|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317 |
In my earlier travels, I left a guitar in storage down in Hautulco Mexico over a year ago. I just got back down to there a day ago and immediately accessed my guitar. The hard shell case weathered well, however the surprise was on the inside. Due to heat/humidity/whatever the plush lining had melted into the finish. I had to use a knife to cut the guitar free, resulting in a plush body guitar. It really looked ugly. After a lot of experimenting I used SOS pad to remove the plush then wet sanded the body with 1200 grit paper. I then wiped the guitar down with almond oil. Amazingly the neck was still straight and the single ply top was free of warps. The blonde finish has taken on a brown tone though. The sound is still pretty darn good. Now for my problem. I still won’t be going directly home from here so i will have to leave it again. Any suggestions as to my best options for storage. In the case, out of the case, some kind of wax on the body, 3n1 oil on strings, ad nauseum. I leave here this Thursday so any responses by Wednesday would be appreciated. Thanks D
There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Off the top of my bald head, I'd put the thing in a heavy duty plastic bag, and almost seal it. By almost I mean put in a few pin pricks...this allows the humidity to change slowly, and any rapid change and the humidity condenses on the outside of the plastic.
Variations of this idea are used to cure green wood, for example you dig up a walnut stump and want to use parts of it for gun stocks etc. you seal it in plastic and leave a few small holes. In that case there are a few more, you are trying to get it to 'average moisture content' so as to not allow it to check in drying.
The second comes from the best way to store electronic gear in the sub arctic, which in winter, one uses plastic bags for laptops, which are sealed. It's not uncommon to have a temperature range from indoors to outdoors of over 80C and without the bags things like cameras and lenses are..well...full of condensation.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hi Dennis,
I live in Acapulco, I would be happy to store it here in my house, we have AC, and I'm sure it would be fine. PM me if you need more info.
Take care,
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Ed, could you store ME in Acapulco? I would love to have some fun in AcapulcoI hear you can't say No in Acapulco... Or is that a song? 
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hey Sam,
You are always welcome here. Yes, that was a hit many years ago. We live about 500 yards from the beach and we can see pretty much half the bay from our porch. Come on down, the water is great, its about 32c right now, the wife is cookin' up some great Fijitas and garlic lime soup.
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I wouldn't use a plastic bag, they outgas unknown chemicals also.
Really, a good guitar should never be left anywhere you wouldn't leave a live human being.
If temperature, humidity - or its opposite, too dry - etc. is not taken care of, the environment is very likely to be detrimental to the guitar.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Plastic Bags and chemicals? Jeez Louise. Ever since the invention we've used it for exotic or native wood, unless you have access to a good steam kiln.
In this case, given I worked in 15 sawmills, and used to have (I gave them away) 3 or 4 instruments to check the humidity of wood, I suggest I do know what I'm talking about here. Although a piece of wood (which is what a guitar is with added glue(s)) has a certain humidity content given the environment it's in, must adjust if the finish is not water proof (ie the inside of the body is not usually treated with varnish/lacquer etc.) the fluctuations are normally covered by 'nature'. Now given the same guitar, left in a place where the humidity varies, a good heavy duty plastic simply allows the guitar to keep the humidity content at about what it was the moment it was inserted into the bag. The reason for a few holes is to allow normal humidity to slowly allow the wood to adjust.
There used to be a theory that old houses were "tinder" dry due to the age..well that's bs, the wood takes on the average humidity of it's surroundings, acquiring a certain amount of moisture when it's damp, and if it gets hot and dry, losing that same moisture. It's simple really.
The problem with green or untreated wood as one might find in a 'new' guitar made someplace like china, is that the thing will possible warp in extreme humidity, or in a very dry climate. The fact that this instrument, in contact with the case, 'ate the fuzz' is partly environment, and a reaction between the chemicals in the finish and the synthetic material used in the case lining.
From a perspective that takes into account all the factors in play, one must surmise that the best environment for a guitar would be to ensure that it's at a proper level of humidity, and if it's expensive enough to warrant it, put it in a humidor with controls to keep it at a constant state.
If you ever played a horn in a snowstorm you'd have some idea as to the dynamics. All materials are subject to temperature and humidity, and therefore they expand or shrink. In the case of a guitar, the humidity fluctuations from the 100 percent humidity of the deep south vrs the winter humidity north of here where it's 5 to 8 percent will certainly cause the wood to react in a detrimental fashion.
To say that plastic would be harmful I am cognisant of the properties of modern plastic vapour barriers, as here, we have use them in the exterior walls of every house. It's illegal not to have them. To suggest that they give off harmful or detrimental levels of anything is to suggest every Canadian would become sick. The simple answer to that is every Canadian outlives the average American. That said, it could be bad health plans, or in reality, that the Average american has 25 pounds over the average Canuck due to the ingestion of Big Macs, but I'm not qualified to answer that question, I may have measured hundreds of thousands of board feet of spruce lumber headed south for moisture content, however I never studied the reason that the first reaction of Canadians traveling south is WoW those people are fat and waddle....
As for me, I'm sticking with the original comment, I'd put any wooden instrument, from my accordion with it's wooden parts, inside a plastic bag if storing it. I have every lens I own inside a nice plastic zip lock bag, because put in my car, it might undergo huge temperature variations, and I don't want that to mess the lens up, especially if it's worth over 400 bucks.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Oh and the only reason a house in the winter that burns really fast is not due to the wood per se, but many of the older dwellings have radiators that are steam driven, and the steam does not leave the thing, and if you check the humidity of the old sawn rough lumber you'll find it might be 10 percent. Thus when a fire gets inside a wall that is lath and plaster, the low humidity plus the fact that the structure is one of balloon construction with no fire stopping between floors, the old 3 story homes built over 100 years ago here, with brick veneer, tend to go up quickly. Now that every responding vehicle has a FLIR camera, they can scan the exterior of the building and determine the location of the fire, pierce the brick, and insert water into the lower part of the vertical space, and extinguish it without the old method of opening the roof to vent it, making entry, and hoping to find the fire. Of course, I'm talking about local construction methods, this changes from area to area when moving south to another country.
I admit to not having spending thousands of hours examining construction methods employed in the Usa. I have done that here, and have a 100 page manual written and in use on construction and fire protection.
That said EVERY museum that's involved in the display of anything wood, including instruments, stores them and displays them in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. I also have a lengthy paper on that subject, part of the "Loss Prevention Best Practices for Cultural Institutions on the Matter of Fires, Flooding and Natural Disasters", used as a sort of handbook by museums and art galleries, and libraries in our area..
I would defer however to you Mac on the electrical electronics side.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317 |
Gentlemen, once again I thank you for your responses. Ed I appreciate the offer of Alcapolco however my itinerary takes me directly to Calgary (tomorrow) then to Vancouver that same evening. From Vancouver I fly the next morning to Portland Oregon for an undetermined time, then I may be flying to on Singapore (all work related) before flying back to Vancouver. I had a similar itinerary the last time I was in Bahia de Salchi (near Huatulco Mexico) with the guitar. I did not figure on leaving the guitar behind that long.
Mac, I agree a good instrument shouldn’t be left. This is a circa 1966 Harmony Sovereign Jumbo and although it is not the most expensive guitar in my stable it still has a beautiful sound and plays well. That is why it is my travel guitar. I was going to bring it home with me this time but unfortunately sudden changes in work arose that make it difficult to travel with it.
John I think I will try the following:
Wipe the strings with 3n1 oil, loosen the tension approximately a tone. Coat of wax
Lay saran wrap on the guitar where the plush was contacted the worse last time. Place in case.
Put a garbage bag over the case, if I can locate one!
Hopefully I will be returning in 6 months time, at which I will take the guitar back home with me and refinish it. The saga continues. Once again, thanks for the responses. D
There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Good Luck, I sure would not want that schedule.
Just don't take the guitar on United Airlines.
In case you missed it google Youtube United breaks Guitars.
Canuck who has a band from the east coast did the video. The first song is the best. He's made a lot of money off a youtube thing because they busted his taylor. Great story, great song, and it exposed a very good band.
BTW, Calgary just got whacked with snow..LOL. I'm still wondering if we are going to get more, you are never safe here until May 24, when you can plant....
though I might have to cut the grass soon, I have cut it and it snowed the next day.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Dennis,
Have a great time in Portland, my hometown. Growing up there was amazing, the jazz scene was incredible. Although I don't miss the rain, I do miss the fresh air, tasty water right out of the tap (try that in Mexico!) and beautiful summers.
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,766
Posts795,976
Members39,955
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean