Ukulele Graveyard 2023

Escape the Dreaded Ukulele and Guitar Graveyard

How to rescue your ukuleles and acoustic guitars from the most common causes of death including cracking, warping, and breaks.

CREAAAK. SNAAAAP. SCREEEECH! Sounds like you’ve stumbled into the dreaded Ukulele and Guitar Graveyard. Many will enter, yet few will leave. But there’s no need to get spooked. Saving ukuleles and guitars from an untimely dry, desiccated death is easier (and more affordable) than you might think. As the parched winter air descends upon us, here’s how you and your stringed sidekicks can make it out alive.

Invest in a protective gig bag or case when it’s not being played. If your current gig bag or case is damaged or on its last leg, replace it.  Shop Gig Bags & Cases  

Place your instrument in a stand during play breaks. They help prevent damaging and unnecessary bangs, bumps, and bruises.  Shop Instrument Stands 

Maintain that moisture level. Keep your acoustic guitars and ukuleles at roughly 50-55% relative humidity (RH) all year long. If you don’t have a dedicated music room with continuous humidification, store your instrument in its case and slip in an in-case humidifier. Shop Instrument Humidifiers 

If it’s too late to resuscitate your ukulele or guitar, a fresh start may be needed. Here’s what to look for in your next instrument, along with top picks from West Music.