need some quick flood guitar advice

[Jason01]

I need some quick help. We've had record rainfalls in our area this year and the other guitar player in our band lost his place to flooding. Today I was finally able to get into the area after the waters receded and help him save what he could. He gave me a couple of his guitars to see if I could salvage but I don't really know how to deal with flooded guitars. I have a 12 string acoustic and an electric 4 string that I'm dealing with. I immediately pulled the strings off the acoustic as the top and back were arching and it looked like the thing could come apart any minute. They aren't particularly valuable instruments but the guys just lost everything and I'd like to help salvage anything I can. My primary concern is the acoustic, I know that once i got it out of the case its going to be going through alot of stress as it starts to dry. What should I be doing to try and save these?

[RoyB]

I need some quick help. We've had record rainfalls in our area this year and the other guitar player in our band lost his place to flooding. Today I was finally able to get into the area after the waters receded and help him save what he could. He gave me a couple of his guitars to see if I could salvage but I don't really know how to deal with flooded guitars. I have a 12 string acoustic and an electric 4 string that I'm dealing with. I immediately pulled the strings off the acoustic as the top and back were arching and it looked like the thing could come apart any minute. They aren't particularly valuable instruments but the guys just lost everything and I'd like to help salvage anything I can. My primary concern is the acoustic, I know that once i got it out of the case its going to be going through alot of stress as it starts to dry. What should I be doing to try and save these?

On the acoustic (both really) the key is don't dry it too quick because it will crack. If you can get your hands on some silica gel packets put a hand full inside the guitar body and block off the sound hole or seal it in a trash bag and just let it sit for about two weeks and see how it's doing.

[Jason01]

Ok, got the 12 string in a bag, we'll see what happens. The bass already has a crack now down by the bridge and the area around the control knobs is a bit wavy now but the neck seems ok. I cleaned the guitar all up and oiled the fretboard up and I'm pretty optimistic about that one.

[RoyB]

Ok, got the 12 string in a bag, we'll see what happens. The bass already has a crack now down by the bridge and the area around the control knobs is a bit wavy now but the neck seems ok. I cleaned the guitar all up and oiled the fretboard up and I'm pretty optimistic about that one.

The key to flood stuff is to get all the parts off right away and to not reinstall till it's all dried out. Just don't rush the drying. Trust me I know first hand.

[gorch]

I'd recommend to remove any part that could add pressure to the wood. And, as Roy said, let the wood take its time to dry over weeks. Possibly store it in an airy room like the garage as long as it is not heated. When you put it in a back look after it pretty well, so it doesn't take mold.

For the solid bodied 4-string it is important that the neck does not get a crack. Little cracks in the body should add some mojo to the guitar rather than effecting the sound really.

The 12-string acoustic is much more sensitive of course. Good luck Jason01.

[Jason01]

I really appreciate the help. Its so strange after all the flood guitar talk recently that these end up in my lap.