Thoughts? Emerald out in sun ~ 20 minutes (80 degrees)

[Hurricane Ramon]

Originally Posted by EvanB

This really surprises me. I've had three Emeralds that I've played in 110 degrees and never had a problem. But, it's a dry heat.

I thought I was the only one crazy enough to try and play in 110F heat

I'm in the southern Mojave . We've had 122F this year

EZ :

HR

[Song]

Originally Posted by ac

I thought the coefficient of expansion for carbon fiber was actually negative.

Depending on the type of resin used, the overall coefficient of expansion could be positive, but normally it is closer to zero being offset by the resins properties. So it is a bit of a mystery as to what would be the cause of your experience.

Yes that can be correct. Carbon fiber has a negative coefficient of
thermal expansion, which means when it is heated it may shrink.
But regardless of whether it was an expansion or a contraction,
I would guess that there was some movement due to localized thermal application.

Warning: Although your RainSong guitar is considerably more stable and stronger than conventional wooden instruments, it does need to be cared for. Exposing the instrument to high temperature or to strong physical shocks will damage it. In the case of Projection Series instruments, sudden and extreme changes in temperature or humidity can damage the guitar.

[ac]

Originally Posted by Song

Yes that can be correct. Carbon fiber has a negative coefficient of
thermal expansion, which means when it is heated it may shrink.
But regardless of whether it was an expansion or a contraction,
I would guess that there was some movement due to localized thermal application.

I suspect any damage would likely be to the glued/epoxied portions of the top to the sides, bridge, etc.

Unless the main soundboard has glued/epoxied layers, it should be super stable.

[Chriscom]

I would postulate that the issue was that only the lower bout (of the Emerald) had heated up from the sun. If the entire guitar was in the sun then it would have expanded uniformly.

There have only been like two-and-half comments along this line, but it's gotta be this.

[studioman001]

I had no issues with my X20 artisan and I played her in August on the back deck which really gets intense sun during the afternoon. (It's not comfortable by any means.) While myself and the guitar were mercilessly attacked by the sun, the whole instrument was hit;not just part of it. In any case, she didn't even go out of tune. I'll be interested in their response once they get back to you...