Can Guitars Get Wet? Explained with Remedies
No one wants to think about their guitar getting wet. Unfortunately, it happens. Whether it’s from rain, accidents or just plain old sweat, water can damage your electric guitar in a number of ways.
Let’s take a look at what happens when water meets your guitar, and how you can prevent any long-term damage.
What Happens If My Electric Guitar Gets Wet?
It’s true that most electric guitars are made from solid wood like mahogany, rosewood etc. Solid wood is highly susceptible to swelling when it gets wet. That means that if water gets inside your guitar, it could cause the wood body to swell up and expand—which could lead to cracks or even breakage. It also means that any frets or strings will become loose and floppy as they swell with moisture.
All of this can lead to serious damage that can be very costly to repair. Swelling and warping can cause the frets to pop out of their slots, and the fretboard itself can become damaged and unplayable. Water can also damage the adhesives that hold your guitar together. Joints can loosen, and parts can come loose and fall off.
In extreme cases, water can even cause the body and neck of your guitar to separate. Water is also bad news for your guitar’s electronics. If water gets into the pickups or other electronic components, it can cause short circuits that can damage your guitar’s circuitry. . If water intrudes under your pickups or under a floating bridge (if your guitar has one), it can cause them to stop working altogether—or at least stop making sound as good as they used to.
Will High Humidity Ruin an Electric Guitar?
Electric guitars are sensitive instruments, and as such, they can be quite easily damaged by moisture. Humidity is one of the most common causes of electric guitar damage.
When humidity is too high, it can result in a warped neck or body on your electric guitar. This can make it difficult to play your instrument properly and may even prevent you from being able to tune the guitar at all.
The primary cause for this kind of damage is due to the fact that many electric guitars are made from wood. When the humidity level rises above 70%, the wood will begin to expand and contract because it absorbs more moisture from the air around it than normal conditions would allow for. This causes cracks and splits within the wood itself; this can lead to warping or cracking which will eventually ruin your guitar if left untreated.
You can inspect the body of your instrument for signs of damage—mildew will often build up along cracks and crevices on an instrument’s body and neck, so look for signs of discoloration or slight discoloration where moisture has caused damage to the finish.
Another way to check for signs of high humidity is by looking at your bridge. If it appears warped or buckled, this could be an indication that there’s too much moisture in your room or studio.
Can You Play Acoustic Guitar in the Rain?
Acoustic guitars are much more sensitive to the effects of moisture than electric guitars. Even a small amount of water can damage an acoustic guitar and make it sound muffled and dull. Guitarists who play outdoors or in humid environments are especially vulnerable to moisture damage. Though acoustic guitars are built to withstand some exposure to the elements, it’s still important to take care of your instrument.
If your guitar does get wet, it’s important to take action immediately. The first step is to remove the strings and wipe down the body of the guitar with a soft, dry cloth. You may also need to use a hairdryer on a low setting to evaporate any remaining moisture. If the guitar is still wet inside, it’s best to take it to a guitar technician for a professional evaluation. Attempting to fix a moisture-damaged guitar yourself can often make the problem worse.
Once your guitar is dry and in good working condition again, be sure to take steps to prevent future moisture damage. Use a guitar case or cover when transporting your instrument, and keep it away from hot or humid areas as much as possible. With a little care, you can keep your acoustic guitar sounding great for years to come.
Is A Wet Electric Guitar Dangerous for the Player?
Well, if you were to play an electric guitar with your hands wet, you could potentially short-circuit some of the electronics in your guitar and cause damage or even injury.
The primary concern is that water is conductive and will make contact with both the pickups and other electronic components within your instrument. This means that if you get any moisture on your hands while playing, it could flow into those areas through your skin and make contact with those sensitive components.
How Much Water Resistant are Electric Bass Guitars?
When it comes to water and wood, the two don’t mix—at least not for long.
Wood soaks up water and splits happen. Water/ oxygen rots wood over time, but fretboards and bridges are made of metal—and metal rusts when it gets wet! So if you get more than a drop or two of liquid anywhere near the electronics, you’ve basically just given your bass guitar a death sentence.
The strings on an electric bass guitar are made of metal as well, which means they’ll rust if they get wet enough times. And then there’s the tuners—they’re also made of metal and will rust if they get wet enough times.
6 Steps to Protect Your Guitar from Humid Conditions
Guitars are high-maintenance instruments. They need to be kept in tune, polished, and most importantly, protected from the elements. One of the most damaging things to a guitar is humidity. When the air is too moist, it can cause the wood to swell and warp. This can lead to serious damage that can be expensive to repair. Humidity can also cause the strings to rust and the fretboard to shrink. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to protect your guitar from humid conditions. Here are the 6 things you can do:
1. Use Guitar Cases for Storage
Store your guitar in its case when you’re not using it. This is the best way to protect your guitar from wet conditions. If you’re going to be outside in the rain or in humid conditions, be sure to put your guitar in its case before you leave.
2. Use Moisture Resistant Cover
If you don’t have a case for your guitar, you can buy a moisture-resistant cover for it. This will help protect your guitar from the elements and keep it dry.
3. Wipe It Down
Wipe down your guitar after you play it. This will help remove any moisture that may have gotten on your guitar. Be sure to use a soft, dry Microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the finish . You may need to remove the strings before you wipe your guitar down.
4. Use Blow Dryer
If you are facing a really hard time in removing moisture from the guitar body or fretboard, you can use a blow dryer to help speed up the process.
This will help get rid of any moisture that may be on your instrument. Be sure to use a low heat setting, as high temperatures can damage your guitar. You may want to test the dryer on an inconspicuous area of your guitar first to make sure it doesn’t leave any marks or damage your finish. Let It Sit For 24 Hours Once you’ve dried off your instrument, before playing again—this will give it time to air out and eliminate any moisture that may still be trapped in the wood.
5. Use a Dehumidifier
If the air in your home is too moist, it can wreak havoc on your guitar. Invest in a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture and protect your instrument.
6. Bring your Guitar to a Luthier
If you live in an area with high humidity, it’s a good idea to bring your guitar to a luthier for regular check-ups. They’ll be able to spot any potential problems and fix them before they cause serious damage. By taking these steps, you’ll be able to protect your guitar from humid conditions and keep it in pristine condition for years to come.
Final Thoughts
A little precaution goes a long way. It may seem like common sense, but remember that not everyone may be aware of how damaging water can be to your guitar. Even if you don’t live in a very humid area, it’s important to treat your guitar with care to avoid any damage.
