In many parts of the country, winter can be one of the worst seasons for the well being of musical instruments made of wood, which, of course, includes most acoustic and electric guitars and basses. Winter generally results in very low humidity levels, a problem that can be exacerbated by furnaces and heating systems.

Keep an eye on your instruments, checking for warping, neck bowing, fretboard shrinking, cracks, and other problems throughout the dry season. Ideally, you would have a humidity meter (hygrometer) and a humidifier where your instruments are stored, for keeping the humidity in the 40-60% range.