Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi Guys

I recently closed the box on a small bodied guitar. Humidity's been low in the shop but I used a humidifier to get it back up. I'm certain I glued the braces within an acceptable RH.

However, the top was hanging around for a few days before I glued it to the body and I noticed after closing the box that the top had sunk

I had the RH ok during the days but had to turn the humidifier off overnight. I'm guessing that this caused the problem as the RH dropped throughout the night(s).

Over the last few days I've got some moisture back into the body with sponges etc and it's gotten back to shape BUT is this guitar waiting for problems in the future?? I don't want to re-top unless I have to but I will if there's a likelihood of the top sinking again.

What would be your advice??

Many thanks

Mat

What is your RH ? If it around 35 % I don't think you will have an issue as long as you keep the instrument humidified during low RH. That is good advice for any guitar to be honest .

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Thanks John
I appreciate the reply.
I don't think we got below 35% so that should be fine.

It sounds like you braced your top at a higher RH than when you glued it to the rim. I would be concerned…
My method is always to join, brace, carve the plates and assemble the body at a very low RH (35%). When the humidity rises the plates tend to be stable, with the back rising a bit perhaps. But not caving in.

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/