Acoustic guitars and ukulele are made of wood, and wood is sensitive to changes in climate. Shifts in temperature or relative humidity can affect your instrument in multiple ways, some of which can lead to costly repairs if you’re not careful. Solid woods in particular are especially prone to the effects of climate fluctuation. For example, extended exposure to low relative humidity [below 40% RH] can dry out the wood, causing it to shrink and run the risk of cracking. Similarly, excessive humidity can cause the wood to absorb moisture and swell, potentially causing other problems. Without adequate humidity control [especially in drier local climates], acoustic instruments can crack and their necks can warp, causing problems with fretting, intonation and playability.
So how do you prevent this kind of damage? Easy: by keeping your guitars and ukulele properly humidified [ideally between 40-60% RH]. The easiest way to do this is by storing your instruments in a case with a case two-way humidifier inside. A two-way humidifier will slowly absorb or release moisture inside your case, maintaining humidity to help ensure your instrument doesn’t suffer damage. Using a digital hygrometer can help you monitor humidity levels around your instrument.
Symptoms of a dry acoustic instrument:
- Low action. Strings are very close to the fretboard.
- Hump on the fretboard where the neck joins the body.
- Sunken top across the soundboard between bridge and fingerboard.
- The back of instrument looks very flat when it is dried out.
- Sharp fret ends extend beyond the edge of the fretboard.
- The plane of the neck angle on a dry instrument hits above the top of the bridge.
Symptoms of a wet acoustic instrument:
- High action. Strings that are unusually high off the fretboard, making it difficult to play.
- Unusually swollen top
- Unusual warp on the top, back or both at the end-block
- Improper neck angle. Sighting the neck to the bridge, the frets will appear to hit below the bridge.
The D’Addario Two-Way Humidification System
Using patented technology, the D’Addario Two-Way Humidification System features disposable, moisture-filled packets with a breathable membrane that provides two-way humidity control, meaning it can either release or absorb moisture to consistently maintain a predetermined relative humidity [RH] level of 45-50 percent.
Music Nomad Humilele Ukulele Humidifier
Music Nomad the leader in equipment care products, has developed an easy to use, no mess, and low maintenance Ukulele humidifier. The Humilele rests securely on top of the strings to safely and evenly hydrate your Ukulele to avoid these problems.
Final Notes on Humidity Control
To monitor the amount of humidity your instrument is receiving, we recommend the purchase of a digital hygrometer, a device that gauges and provides a read-out of humidity levels. It can be kept in the room where you store your instruments, or, better yet, in a central location inside the instrument case, preferably Velcro’d to the outside of the accessories compartment [facing the heel]. The optimal range for your guitars and ukulele is 45-55% RH.
This Cordoba acoustic-electric classical guitar is entirely handmade of lightweight materials, including a solid koa top and solid koa back and sides. One of the most recognized names in Spanish guitars, Cordoba has recently redesigned its guitar line to incorporate 150 years of southern Spanish guitar making tradition. Integrated B-Band electronics amplify the gorgeous acoustic tone of this cutaway guitar with great accuracy. It also features a uniquely designed hand-inlaid rosette and a beautifully hand-carved headstock. Varnished with an exceptionally thin finish to produce the most authentic and natural sound.
Features
- Solid Koa Top
- Solid Koa Back & Sides
- Ebony Fingerboard
- Spanish Cedar Neck w/ Ebony reinforcement
- Portuguese-style Mother-of-Pearl Rosette
- Deluxe Gold Plated Tuning Machines
- 650 mm String Length
- 50mm Width at Nut
- B-Band Electronics
Koa CE Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar Specifications:
{ "api_key": "fee5c893-11c4-4cc8-b419-02f8d404de16", "locale": "en_US", "merchant_group_id": "15229", "merchant_id": "815274", "page_id": "512782", "review_wrapper_url": "//www.musiciansfriend.com/write-review/pdp?pr_page_id=___PAGE_ID___", "ENABLE_CONTENT_COLLECTION_MODAL": false, "REVIEW_DISPLAY_LIST_TYPE": "CONDENSED", "REVIEW_DISPLAY_PAGINATION_TYPE":"VERTICAL", "style_sheet": "//static.musiciansfriend.com/cmn/brand/mf/productionCss/powerReviewsOverride.r.css?vId=2023.10.30.mf.ma.b&cb=4", "components": { "ReviewDisplay": "pr_review-display" } }
Shop with a Friend
Free Shipping
- Free Standard Ground shipping [48 contiguous states, some overweight and Used/Vintage items excluded].
- Orders placed before 3 p.m. ET usually ship the same business day.
Learn More
2-Year Free Warranty on Guitars
Every guitar or bass you purchase from Musician's Friend [electric or acoustic, New or Open Box] includes two years of protection from manufacturer defects.
Contact Us for Details
We're Here for You
Our Gear Advisers are available to guide you through your entire shopping experience. Call or Chat for expert advice and to hear the latest deals.
Contact Us
Proactive Advisor Support Chat
Looking for something else? Find answers at our Help Center
{"product":{"rep_id":"site1prod512782","sku_rep_id":"site1sku512782000000000","download":false,"price":"0.00","checksum":"-1007695317700","sku_id":"512782000000000","stock":"outofstock"},"dept":"Guitars","category":"Classical & Nylon Guitars","subcategory":"Acoustic Classical & Nylon Guitars","pageName":"product_detail"}
Are koa guitars worth it?
Koa wood is diverse and complex with an incomparable appearance. The color spectrum and swirling grain pattern is as wide as it is breathtaking—from varying reds to cinnamon browns and bold charcoal streaks. So the sound quality and the look makes koa guitars highly sought-after instruments.
Do koa guitars sound better with age?
This is true with most guitars, but I have found it especially true of koa. New koa guitars sound somewhat midrangey, muted and tight to my ear, but as they age, they really blossom, and take on a more mahogany-like tone.
Are Cordoba guitars made in China?
Cordoba's España Series is handmade in Valencia and Barcelona while the Iberia, Fusion, Luthier, and Protege Series as well as all ukuleles are handmade in China.
How long does it take for a koa guitar to open up?
Member. Koa takes quite a while to break in, which unfortunately means that a lot of players pass these guitars up. New Koa guitars tend to sound bright and maybe a little sterile too. Over time [can be 2+ years] they really open up and IMO they can sound incredible.