Hygrometers and humidifiers

[Taylor Martin Guild]

Thanks guys. Ah, TMG, what's a Springfield ?

Springfield is the brand name for a hygrometer that Wal-Mart carries for about $7.00.
Like I said before, it stayes within 2% of the Planet Wave hygrometer that I paid $40.00 for.

 

[wontox]

A very interesting thread here, some of us take better care of our instruments than others. I prefer keeping guitars I play regularly out of their cases, since they are so much more accessible, and take up less room when kept on hangers, and have yet, in the last thirty-five years or so I have owned acoustics, had a humidity related problem other than slighty lowered action in cold weather. I don't wish to keep a room humidifier either, because of issues regarding noise, space, having to keep a door shut, etc..

I'm asking the gentleman who is a professional luthier, are some makes/models of acoustic guitars more prone to damage from dryness, or is it generally an across-the-board issue?

wontox

 

[Yoko Oh No]

I find this works best for me....

 

[mpluthier]

A very interesting thread here, some of us take better care of our instruments than others. I prefer keeping guitars I play regularly out of their cases, since they are so much more accessible, and take up less room when kept on hangers, and have yet, in the last thirty-five years or so I have owned acoustics, had a humidity related problem other than slighty lowered action in cold weather. I don't wish to keep a room humidifier either, because of issues regarding noise, space, having to keep a door shut, etc..

I'm asking the gentleman who is a professional luthier, are some makes/models of acoustic guitars more prone to damage from dryness, or is it generally an across-the-board issue?

wontox

Wontox,

This is an across the board issue, no one brand is more susceptible than another.

 

[playsvintageguilds]

Hard to believe I have never taken this topic seriously until now.
Thank God I have not experienced any significant humidity-related guitar issues.
Scared me.
I just took all my guitars off the wall and put them in cases.
Most of you have seen where I have kept them....

So here is my question:
During these winter months in the Pacific Northwest our propane stove,
which is about 20' away from the guitars/living room wall, runs about 6-8 hours daily.
At the same time the ceiling fan runs on low.
The windows in the house sweat all winter ( lots of moisture).
The house is large and a bit drafty.
Kitchen next to the living room produces a fair amount of steam from wife cooking a couple times each day.
Now, I do plan to go into town Friday and buy an inexpensive hygrometer from Walmart
and a Dampit at the music store.
I'm just wondering if I have been fortunate thus far due to the aforementioned conditions?
What do ya think ?
Oh, Merry Christmas to all !
~ Raj ????

 

[killdeer43]

Hey, Raj.
Slight veer here, but hasn't the load on that wall been lightened a bit recently.
Doesn't matter one way or the other to your question but I'm just curious. I need to know what I'm going to be able to play when I stop by. :wink:

And a Merry and a Happy to you and yours, too!

Joe

**And just like that you edited the photo on me! Doh! :?

 

[playsvintageguilds]

Ha ! Gotta love image shack ! :lol:
Yes,Joe,I sold a few and scored a couple boutique guitars.
I am right where I wanna be,finally,after all these years.
And you can drop in anytime to play !
~ Raj ????

 

[killdeer43]

And you can drop in anytime to play !
~ Raj ????[/b][/i]

I'm contemplating doing a presentation in Hoquiam in April and if I do, I might like to swing down to Westport and say howdy.
I'll be sure to keep you posted. :wink:

Merry/Happy,
Joe

 

[alpep]

just ordered my second humidifier today.

I tend to get the warm mist because it does not lower the room temperature.

keeping the humidity up in the winter is a tough job.

 

[fronobulax]

So here is my question:

Based upon the answers I have received my guess is that your humidity is close to 40% or better even under the conditions you describe. So there is not a problem or it is a slowly developing one. I'd get a hygrometer anyway and find out for sure.

 

[playsvintageguilds]

Great on all points !

 

[spiderman]

I use a digital hygrometer, I have found that the cheapo mechanical hygrometers for under $10 are less than worthless. Mine is made for instruments and includes a tuner, metronome and maybe something else. Cost around $50. Once the RH reaches below 40%, in go the Kyser soundhole humidifiers. I also add a little Herco Guardfather humidifier in the neck compartment, but it probably does not do much. My guitars are kept in the case all the time. less damage potential.
Do tops crack YES, the old Harmony has a severe top crack that resulted from living in MN winters without a humidifier. Back when I bought it people were less aware of the problem (or didn't care) in my era of cheap student guitars. Now that i have moved up a notch in quality, I wish to avoid problems.
Oh yes, use distilled water in your case humidifiers, and let them dry out before refilling (but monitor them!) much less mold potential.

Harmony H-173 bought in 1960 (retired), Alvarez AC60S 2008, Eastman AC320ce 2008 "Hybrid", Guild GAD-JF30E(blonde) 2008, Guild D25M 1974, Martin Grand J35E 2009, Martin D12-20 1970
"I'm glad there are a lot of guitar players pursuing technique as diligently as they possibly can, because it leaves this whole other area open to people like me."
Richard Thompson

 

[Donal]

I recently bought a Acurite by Chaney Instruments, hygrometer/thermometer, off Amazon.com for $12. It read within a point or two of my built-in on the humidifier and my calculator size digital. Stopped by Walmarts last nite and found the same unit for $8. It reads right on with the other one. Think I'll stop by and get another .

Don.

 

[playsvintageguilds]

Bought a Springfield Thermometer/Hydrometer at a hardware store today for $10.
After 30 minutes, current reading at the height I was hanging my guitars in the living room is...56 RH @ 72 Degrees.
What think ye ? :shock:

 

[mbaker824]

Bought a Springfield Thermometer/Hydrometer at a hardware store today for $10.
After 30 minutes, current reading at the height I was hanging my guitars in the living room is...56 RH @ 72 Degrees.
What think ye ? :shock:

45-50% is optimum, so you don't need any humidification right now. It it goes much higher you might need to think about dehumidification, but you should be ok for now.

Mark

 

[playsvintageguilds]

Thanks Mark !

 

[West R Lee]

Bought a Springfield Thermometer/Hydrometer at a hardware store today for $10.
After 30 minutes, current reading at the height I was hanging my guitars in the living room is...56 RH @ 72 Degrees.
What think ye ? :shock:

I think ye is right on. Humidity in the house will fluctuate just a tad, and will definately drop when the heat comes on, but it certainly sounds safe to me @ 56%. Heat source and proximity to guitars is a big factor too......on a stand right next to a fireplace or spaceheater = bad, in a spot where a central heat register doesn't blow on 'em = better. In the case with a humidifier = best.

I do what Spider does......digital hygrometer and Kyser lifeguards.

West

 

[playsvintageguilds]

Westy !
Did ya hear !
Joe might visit me this coming April !
How cool is that ??
He is coming to speak at Hoquiam,my Alma Mater.
Then,hopefully 24 miles out here to Westport for dinner,
a wrestle with the littles,and a musical visit with Mrs. Smith and I !
How utterly cool is that??
Whoohoo !!!

 

[West R Lee]

Westy !
Did ya hear !
Joe might visit me this coming April !
How cool is that ??
He is coming to speak at Hoquiam,my Alma Mater.
Then,hopefully 24 miles out here to Westport for dinner,
a wrestle with the littles,and a musical visit with Mrs. Smith and I !
How utterly cool is that??
Whoohoo !!!

Joe as in "Killdeer"?

I'll say this, it's ALWAYS great to meet fellow LTGsters.

West

 

[playsvintageguilds]

Yes,Joe as in Killdeer !
How totally cool !