#1
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Soundhole stickers and humidity
Guys - my Clarence White is showing very early signs of corduroy in the top, despite keeping a wet soundhole humidifier in it all the time. I want to do a quick rehumidification with a hot washcloth, but I'm concerned that that much humidity might curl the soundhole sticker. Anyone have experience or advice for this?
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2004 Martin D-28CW 1983 Martin D-12-28 |
#2
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Not sure what you mean by "soundhole stickers"? I guarantee you that your Martin does not have any 'stickers" around that soundhole, not at that price point!
Do you mean the rosette (the thin circular pattern around the soundhole)? If so, that's not a sticker, it's inlaid into the top wood. As far as the "corduroy" appearance - if it's really slight, it's normally a sign that the finish (lacquer?) has settled into the top wood grain a bit as it's aged... not necessarily a sign of being too dry. Only you know if you've allowed the guitar to "dry out" a bit much... but I sincerely doubt it if you've been diligent about that soundhole humidifier gizmo... if the guitar shows no other signs of being dry, I wouldn't be too concerned; keep doing what you're doing, so far as paying attention to the general humidity of the guitar and keep playing it!
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"He's one of those who knows that life is just a leap of faith. Spread your arms and hold your breath, always trust your cape..." "The Cape" (Guy Clark/Jim Janowsky/Susanna Clark) |
#3
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Quote:
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John Brook ‘Lamorna’ OM (European Spruce/EIR) (2019) Lowden F-23 (Red Cedar/Claro Walnut) (2017) Martin D-18 (2012) Martin HD-28V (2010) Fender Standard Strat (2017-MIM) Last edited by JayBee1404; 02-25-2020 at 12:48 PM. |
#4
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I wouldn't go that commando at first. I'd use a damp sponge inside a sandwich baggie, with a few holes in it. The other method you mentioned would most likely detach the soundhole sticker, and or damage it permanently.
Good luck.
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McCollum Grand Auditorum Euro Spruce/Brazilian PRS Hollowbody Spruce PRS SC58 Giffin Vikta Gibson Custom Shop ES 335 '59 Historic RI ‘91 Les Paul Standard ‘52 AVRI Tele - Richie Baxt build Fender American Deluxe Tele Fender Fat Strat |
#5
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Quote:
You might want to do one of these at the body of the case and maybe another one around the headstock somewhere. Put it in your case and leave it closed. It may take a few days to get it back where it needs to be, but take your time. I wouldn't put anything damp on the inside of your guitar. |
#6
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Yea adding gobs of humidity to wood often creates more issues then it solves. I would consider using a better metric and meter it so it does not exceed normal parameters. I would certainly avoid using a sound hole humidifier that seals the hole as well.
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#7
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It is easy to over humidify guitars, especially with all the paranoia that goes around here. Putting a wet cloth on or in a guitar is a recipe for disaster. Corduroy texture come with age thin finishes. It is a good thing IMO.
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#8
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Back in the winter of 2004/5, before I became aware of the issue of humidification, my Martin J-40 suffered thE effects of low RH - sunken top, severe string-buzz, and ‘corduroy-effect’ in the top.
Proper humidification brought the playability issues back to normal, but the corduroy-effect never disappeared. I still see the guitar occasionally, and the corduroy-look is still apparent.
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John Brook ‘Lamorna’ OM (European Spruce/EIR) (2019) Lowden F-23 (Red Cedar/Claro Walnut) (2017) Martin D-18 (2012) Martin HD-28V (2010) Fender Standard Strat (2017-MIM) |
#9
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I still remember having an Alvarez Yairi dreadnought, and my soundhole humidifier dripped and erased the serial number on the label...so yes it is a concern.
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#10
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Because no one, including myself is 100% sure what you mean by corduroy have it looked at by a qualified tech. Without really knowing what conditions exist over humidifing could make it worse.
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