How to Keep Your Acoustic Guitar Humidified

best acoustic guitar humidifier

If you’re a music lover, you know that nothing beats the sound and feel of an acoustic guitar. But did you know that it is important to keep your instrument properly humidified? Without proper humidity, your guitar can become warped and damaged, resulting in costly repairs. So how do you ensure that your guitar stays in top shape? With the right acoustic guitar humidifier, of course! Let’s break down what makes a good acoustic guitar humidifier and which ones are the best on the market.

What is an Acoustic Guitar Humidifier?

An acoustic guitar humidifier is a device designed to maintain optimal levels of humidity within the body of an acoustic guitar. This process helps protect your instrument from warping or cracking due to dryness or excessive moisture. Generally, most people recommend keeping their acoustic guitars for blues at around 45%-50% relative humidity. Any higher than this can cause mold and mildew growth inside the body of the guitar and any lower can cause it to warp.

Types of Humidifiers

There are two main types of humidifiers on the market: active and passive. Active humidifiers are devices that require some type of power source (usually batteries) and actively pump moisture into the air around the instrument. Passive humidifiers are devices that don’t require any power source – they simply absorb moisture from their environment and release it as needed when placed in proximity to an instrument. Some examples include sponge-based products such as Dampit, Oasis OH-2, Boveda packs, Herco HE360s, etcetera.  These products generally absorb more moisture than active devices but require more frequent replacement/refilling than active devices do.  They also tend to be less expensive than active devices but not as effective at maintaining consistent humidity levels over time.  In short – they’re good for short-term use but aren’t ideal for long-term storage or use in dry climates.                                                                                                      

Best Acoustic Guitar Humidifiers on the Market Today

Now that we’ve gone over what makes a great acoustic guitar humidifier let’s take a look at some of the best options available today:

1) Planet Waves PWAT-C Humidifier

– This device is made from a special material called ‘Humidity Control’ which absorbs excess moisture from the air and releases it gradually throughout the day to ensure proper humidity levels within your instrument’s body. It also features an adjustable valve which allows you to customize how much water it releases based on your desired level of humidity.

2) Oasis OH-2 Humidifier

– The Oasis OH-2 is an affordable passive device that features an absorbent sponge core that maintains constant relative humidity levels within your instrument’s body without needing any external power source or additional maintenance beyond occasional refilling with distilled water or other evaporative liquids like propylene glycol solution (PGS).

3) Taylor Guitars Digital Hygrometer/Humidifier

– This digital humidifier/hygrometer combo unit monitors both temperature and relative humidity levels within your instrument’s body so you can always be sure it’s being properly cared for and protected against damage caused by excessive dryness or high humidity levels

4) D’Addario Planet Waves PWAT-C Humidity & Temperature Sensor

This digital sensor continuously monitors both temperature and relative humidity within your instrument’s body so you can always be sure it’s being properly cared for without having to manually check readings every few days.

Conclusion: Keeping your acoustic guitar properly humidified isn’t just about protecting its sound quality—it’s about protecting its structural integrity as well! Investing in a good quality acoustic guitar humidifier will help ensure that your beloved instrument stays looking and sounding beautiful for years to come! With so many great options out there on the market today, finding one shouldn’t be too hard — just make sure you pick one that meets all of your needs! Good luck!

FAQ

What is the best acoustic guitar humidifier?

The best acoustic guitar humidifier depends on your personal needs and preferences. Some popular options include the Planet Waves PWAT-C Humidifier, Oasis OH-2 Humidifier, Taylor Guitars Digital Hygrometer/Humidifier, and D’Addario Planet Waves PWAT-C Humidity & Temperature Sensor.

How often should I use a humidifier on my acoustic guitar?

It is recommended that you use your humidifier at least once per month to maintain the desired relative humidity levels for your instrument. However, if you live in an area with dehydrated air or seasonal changes in humidity levels, it may be necessary to use it more frequently. Be sure to check the relative humidity levels in your instrument regularly to ensure optimal conditions.

Can I use regular water for my acoustic guitar humidifier?

No, it is not recommended that you use regular tap water for an acoustic guitar humidifier as it can contain minerals and other impurities which may damage the wood of your instrument. Instead, it is best to use distilled water or a special evaporative liquid such as propylene glycol solution (PGS).

What are the benefits of using a passive rather than an active device?

Passive devices require less maintenance and refilling than active devices do. They also tend to be less expensive than active devices but not as effective at maintaining consistent humidity levels over time. In short – they’re a great way to conserve energy, save money and still keep your guitar properly humidified.

Are acoustic guitar humidifiers dangerous?

No, they are not dangerous as long as you follow the recommended usage instructions provided by the manufacturer. Make sure that you use distilled water or special evaporative liquids such as PGS in order to prevent any damage to your instrument’s wood. Additionally, be sure to regularly check the relative humidity levels in your instrument and keep it within a safe range for optimal protection.

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