitar will provide years of great music-making experiences.
