Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat-12 Fender Acoustic Guitar Owner s Manual - Page 11

humidity can cause softening of the glues used in the construction of the instrument which will

Page 11 highlights

Info The moisture content for wood and the relative humidity for air are measured quite differently. In wood, a 6% moisture content is present at 30% relative humidity and 72 degrees F temperature, (about 22.2 degrees C). If the relative humidity is low and the moisture in the wood is allowed to evaporate out, it can cause shrinkage, splitting and cracking, no matter how long the wood may have been previously aged. It also can cause the top and back to shrink, making the string action low. Conversely, high humidity can cause softening of the glues used in the construction of the instrument which will compromise the structural integrity of the guitar. Also, as the woods absorb moisture from the air, it can cause the top and back, especially on flat-top and classical guitars, to expand and rise - making string action high and play difficult. 10

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The moisture content for wood and the relative humidity for air are measured quite differently. In wood, a 6% moisture content
is present at 30% relative humidity and 72 degrees F temperature, (about 22.2 degrees C).
If the relative humidity is
low
and the moisture in the wood is allowed to evaporate out, it can cause shrinkage, splitting and
cracking, no matter how long the wood may have been previously aged. It also can cause the top and back to shrink, making
the string action low.
Conversely,
high
humidity can cause softening of the glues used in the construction of the instrument which will compromise
the structural integrity of the guitar. Also, as the woods absorb moisture from the air, it can cause the top and back, especially
on flat-top and classical guitars, to expand and rise - making string action high and play difficult.
10
Info