Guitar Case Humidifier

[mrfester42]

What needs to be said to anyone watching this video is that you should do your homework before taking the advice of someone that you don't lknow to ba an expert. Top get an informed answer you should go to a guitar manufacturer. A 70% humidty level is TOO high. Also, the guy in the video should should tell people watching not to soak those sponges too much. Saturate the sponges then let them sit for a few minutes to make sure they don't drip out any water before putting them in your case.

[BillEvans1956]

@mrfester42 70% is way too high! Taylor recommend 47%.

[Forsure3333]

I bought a humidity gauge. How can I know if it is accurate?

[quailstudios]

I like this video. It's very informative. Holes against the felt in the case may be a mistake though. That will promote mold starting in your case. Also, a sound hole guitar humidifier is helpful too. Check out my videos on guitar humidifiers.

[HarryDickus]

I just purchased a really expensive acoustic guitar, my old ones never cared for them much cos they're cheap, but I'm now really concerned about the humidity for my guitar and also the temperature.

I noticed the other acoustic humidifiers go in the sound hole. Do you need one there?

Also what about the temperature? What do the guitar stores have their humidity and temperature set to?

Thanks in advance Professor String....

[ProfessorString]

Congrats on your new guitar! To answer your question, the objective is to get the "entire" environment of the guitar into a respectable humidity level. So, the humidity source does not need to be placed in the sound hole. Standard room temperature is always best. Most stores will keep their acoustic inventory at room temperature with humidity levels around 45-55%.

[scottmckennamusic]

Thanks for posting this. I don't know why I was never smart enough to think of it. Works perfect here in AZ, and is a heck of a lot cheaper. Thanks!

[cbappa1]

Does it matter if it's a soft case?

[EpiphoneLPJrGuitar]

HOW O U KNOW WHEN UVEE OVERHUMIDIFIED A GUITAR

[ProfessorString]

Thank you for asking this question. Many folks are familiar with the damage created by low humidity, but seldom think about high humidity. There are guitars all over the world, including tropical areas that have humidity levels of 100% most of the year. Guitars in these regions often exhibit five common symptoms over their lifetime: 1. Epoxy delamination (particularly bargain box guitars), 2. Finish distortion, 3. Excessive body bow, 4. Corrosion of plating (ie. tuners), 5. Mold & mildew.

[EpiphoneLPJrGuitar]

CAN I KEEP MY planet waves humidifier in the soundhole and also put in the custom humidifier that im gonna make ?

[ProfessorString]

You can certainly use both. It depends on how much humidity you want in the case. Try to achieve a 50% humidity level. If you do not have a hydrometer, get one. It will allow you to monitor the level.

[barzoman2]

is this include classical nylon strings guitars same as acoustics ?

[ProfessorString]

Pretty much any instrument made of wood that relies upon sound pressure within an acoustic chamber (ie. body) can benefit from humidor style preservation. So, yes this includes classical nylon string guitars.

[barzoman2]

Nice works but how long must I leave it inside the case and dose it harm if over humidity happends

and where to get that small humdity reader

thanks

[ProfessorString]

Q. Where can you get the humidity reader?

A. You can get the hydrometer at most of the major online guitar retail websites. Also, some cigar shops sell these as the humidor style preservation is similar.

Q. How long must I leave it inside the case?

A. It starts to humidify a case as soon as the lid is closed. The humidifier in the video usually needs water added once a month.

Q. Does it harm to over humidify?

A. This question is answered in another posting on this video.

[ProfessorString]

The Dampit has a fairly significant design flaw. The moisture element of a Dampit has been known to create water damage. If it rests against the actual wood of the instrument, and it is not wringed enough, you will get a permanent water saturation mark (or, drift wood mark). Saturation marks can soak through to the surface finish. Not too pretty. Humidifying from the outside-in can also prevent this disaster.

In the comments below, we addressed why 75% humidity was used in the video.

[MadAirsofterMatt]

i need your help i got a acoustic guitar for xmas and the sond hole is pushing upwards on the guitar and bellying it i dont know how to fix this please help me

[GiantPandas]

What do you think about putting it in a Ziplock bag instead of a soap case?

Soap case may get knocked around my gig bag.

[ProfessorString]

A Ziplock bag will not hold it's shape. If it gets smashed, the sponge will wring out water into the case and on the instrument. Not good.

[BigBagOfPus]

What's the reasoning behind using distilled water? Why isn't tap water sufficient?

[ProfessorString]

Tap water can work. Depending on the location (like ours), we are on well water. Well water can be sometimes heavy in iron and lime deposits. It does not always evaporate cleanly and can sometimes leave a white crusty deposit around the vent holes on the humidifier.

[ProfessorString]

Remember folks, the wood of the case often absorbs a ton of moisture. Keep in mind, it's not just the instrument absorbing the moisture...the case takes in moisture too.

[johnjophy]

do you think i put this humidifier into my gigbag?

[ProfessorString]

Using one with a gigbag has its pros and cons. A couple of things to consider:

1. The bags do not always use mold resistant foaming materials.

2. Bags do not have as much open air as a hard case. The humidity tends to isolate in pockets and deprives extreme ends of the instruments.

On the other hand there are those who feel some humidity is better than none.

[johnjophy]

and whats the sponge brand youre using from target?

[zerosoma33]

hahahahaha

[johnjophy]

where do you get distilled water?

[ProfessorString]

Most department and grocery stores carry one gallon containers of distilled water. Crystal Geyser is one of the more popular suppliers.

[ProfessorString]

Some of this was addressed in an earlier posting. While 50% is ideal for normal storage, there are times the 70% level is desired by guitar technicians. Specifically, many guitar technicians have asked us about a low buck humidifier for doing refurbishing work on a dried instrument.

[kiiaz]

do we need to buy the thermometer? cuz i think those cost even MORE than the humidifier itself

[ProfessorString]

We used the hydrometer to demonstrate how much humidity can be attained in the video. You raised a good point here...those little digital hydrometers are WAY over priced. IMO, it's not necessary to have one in the case. Thanks for viewing!

[kiiaz]

so how do i know what % humidity is in my case if i donnt have a thermometer?

[ProfessorString]

Typically, one will get you to an appropriate level. We used two in the video for demo purposes.

[kiiaz]

btw if you could also tell me where specifically u got ur soap holder, thank you appreciate it!

[ProfessorString]

We used a soap holder from Target.

[gflagman]

thanks for the tip

[gflagman]

How much water should be added to the sponges?

[ProfessorString]

We used about a 1/4 cup of distilled water per sponge in the video. If the sponge is completely dried, you might need a little more. The key thing, is to make sure the sponge is NOT dripping wet. Most folks like to lightly wring them out to be on the safe side.

[Steph12233]

Great idea!!! Thanks for sharing Professor String!

[saxslattern]

Good thinking and great design. Would there be any advantage to making one out of a toothbrush holder to put in the soundhole?

[ProfessorString]

Great question. Consider the pros and cons. On the plus side: Making one out of a toothbrush holder makes sense economically and it's a nice low cost idea. On the downside: Most sound hole humidifiers have a very small sponge element as we demonstrated in the video. As a result, they don't hold much moisture and dry out very quickly (sometimes in just a few days).

[OnceUponATimeIn1979]

This is a great idea! I made mine already starting w/ just one soap tray since my Taylor only requires that 45-55 % humidity. My brother brought up point though, I'm not so sure how to answer it. He asked if I get any problems w/ molds. Because if the sponges hold moisture for a month or so, would molds start to build up? Thanks man.

[ProfessorString]

Thanks for asking this question. We use low cost mildew resistant sponges. They are available at Target, Wal-Mart,...etc. These are basically synthetic sponges that don't have the molding issues like organic sponges. Also, be sure to never use "used" sponges for this project as they may contain contaminates that can mold and mildew. Finally, I should mention, distilled water is best to use for wetting the sponges. We are using distilled water in the video.

[Cathode0]

Lol I just made a vid where I built one out of a ziplock bag that you can stuff down the sound hole (but it sucks so I'm not posting it). What is the relative humidity in the sound hole (vs. ambient) with your placement technique?

[nanimitendayo]

or you can take a long hot shower with your guitar inside the bathroom.

[5grasshopper]

My expensive 12 string just cracked in the body and I use those dinky humidifiers. I found out that the guitar case itself will suck most if not all the humidity out of those little humidifiers. Signs of a "dry guitar" before cracking: higher action, fingerboard shrinkage, fret edge sharpness. I tried using two bar soap dispensers and a Dampit and still it was too dry inside my case. I was happy to see your double sponge recommendation! Duh, why didn't I think of that...good job!

[blairb6]

Good idea and looks like it would work as good as anything. 70% H is to high though. Also the Planet waves humidifier (first one you are showing is for sound hole of the acoustic body.... not meant for the whole case.

Humidity should really be no more than 50% IMHO

[czaday]

Good idea, but I believe that you are suggesting maintaining a much higher humidity level than is appropriate if you think 74% is good. Taylor guitars, for example, are built in an environment controlled at 47% (other manufacturers have similar environments) so one should maintain 45-50% humidity in the case. 74% would cause the top to arch up and raise the action. It probably wouldn't damage the guitar except perhaps by making it easier for mold to grow, but playability would suffer.

[ProfessorString]

Agreed. We used the higher humidity levels to demonstrate the capability of this humidifier being able to go up into the +70% range. While the 50% range is ideal, some desire the higher humidity if they are re-hydrating a dry instrument. We usually get 50% with only one in the case, versus two (as seen in the video). For violin cases, we use one with holes on only one side to get 50%.

[bruhe]

I can't see why this wouldn't work.

I would suggest this note:

Do not overly saturate the sponges - it's better to re-wet them every other day or so than to risk over wetting them. Do not allow water to drip onto the instrument - especially the insides. Also make sure the device is securely closed and placed in the case so that it won't damage the instrument when the case is moved.

[ProfessorString]

Excellent points. Perhaps adding some Velcro tape to the backside would be a nice touch to keep everything in place in the case. Thanks for viewing! -Prof

[MamoDad]

Great idea. Great vid. Thanks!

[alittleguitarlesson]

very nice.