How and When to Humidify Your Guitar
- 81guitarworks
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
How and When to Humidify Your Guitar: Essential Advice for Suffolk Guitarists
Humidity is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of guitar care. Whether you’re in Suffolk, Lowestoft or Norwich, the dry months can cause real damage to acoustic and electric guitars.
This guide explains when to humidify your guitar, what happens when you don’t, and how to keep it safe year-round.
1. Why Humidity Matters
Guitars are made of thin pieces of wood that expand and contract with moisture.If humidity drops too low, the wood can shrink, crack, or warp.
Ideal humidity: 45–55% RH (Relative Humidity).
2. Signs Your Guitar Needs Humidifying
Watch for these symptoms — especially in winter or during cold spells in Suffolk:
Sharp fret ends (“fret sprout”)
Low action suddenly becoming too low
Buzzing on open strings
Neck moving into a backbow
Cracks developing in the top of an acoustic
Bridge lifting or top sinking
Dry air is very common in heated homes during winter.
3. When to Humidify (Lowestoft Climate Notes)
In Lowestoft and along the Suffolk coast, humidity is high in summer but can be extremely dry indoors in winter.
You should humidify:
When indoor humidity drops below 40%
During winter months (Nov–March)
During cold easterly winds
In homes with central heating or log burners
If you live inland (Bungay, Halesworth, Diss), the air can be even drier due to less sea moisture.
4. How to Humidify Your Guitar Safely
Use one of the following:
✔ Soundhole Humidifiers (best for acoustics)
D’Addario Humidipak
Oasis OH-1
Music Nomad
Place it inside the soundhole when storing the guitar.
✔ Case Humidifiers
For hard cases.
✔ Room Humidifier
Best if you keep multiple guitars in one space.
5. What NOT to Use
Avoid:
Wet sponges in plastic bags
Home-made humidifiers
Anything dripping or excessively wet
Too much moisture is just as bad as too little.
6. Electric Guitars Need Humidity Too
Even though electrics are less sensitive, dry air can still cause:
Fret sprout
Neck warping
Fretboard shrinkage
If your guitar becomes uncomfortable, sharp, or starts buzzing, it’s time to check humidity.
7. If Damage Has Already Started — I Can Help
At 81 Guitar Works in Lowestoft, I regularly fix humidity-related issues such as:
✔ fret sprout
✔ cracking
✔ warped necks
✔ setup changes
✔ action and buzzing issues
You don't have to replace your guitar — most issues can be repaired.
Final Thoughts
Humidity is one of the simplest things you can manage to keep your guitar healthy.Whether you’re in Lowestoft, Oulton Broad, Kessingland, Beccles or anywhere in Suffolk, keeping your guitar properly humidified will prevent costly repairs.
If your guitar is showing signs of dryness or needs a setup after the winter, I’m here to help.
If you'd like to book in please email