Understanding Humidity and Your Acoustic Guitar
How Nashville’s Climate Can Help or Hurt Your Acoustic Guitar
If you're a proud owner of an acoustic guitar in Nashville or you're thinking about picking one up from Nashville Used Music, there’s one factor you can’t ignore: humidity.
While it might not be the first thing on your mind when you strum a G chord, humidity plays a huge role in your guitar’s tone, structure, and lifespan. Let’s break down what you need to know to keep your acoustic guitar in top playing condition.
Why Humidity Matters for Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic guitars are made from solid, living wood. Even after the wood is shaped and polished, it still reacts to changes in its environment, especially moisture in the air.
In simple terms:
- Too little humidity = dry, cracking wood
- Too much humidity = swollen, warped wood
Both are bad news for your guitar and your wallet. In a city like Nashville, with its hot, humid summers and dry indoor winters, it’s easy for your guitar to suffer without you even realizing it.
Real Signs Your Guitar Is Affected by Humidity
Here at Nashville Used Music, we’ve seen it all.
Customers often bring in guitars with issues like:
- Sharp fret ends (the neck wood shrinks, but the frets stay put)
- Buzzing strings or high action
- Cracks on the top or back
- A bulging or sunken soundboard
- Sudden changes in tone or tuning stability
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone and we can help.
What’s the Ideal Humidity for Acoustic Guitars?
Experts agree: the sweet spot for acoustic guitars is between 45%–55% relative humidity.
Luckily, it’s easier than you think to protect your guitar:
- Use a digital hygrometer to monitor humidity in your home or guitar case.
- Add a guitar humidifier inside your case during dry months.
- Avoid extreme conditions like car trunks, cold garages, or hot rooms.
- Keep your instrument away from direct heat or A/C vents.
Want a pro tip? Store your guitar in its hard case with a case humidifier whenever it’s not in use. It’s the easiest way to create a stable microclimate.
What We Do at Nashville Used & New Music
At Nashville Used Music, we don’t just sell guitars, we care for them.
Each acoustic guitar that comes through our shop is:
- Inspected for signs of humidity damage
- Set up with proper neck relief and string height
- Stored in a climate-controlled showroom
But we don’t stop there. We also offer the tools and accessories you need to protect your guitar at home or on the road, including:
- Preventative Humidipaks - ideal for daily use to maintain the perfect balance inside your case
- Restorative Humidipaks - designed to safely rehydrate dried-out guitars
- Hydrometers - compact, easy-to-read tools to monitor humidity levels in your case or room
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to acoustic instruments, these products can make a world of difference in keeping your guitar healthy and playable year-round.
Final Thoughts: Love Your Guitar, Protect It from Humidity
Humidity may be invisible, but its impact on your acoustic guitar is very real. Whether you’re a casual strummer or a seasoned gigging musician, understanding and controlling humidity will keep your guitar sounding amazing for years to come.
Looking for acoustic guitars for sale in Nashville? Or need guitar repair and setup services near you?
Visit Nashville Used Music or stop by our shop. We’re proud to be Nashville’s trusted source for quality used guitars, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
