Humidifier for climate control and guitar storage

Axelorox · Dec 11, 2018

I'm getting back into guitar after a few years off and only now do I learn that humidity below 40% is harming my guitars. Where I live, humidity gets down to 30% in the winter. I want to humidify the air, but as I understand it standard humidifiers are kind of haphazard with the humidity generated, leading to fluctuating levels. Are there any humidifiers that can be set to maintain a certain humidity level?

F-Hole · Dec 11, 2018

You'd be better served looking at one of the acoustic guitar forum (e.g. UMGF), where there is real sensitivity to this type of stuff.

Tim · Dec 11, 2018

It's good to keep your whole house humidified as you're much more likely to get sick if your sinuses dry out. The easiest and probably most efficient way is to keep a pot of water on slow boil.

guitplayer · Dec 11, 2018

Yep, I use a wood stove with water and a humidity meter.

Midnight Blues · Dec 11, 2018

Too much humidity isn't good either. You should try to keep it between 45% - 55% if possible.

There are a number of humidifiers that work well, but if all else fails, you can try one of these:

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/acc...s humidifiers for fretted instruments&index=2

I use them in both of my acoustic guitars, but they work well for electrics too. Just fill it with distilled water, find a place in your case to put it and you should be good to go.

sonar · Dec 11, 2018

I agree you should up your humidity level for general comfort during the winter. Guitars are less important.

For vintage/older acoustics dampen a paper towel, put it in a plastic zip lock bag and poke a bunch of holes in the bag with a fork or whatever. Put it in the case and keep your guitar in the case when not playing it...

that said, I keep a 65 year old Martin out in a somewhat dry and drafty abode during the winter with a generally humid and hot summer. She's been fine this long.

For electrics don't worry about it.

Midnight Blues · Dec 11, 2018

Not to disagree with sonar, but it's worth pointing out that the proper amount of humidity will also help to maintain neck straightness on an electric as well as keeping the fretboard moisturized. Don't forget semi-hollow electrics either.

Don · Dec 11, 2018

I use evaporative humidifiers- the type with a wick and fan in them. I use a separate hygrometer across the room to monitor them and set their built in hygrometer so it gets the remote hygrometer where I want it. Usually around 48%.

It's true that it helps stabilize the neck relief on electrics. It greatly reduces seasonal truss rod adjustments.

My sinuses and skin fell better, too!

BTW, do not trust any hygrometer that you haven't tested and either calibrated or set an offset for. Most are way off (10-15% or more!).

Mars Hall · Dec 12, 2018

Another benefit of a properly humidified home is heating costs are lower. It takes less energy to heat a humid environment than a dry one.

Midnight Blues · Dec 12, 2018

Don said:
I use evaporative humidifiers- the type with a wick and fan in them. I use a separate hygrometer across the room to monitor them and set their built in hygrometer so it gets the remote hygrometer where I want it. Usually around 48%.

It's true that it helps stabilize the neck relief on electrics. It greatly reduces seasonal truss rod adjustments.

My sinuses and skin fell better, too!

BTW, do not trust any hygrometer that you haven't tested and either calibrated or set an offset for. Most are way off (10-15% or more!).

+1. I have three plus a "Nest" and the readings are all different.

Humidifier for climate control and guitar storage

Axelorox

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F-Hole

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Tim

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guitplayer

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Midnight Blues

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sonar

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Midnight Blues

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Don

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Mars Hall

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Midnight Blues

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