Best Way to look after Avalon

[chas]

Hi Guys

I have just ordered a new Avalon (can't wait to get my hands on it!) - anyway I was hoping you guys may have some tips on the best way of looking after it - do I need to also buy Humidipacks etc? if so which are the best ones to get?

Any experience based thoughts and help much appreciated.

Thanks

Chas

[JimmyBob]

Chas

I put mine back in case after every use (well almost after every use). I use a humidifier in each case pretty much as soon as the central heating goes on in the winter and take it out after the central heating goes off at the end of the winter (I live in Scotland) and I leave a digital hygrometer in each case and check humidity level intermittently to ensure levels are maintained to Avalons recommended levels. Been doing this for the three years or so that I have owned them with no problems so far.

Tried a few methods to maintain humidity including the gell pads and I have settled on the planet wave sponge design that sits in the sound hole suspended from the strings, cheap, it works and not need costly gell pads refills every few months......

Jim

[boombox]

Welcome to the board, Chas! A new Avalon? Whatcha getting?

I'm with JimmyBob on the Planet Waves stuff - works well. I started with the sponge thingy, but then bought the gel pack when I got my second decent Acoustic (L32C). I rotated the two methods between the two cases. However, with this summer's excessive humidity , I bought a cheapo room dehumidifier and kept one guitar on a stand, rotating with the other every few days.

[the greypicker]

Hello and welcome, Chas!

JimmyBob and Boombox have said what I would have said about the humidity issue. Planet Waves stuff is good value and works well.

One or two other protective steps to take are:

Send small children and pets to boarding school or kennels - but if you can't do this, leave the guitar in the case when you are not playing it, or consider a decent stand if you want to gaze at your lovely Avalon. Leaning the guitar against sofas, tables etc, is asking for trouble. I use Hercules stands - but there are lots of cheaper ones that will do a job.

Don't leave the guitar in a closed car in hot weather, or take it sunbathing, or leave it out in the rain.

Don't use string sets heavier than 0.13 gauge. Stick to 11s, 12s or 13s, unless you are taking the tension off by using lowered tunings.

Don't lend it to Tommy Emmanuel!
http://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/image ... Hmzrnopdua

Just a few thoughts!

Long may you strum!

John

[boombox]

Send small children and pets to boarding school or kennels - but if you can't do this, leave the guitar in the case when you are not playing it, or consider a decent stand if you want to gaze at your lovely Avalon. Leaning the guitar against sofas, tables etc, is asking for trouble. I use Hercules stands - but there are lots of cheaper ones that will do a job.

+1 on Hercules stands - best stand I've ever had. I do normally keep mine in the cases, though, especially in the winter.

Don't use string sets heavier than 0.13 gauge. Stick to 11s, 12s or 13s, unless you are taking the tension off by using lowered tunings.

I know Rick uses 13s on his L32C with no problems. I use the D'Addario DADGAD True Mediums as mine lives in DADGAD or open-C variants. I've not gone down the John Doyle route (ie .60 on the bottom) as I don't want to risk it for the rare occasion I tune it up to an F.

Don't lend it to Tommy Emmanuel!

Great pic, John!

[chas]

Cheers guys - very helpful. I have a month or so before I need to buy anything as the L32C won't be ready for a while. I think the anticipation makes it even better!