How to Care for a Breedlove Guitar: Humidity and Cleaning

Why Breedlove guitars need a care routine

Breedlove builds acoustic guitars from solid tonewoods such as spruce, mahogany, rosewood, koa, and walnut. As the wood guide from Martin explains, the top, back, and sides each shape the guitar's resonance, projection, sustain, and tonal character. Solid wood responds to temperature and moisture, which means your Breedlove is alive to its environment in a way that a laminated guitar is not.

The top is the most sensitive part. It receives the strings' vibration through the bridge and transfers that energy into the air. When the wood dries out, it can shrink, and that shrinkage is what leads to cracks in the top or back. When the wood takes on too much moisture, the top can belly and the action can rise. Neither is a quick fix, so the best strategy is prevention through steady humidity and simple daily habits. See our best acoustic guitars list to see how Breedlove models compare on tonewoods and body specs.

If you own a Breedlove with a cutaway or an acoustic-electric system, remember that the electronics are mounted into the side and the preamp lives inside the body. Drastic humidity swings can also affect the fit of the electronics and the battery compartment, so the same stable environment that protects the wood also protects the wiring.

• Keep the guitar in a stable indoor environment, away from heating vents, radiators, and air conditioners.
• Use a case when the guitar is not being played; a hard case offers the most protection, but a quality gig bag is better than no cover.
• Avoid leaving the guitar in a car, even for short periods.

Humidity: the single most important factor

The wood in your Breedlove contains moisture, and it constantly exchanges moisture with the air around it. In very dry air, the wood loses water and contracts. In very humid air, it gains water and expands. The damage from both extremes is cumulative, so a guitar that seems fine after one dry winter can develop a crack two seasons later.

You don't need to chase a specific number if you don't want to. A good rule of thumb is: if the room feels comfortable to you, your guitar is probably in a workable range. However, if your home is very dry in winter or very humid in summer, you should use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity and adjust accordingly. When the air in your home is consistently dry, use a guitar humidifier inside the case. When it is very humid, consider a dehumidifier in the room where you store the guitar.

Sudden changes are worse than steady conditions. Moving a cold guitar into a warm room causes condensation, and that moisture can sit on the finish and seep under the bridge or binding. When you bring your Breedlove in from a cold car or a cold hallway, let it adjust in the case for a while before opening it. The same advice applies if you travel from a humid climate to a dry one.

If you live in a dry climate or your home is heated in winter, you might also benefit from a room humidifier. The key is stability, not just a single ideal number. For more on the topic, read how to use a guitar humidifier.

Cleaning the body and finish

Your Breedlove's finish protects the wood and also contributes to its appearance. Most Breedlove acoustics use a satin or gloss polyurethane finish, and a few models use a thinner nitrocellulose-style finish. Regardless of the type, the rules are the same: use a soft, slightly damp cloth for light dirt, and a dedicated guitar polish for deeper cleaning. Do not use furniture polish, window cleaner, or anything with silicone, because those products can leave a film that is hard to remove and can damage the finish over time.

After every playing session, wipe the body and the strings with a dry microfiber cloth. This removes sweat and skin oils, which are acidic and can dull the finish and corrode the strings. Pay extra attention to the area behind the bridge and the upper bout where your arm rests. A minute of wiping after each practice will do more for the guitar's longevity than a monthly deep clean.

For deeper cleaning, use a guitar-specific polish on a clean cloth and work in small circles. Avoid getting polish on the fretboard, because polish is not meant for unfinished wood. If the finish has a scratch or a dull spot, do not try to polish it out with compound; leave that to a professional luthier. See how to clean and polish a guitar finish for a step by step guide.

• Always use a clean cloth; a dirty cloth can scratch the finish.
• Do not use paper towels, which can be abrasive.
• Never spray any liquid directly onto the guitar; spray onto the cloth first.
• For a satin finish, use a product made for satin finishes, because standard polish can make satin look glossy and uneven.

Fretboard and bridge care

The fretboard on your Breedlove is likely made of rosewood, ebony, or a similar hardwood. Unlike the body, the fretboard is unfinished, so it can dry out and also absorb dirt and oils from your fingers. The bridge is also unfinished on many models, and it is the part that transfers string vibration into the top.

You do not need to oil the fretboard often. A good schedule is to condition the fretboard once every few months, or whenever it looks dry. Use a product specifically made for guitar fretboards, such as a lemon oil or a dedicated fretboard conditioner. Apply a small amount to a cloth, wipe it onto the fretboard, wait a few minutes, then wipe off any excess. Do not leave the wood soaked.

The bridge and the area around the bridge pins also collect dirt and sweat. When you change strings, take the opportunity to wipe the bridge and the saddle with a dry cloth. If you see buildup around the bridge pins, use a soft toothbrush to gently clean it. Do not use metal tools near the finish.

For more detail on fretboard care, including maple boards and cleaning methods, see how to clean and condition a guitar fretboard.

Strings and hardware

Strings are the first thing that touches your hands, and they wear out faster than any other part of the guitar. Wiping the strings after each session significantly extends their life, because sweat and oil are the main causes of string corrosion. Every few weeks, use a string cleaner or a dry cloth to wipe the strings from the bridge to the nut.

Breedlove guitars ship with a variety of string gauges depending on the model. If you are unsure what gauge to use, check the manufacturer's recommendation for your specific guitar; using strings that are too heavy can increase tension on the top. For a general guide to string tension and its effect on the guitar, read guitar string tension.

The tuning machines and bridge pins also need occasional attention. Wipe the tuning pegs and the area around the nut with a dry cloth. If a tuning machine feels stiff, do not oil it immediately; first check that the screw on the handle is tight. If the machine still feels rough, a drop of lightweight oil on the gear can help, but do not overdo it. See how to clean and lubricate guitar tuning machines for the proper procedure.

Bridge pins can become loose over time. When you change strings, press each pin down firmly to ensure a good fit. If a pin is cracked or does not seat properly, replace it with a pin that matches the original size and material. Do not glue pins in place; they need to be removable for string changes.

Storage and travel

Where you store your Breedlove matters as much as how you clean it. The best place is a room with stable temperature and humidity, away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and exterior walls. If you have a hard case, use it when the guitar is not being played; a hard case provides a microclimate that slows down rapid changes.

If you travel with your guitar, invest in a case that fits the body shape properly. Breedlove offers several body sizes, from the Concertina to the Dreadnought, so a case made for another brand or a generic case may not fit. A well fitted case also protects the guitar from bumps and from the pressure changes of airplane travel. For padding, you can use a soft cloth inside the case, but do not use paper or plastic.

When flying, if you can, carry the guitar with you into the cabin. If the guitar must go in the hold, loosen the strings slightly to reduce tension, but keep them on the guitar. The most common travel damage is a crack from the guitar shifting in a loose case, so make sure the case is snug. See how to store guitars safely at home for more detailed storage advice.

For travel, also consider the finish. A satin finish is less sticky than a gloss finish in humid weather, but both finishes are equally susceptible to scratches. When you arrive at a new location, let the guitar adjust for a few hours in the case before opening it, especially if the temperature change is large.

Long-term care and when to see a luthier

A routine of humidity control and cleaning will keep your Breedlove sounding and feeling great for decades, but some issues are best left to a professional. If you notice a crack, a loose brace, a lifted bridge, or a fret that is coming up, do not try to repair it with glue or tape. A certified luthier has the tools and experience to fix these problems without causing more damage.

Annual maintenance is a good idea, especially if you play often. A luthier can check the neck angle, the saddle height, the frets, and the overall condition of the guitar. They can also clean the inside of the guitar and inspect the bracing. The inside of your Breedlove does not need regular cleaning, but a luthier can spot a loose brace before it becomes a buzz or a crack.

If the guitar has an acoustic-electric system, check the battery regularly. Most systems use a battery, and a dying battery can cause the output to drop or the tone to become thin. Replace the battery regularly, or more often if you play plugged in frequently. For battery replacement details, see how to replace the battery in an acoustic-electric guitar.

Finally, remember that wood is a natural material. Slight changes in the sound and feel of your Breedlove over the years are normal and often desirable as the wood opens up. With proper care, the guitar will age gracefully, and you will enjoy it for a long time.

What to pick for your care routine

Questions

How often should I humidify my Breedlove guitar?

Only when the humidity in your home is consistently outside the safe range. Use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity. If it stays below the recommended range for more than a few days, use a case humidifier. If it stays very high, use a dehumidifier in the room.

Can I use lemon oil on my Breedlove fretboard?

Yes, but only if the fretboard is rosewood or ebony, and only use a product made for guitars. Apply a small amount to a cloth, wipe the fretboard, and wipe off any excess. Do not use furniture lemon oil, which can contain additives that are not safe for wood.

What should I do if my Breedlove gets a crack in the top?

Do not try to fix it yourself. Take the guitar to a qualified luthier as soon as possible. A crack that is left untreated can grow and may damage the bracing. The luthier will clean the crack, glue it if necessary, and advise you on how to prevent future cracks.

Is it okay to leave my Breedlove on a guitar stand?

For short periods it is fine, but for long term storage, the guitar should be in a case. Leaving a guitar on a stand exposes it to sunlight, temperature changes, and accidental bumps. If you do use a stand, choose one with soft padding and keep it away from vents.

How do I know if the humidity in my home is too low?

Symptoms of low humidity in the air include dry skin, static electricity, and wood furniture that seems to shrink. For your guitar, low humidity can cause fret ends to protrude, the top to sink, and eventually cracks. A hygrometer is the most reliable way to know.

Can I use guitar polish on a satin finish?

Standard guitar polish can make a satin finish look shiny and blotchy. Use a product specifically designed for satin finishes, or just use a dry microfiber cloth for light cleaning. For heavy dirt, a slightly damp cloth is usually enough.