WINTER GUITAR CARE: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR INSTRUMENT IN THE COLD MONTHS

As temperatures drop and the heat turns on indoors, the winter season brings more than just holiday cheer—it's also one of the most challenging times of year for your guitar. Whether you play acoustic, electric, or bass, cold weather and dry indoor air can quietly cause damage that leads to costly repairs later.

Here’s what every guitarist should know about keeping their instrument healthy through the winter—and how our shop can help.

1. Humidity Drops, Problems Rise

Winter air is naturally dry, and heating systems make it even worse. When wood loses moisture, it shrinks. That’s why so many guitars show the following symptoms this time of year:

Sharp fret ends sticking out from the fretboard

Lowered action followed by buzzing strings

Top cracks or separation around the bridge

“Sunken” acoustic tops

Changes in neck relief

If your guitar suddenly feels different, humidity is likely the culprit.

2. Use a Guitar Humidifier (Your Instrument Will Thank You)

The simplest preventative measure is to keep your guitar in the 45–55% relative humidity range. A small soundhole humidifier or two-way humidity control system can prevent most winter-related issues.

If you’re not sure which humidifier is best for your guitar, we’re happy to recommend one based on your case, climate, and playing routine.

3. Store Smartly

During winter, where you keep your guitar matters almost as much as how you play it:

Avoid storing guitars on stands near radiators, wood stoves, or heating vents.

Keep your guitar in its hard case when not in use.

If possible, use a room humidifier in your music space.

A properly protected guitar can go through winter without any noticeable changes.

4. Seasonal Setups Are Normal — and Helpful

As conditions shift, a winter setup can make your guitar feel better and play better. This may include:

Adjusting neck relief

Correcting action height

Re-humidifying a dry instrument

Cleaning and conditioning the fretboard

Checking frets, hardware, and electronics

Think of it like winterizing your car—it’s routine maintenance that saves you money and trouble later.

5. Spotting Early Warning Signs

Bring your guitar in for a checkup if you notice:

New buzzing

Sharp fret ends

A dip or hump along the fretboard

Cracks or unusual seams

A suddenly uncomfortable action

Catching these early often means a simple fix rather than a major repair.

Need Help? We’re Here All Winter

Winter is one of the busiest times for guitar repair because of the extreme changes in humidity. If you want your guitar to stay in top playing condition, feel free to stop by for a seasonal inspection or setup.

Your guitar doesn’t have to suffer through the cold season—just a little care makes a big difference.