3 Mistakes that crack guitar finishes

You love your guitar—that’s why you want to keep it looking as pristine as possible.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, road-traveling pro, or casual player, one thing holds true: how you treat your instrument off-stage matters just as much as how you play it on.

Here are 3 of the most common ways players unknowingly damage their guitars—and how you can prevent them:

Mistake 1: Storing in Low Humidity

Low humidity dries out wood, leading to cracks, shrinkage, and warped necks. Winter heating and arid climates put your instrument at higher risk than you might think.

Mistake 2: Traveling Without a Proper Hard Case

Soft gig bags are lightweight and convenient—but they’re not designed to shield against drops, impacts, or harsh handling. A well-fitted hard case is your best protection against cracked finishes, broken headstocks, and costly repairs.

Mistake 3: Leaving Your Guitar Loose in the Case

Excess movement inside a case causes friction and stress on sensitive joints—especially during transit. Your guitar should fit snugly, with padding that supports both body and neck.

The Fix? SKB Guitar Cases.

From injection-molded iSeries cases to hybrid soft cases, every SKB guitar case is designed to safeguard your instrument from humidity changes, impact, and transport stress. Trusted by traveling musicians worldwide and backed by a lifetime warranty.