Cracked/split top

[phavriluk]

I suspect that building in dryer (drier?) conditions would be conducive to avoiding cracks in the future. I wouldn't be humidifying a wintertime dry work area.

Some years ago I had a discussion with Dave Nichols on this very topic. He stopped building in the summer and waited for humidity to settle down during cooler weather. He absolutely did not humidify during heating season.

This reflexive genuflection to the sainted 45 percent can be overblown and it needs to be carefully considered, not just automatically pursued.

And all nine of my scratchbuilt guitars followed Dave's shop practice, no problems yet.

[MaineGeezer]

Consider the implications of building at 50% humidity. The guitar is never likely to be more than 25% from its build humidity. The humidity can drop to 25% or go up to 75% and the stress on the guitar is still at most the stress caused by a 25% humidity change. If the change can be made to happen "slowly," e.g. keep the guitar in a closed case for a week after moving it so the guitar can gradually adjust, I would guess the guitar would be fine.

So does anyone believe that?

[MaineGeezer]

Duplcate post

[tippie53]

I had been at daves shop many times, and he did in fact humidify , he use a lasko humidifier , they do a great job if you can hold at 42% your fine.