Humidify?

[rwig]

Collings are built in Austin and recommend a temp of 75 and humidity of 35. Old Wave is built in New Mexico, as in the desert. As I live in the dessert I wonder if it would make a difference. Maybe Old Waves are already aclimated to the climate and at less risk to the dryness. One repair person told me you should only humidify for a year anyway, weaning your instrument until it is acclimated to where you live. What is the real scoop here and the real risk? Of course, my brother would just tell me I worry too much. Those black helicoptors don't mean nuthin.

[fatt-dad]

I'll let the real experts weigh in (you may get some interesting feedback where the builders post), but from what I hear if it's built in a dry environment it can go to humid, but if it's built in the humid environment (or acclimiated to a humid environment) and it goes to dry it can crack. Something about mandolin construction (and wood) that can handle compression (i.e., swelling stresses) better than tension (i.e., contractions from drying).

Am I close anybody?

fatt-dad