MarkW Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 Hi folks. We're having some plastering done upstairs, and it seems to have caused a massive amount of condensation in the attic where all my basses live. It's all over the ceiling, dripping down the walls - everywhere. My trusty old MM Sterling is soaking wet, and the others are now out of tune with jangly actions. I've removed them all to a dry room, but what else to do for the best? Leave them as they are, or loosen the strings? Help! PS: no idea why the attached image has rotated upside down :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 A de humidifier would be the quickest way to dry things out. If you can't get one, then in the first instance try to keep the temperature consistent and allow some ventilation. Avoid if possible, generating too much moisture laden air. Don't air dry washing or allow moisture to spread from kitchen/bathroom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Len_derby Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 I agree with Gary's ideas,. In addition you could try some of the moisture trap crystals that are available from Wilkos and Lakeland. The Wilkos ones are called Damp Clear. It removes moisture from the air in a couple of condenstion prone cupboards I have. In my experience there's no need to buy a special container. Best keep it away from children and pets though. Nasty stuff if you get it in your eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 But why is it happening? There is something very wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiOgon Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 Dehumidifier for sure, we got one a few months ago & it makes such a difference - but you've got a bad dose of the damps there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 If you used a dehumidifier make sure you seal the room. Close the door, cover any air bricks and vents as you'll be sucking in damp air from the outside and substantially negating its effects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero9 Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 Has the condensation occured now that the weather has got colder. If so, it suggests you could have a thermal bridgeing problem in the attic. Basically, the cold external temperature air creates a 'bridge' (or conductive path) from the inside warmer space to outside. The creates cold surfaces in your attic, which, when the warmer moist air hits it, takes the air below the dewpoint and releases some of the moisture in the air. If the problem persists, get a specialist in to determine the cause and suggest a solution. Yes, you can use de-humidifiers, but it won't solve the actual cause of the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 [quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1421868070' post='2666048'] But why is it happening? There is something very wrong. [/quote] It's the plastering. It puts a massive amount of water on to the walls, so with the cold weather that's a recipe for condensation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkW Posted January 21, 2015 Author Share Posted January 21, 2015 Thanks guys. The problem is partly due to the plastering (a lot of moisture in the air as it dries) and the fact that they removed the upstairs radiators, so the attic is now considerably colder than it usually is - especially as we have a couple of inches of snow outside! What's the best thing to do with my basses? Should I slacken strings or leave them as they are? Really appreciate your help :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 [quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1421868070' post='2666048'] But why is it happening? There is something very wrong. [/quote] When you watch a plasterer mixing it, they will pour bucket fulls of water in each mix then put it on the walls/ceiling, imagine the mess if you threw 20 buckets of water in your attic! You want the basses to dry out slowly IMO a dehumidifier might be the worst thing you can do now?, slowly slowy catchy monkey approach might be better. I would just leave everything as is and wait for them to return to their normal state unless you need one to play right away? unsealed Stingray necks are quite bad for seasonal changes but they always come back if left alone. Ventilation and low heat are your friends now, if you do dehumidify then dont put it right in the attic near the basses, do it where the plaster is but the plasterer will probably tell you why not to use one for the same reasons as I would not want my bass necks drying out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 If the relief has changed because of the damp air I would expect it to return to 'normal' once the basses are in a dry room. 'Jangly actions' sounds like fret buzz to me suggesting less relief; slackening the strings will only make it worse. If you intend to get the basses back up into the attic once it's dried out after the plastering then I reckon you really need to get some low level heating back up there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmo Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 Have you got a cool, dry room you can put them in. It should bring the bass back slowly , and shouldn`t twist. I am not 100% because a bass will be laquered , but untreated wood warps if it is dried out to quickly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 [quote name='timmo' timestamp='1421870568' post='2666094'] Have you got a cool, dry room you can put them in. It should bring the bass back slowly , and shouldn`t twist. I am not 100% because a bass will be laquered , but untreated wood warps if it is dried out to quickly [/quote] That is what I am thinking, dont rush it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 A dehumidifier wouldn't dry things out too quickly. It will just remove the excess moisture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 I hope none of your basses are permanently damaged. My advice is a little different than the rest of the responders. I say to everyone, play your basses regularly, don't collect and let them sit and don't leave or store bass guitars in basements or attics. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkW Posted January 21, 2015 Author Share Posted January 21, 2015 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1421874510' post='2666154'] I hope none of your basses are permanently damaged. My advice is a little different than the rest of the responders. I say to everyone, play your basses regularly, don't collect and let them sit and don't leave or store bass guitars in basements or attics. Blue [/quote] They all get played regularly, and all but three of them get gigged regularly too. The attic is a proper conversion with central heating and is essentially another room like all the others - it's just that the upstairs radiators have been removed whilst the walls are plastered, which has suddenly made it very chilly up there. Combined with the extra moisture in the air from the plastering it meant I came home from work to a very unpleasant surprise! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LITTLEWING Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 What the hell is anyone doing storing guitars in an attic anyway ?? Have you been up there in the summer - feckin' hot like an oven, and winter - like a bleedin' walk in freezer. You want to shag your prized instruments to death, then carry on. You've only got yourself to blame when they're split, rusty and warped. 'Kin hell !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmo Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 [quote name='LITTLEWING' timestamp='1421881210' post='2666299'] What the hell is anyone doing storing guitars in an attic anyway ?? Have you been up there in the summer - feckin' hot like an oven, and winter - like a bleedin' walk in freezer. You want to shag your prized instruments to death, then carry on. You've only got yourself to blame when they're split, rusty and warped. 'Kin hell !!! [/quote]I think you need to read the post that is just above yours. It explains the situation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 [quote name='Musky' timestamp='1421868913' post='2666071'] It's the plastering. It puts a massive amount of water on to the walls, so with the cold weather that's a recipe for condensation. [/quote]Ahh gotcha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 (edited) [quote name='MarkW' timestamp='1421875030' post='2666169'] They all get played regularly, and all but three of them get gigged regularly too. The attic is a proper conversion with central heating and is essentially another room like all the others - it's just that the upstairs radiators have been removed whilst the walls are plastered, which has suddenly made it very chilly up there. Combined with the extra moisture in the air from the plastering it meant I came home from work to a very unpleasant surprise! [/quote] I get it, however, for me none of my basses will ever see my attic or basement. They sit within an arms reach of my bed (pictured). Oh yeah, and if I have a lady over, she is not allowed on that side of the bedroom ( I would actually prefer that she not even look at that side of the bedroom or think about that side of the bedroom ) Blue Edited January 22, 2015 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkW Posted January 22, 2015 Author Share Posted January 22, 2015 [quote name='LITTLEWING' timestamp='1421881210' post='2666299'] What the hell is anyone doing storing guitars in an attic anyway ?? Have you been up there in the summer - feckin' hot like an oven, and winter - like a bleedin' walk in freezer. You want to shag your prized instruments to death, then carry on. You've only got yourself to blame when they're split, rusty and warped. 'Kin hell !!! [/quote] Yes, I've been up there in the summer and in the winter - it was my home office for five years before I moved into the local technology park. As I said, it's got central heating and is essentially just another room in the house like any other - neither too warm nor too cold, and my basses have been in there since we moved in nine years ago with no ill effects. Just as an aside, I've owned my oldest bass since 1988, and it still plays perfectly. It may just be that I'm not a complete f*cktard when it comes to looking after my instruments ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 Chill Mark, unlike Littlewing, some of us read your original post properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 [quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1421909809' post='2666410'] Chill Mark, unlike Littlewing, some of us read your original post properly. [/quote] +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 I'd get them down into a proper heated/regulated room with no real temp swings and let them dry out naturally. I'd check them each day for neck movement and basically monitor them a lot. I might slacked the strings a tad... but you should see over a few days whether you need to do this... I'd expect a reaction from temps changes from anything made of wood..to a degree... so they would live in a regular room until you can trust the traditional home again. 1st thing...let them dry out and a decent room will do that, IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toneknob Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 Find all the Silica Gel sachets you have, put them in that room. Do Not Eat. Hope you fix it and the guitars survive intact! I had a similar problem when my landlord installed double glazing, suddenly there was nowhere for moisture in the air to escape. Keep air circulating with an open window if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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