Indoor humidity for winter? Guitar Care

[Dragonsoni]

I have two new Custom Shop Gibson Les Pauls.

 

This will be the first winter that I own them. I live in Denver and my apartment gets pretty dry during the winter with the furnace running.

 

To keep the guitars in good shape without causing the case hardware to rust.

 

What is a good humidity to keep my apartment at?

 

Thanks

[Burgess]

If memory serves about 40% if you can get it there. A good rule of thumb is if you're comfortable your instruments and furniture should be as well.

This reminds me. I need to pickup a new filter for the humidifier.

[wingnut1]

Your humidity varies by the outside temperature. As it gets colder outside, you reduce the relative humidity. At the start of winter I keep it around 40% and then watch my windows. If there is condensation on the windows during the day I reduce the humidity by 5% until it goes away. You will normally get a little condensation in the morning and I ignore that.

[GarysBlues]

Humidifier is a must. You could be comfortable and still have a problem with the wood. My electrics use to shrink from the lack of humidity. I would feel the fret edge's. Years ago I started using a humidifier and now there's no problem.

I've also heard that that pots of water by the heater, and plants help also? I don't know for sure about that, Sounds logical

[bassplayer]

The rule I follow for my Taylors is to keep the humidity in the case between 45-60%. In Southern California in the winter I have to use an in-case humidifier.

[axepilot]

I keep my music room at 45 to 50 percent.