How much should I worry about humidity?

[cheshirepig]

I am moving to Japan to teach next year (not sure what part of the country yet), and I want to bring a bass. I have a pre-upgrade Highway 1 J bass (i think 2002 or 2003), and I am wondering if I should worry about the humidity over there affecting my bass forever.

 

[cheshirepig]

seriously. help me out. someone must have gone to east asia with a bass.

 

[ClassicJazz]

I live in South Florida and it has not been a issue with any of my basses.

 

[tapp01]

NC native here. Humidity is close to 100% most of the year. Never had any issues with any of my basses.

 

[Ric5]

If you keep your bass in an environment where the humidity is above 35% and below 90% then it will be OK. High humidity is not bad unless it is above 90% ... letting the bass rot and rust. But low humidity can damage your bass. The wood can dry out and crack.

 

[cheshirepig]

thanks for advice, gents

 

[Memphaustralian]

more is better than less usually (to a point)

 

[Roadman]

The real issue with temp and humidity is when it changes. If, for example, you leave it in the car, it Heats up and gets dry all day, then gets colder and more humid all night. Bad bad bad. Store it away from radiators and windows, stuff like that.

The rule of thumb is, keep your axe as comfortable as you are.

 

[jim777]

Keep an eye on your fret ends; if they start to feel like they're sticking out or getting sharper all of a sudden that could also be the big hint the humidity has gotten too low and is affecting your wood.

 

[Ric5]

Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes. Wood will expand when it absorbs humidity and it shrink when it drys out. The optimum humidity level for maple is 35% in the air which equals 50% in the wood. Again higher levels won't hurt the bass unless you leave it in a damp basement and it starts to mold and rust. But I live in Denver and it is dryer here. I run humidifiers in my house for the humans and the basses.