Kevin, what is your process for controlling the moisture content of the wood after milling and during construction of the instrument?
Thank you for bringing up this issue. It is a challenge that we have worked hard to address. All of our tonewoods are dried in a solar dry kiln in a slow process that takes about 1 month to bring the moisture content to 6%. After the drying process we store the wood in a climate controlled room at 45% relative humidity and 68 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 months so that it can rest and adjust after the stress from drying.
Once the wood is ready to be worked with, we still keep it in the climate controlled room as much as possible, especially overnight and while we are gluing pieces together.
We have several hydrometers to monitor humidity. It is true that at times humidity can hit 80%+, but overall the climate in Nicaragua isn't a huge problem. From November to May it fluctuates from 40-60% most days, which is pretty ideal for most tonewoods. May to September is more humid, but not unbearable. October is the main month that we really have to be vigilant about taking good care of our wood, but we are careful all throughout the year just to be safe.
Although we go to great lengths to do things right, it is important that each customer does his/her part as well. It is possible to receive an instrument with the optimal level of humidity, but then run into problems due to lack of care. Factory produced laminate ukes and guitars can withstand large fluctuations in humidity, but solid wood instruments breathe in the humid air and expand when it is wet out, or dry up and contract when it is dry.
It is important to limit the fluctuations in temperature and humidity that your instruments are exposed to. The best thing you can do it keep your uke in a good case at all times while you are not playing it. If you live in a dry climate, buy an in-case humidifier to keep it from drying out. Keep it away from heat and a/c vents. With the proper care, your Cocobolo Ukulele should last a lifetime.
To ensure that our ukuleles are taken care of properly, I give US customers the option to add a Lanikai Hardshell Concert Case and an in-case humidifier to their purchase for an extra $25. I lose money on the deal, but it is worth it to me because I like to know that our ukuleles are being taken care of properly.
Thank you for PereBourik for sharing the link to the Drying Process page on our website.
If anyone has any other questions or concerns please feel free to ask me.
Thank you,
Kevin
