Classical Guitar Care and Maintenance

Written By Evan Taucher

Quick Guitar Care Tips

  • Maintain 45-55% humidity by using a digital hygrometer to monitor levels and D’Addario Humidipaks for effortless humidity control in your case. If you keep your guitar out of its case, make sure the room humidity is monitored, and use a room humidifier if it drops below 40%.

  • Handle with Care – Many instruments on this site are French polished, so be mindful when handling your guitar. Touching the top with nails, picks, or other objects can leave small impressions in the finish.

  • Store in a Hardshell Case – This protects against sudden temperature and humidity changes.

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight & Heat Sources – Keep your guitar away from radiators, fireplaces, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

  • Wipe Down After Playing – Use a soft microfiber cloth to remove sweat and oils from the strings and body.

  • Use High-Quality Strings – Change strings when you notice discoloration or a dead sound to maintain optimal tone and playability.

Proper humidity control is essential to maintaining the longevity and playability of your classical guitar. Wood is highly sensitive to changes in humidity, and neglecting this aspect of care can lead to cracks, warping, and other serious damage. Below is a simple guide to keeping your instrument in top shape.

Why Humidification Matters

Guitars should be kept in a stable humidity range of 45-55%. If the air is too dry, the wood can shrink and crack. This is extremely common but can be prevented with proper humidity control. One common sign of low humidity is fret sprout, where the fret ends protrude slightly from the edges of the fretboard. This happens because the wood shrinks as it dries, while the metal frets remain the same size. If you notice this, it's a clear sign that your guitar needs more moisture. If it’s too humid, swelling and warping can occur, affecting tone and playability. If you prefer to keep your guitar outside the case on a stand, consider using a room humidifier to maintain proper humidity levels. If you're not able to maintain the recommended room humidity, you should keep the guitar in your case when not playing and use the D’Addario Humidipaks. Guitars should be kept in a stable humidity range of 45-55%.

Recommended Humidification Solution

I highly recommend using D’Addario Humidipaks as the best option for maintaining ideal humidity. These two-way humidity control packs automatically release or absorb moisture as needed, keeping your guitar in the safe zone without any guesswork. Unlike sponge-based humidifiers, Humidipaks require no refilling and ensure even moisture distribution, making them a superior choice for hassle-free guitar care.

Helpful Resources & Recommended Products

Videos on Guitar Humidification

There are plenty of resources on YouTube about humidifying your classical guitar. Searching for topics like "classical guitar humidification" or "best guitar humidification practices" will provide helpful guidance.

Recommended Products

If you have any questions about guitar care or specific product recommendations, feel free to reach out!

Evan Taucher