Do I Have To Get A Guitar Humidifier For Myself
One of the most commonly asked questions regarding the safety of guitars and similar instruments is do I need a guitar humidifier. It’s not a complicated question to answer, but it will mostly depend on where you live and how often you take out your instrument in foul weather.
A guitar humidifier is a small and relatively inexpensive product that controls the moisture level in your case. It will slowly release a predetermined amount of moisture to keep the wood of your guitar in balance, preventing it from warping. The strings are also maintained and the glue that holds the pieces together remains strong. It also keeps too much humidity from affecting your instrument.
Try to check if your area is suited to keeping your instrument without these gadgets. If you go outside and you don’t feel anything unusual, then it’s probably fine just to keep your instrument. If however your skin starts too feel too clammy and sticky, you may have too much humidity. If you feel too dry and your lips start to crack, your locality has too little humidity.
The basic mechanism of any humidifier will follow the rule of keeping the levels balance. As such, it acts by allowing the water that’s trapped in it to simply evaporate into the case. Some models are able to absorb back some moisture if the levels are too high. Most of these gadgets will have a clay or sponge like interior that you can soak in water. All you have to do is place it inside your case or guitar, and it’ll do the rest.
These appliances are most useful during the winter months as there is too little humidity in the cold air. This is unlike warm air which holds more moisture. Even when it’s relatively nice outside, you might have your home’s heating system on which can suck away the little moisture there is in the air.
The best way to determine your need is to get a hygrometer. This will more accurately determine the levels inside your home. You can purchase this separately or as a package with your guitar humidifier. You can also use the local weather reports in conjunction with the hygrometer for a better reading.
Once the levels start to drop below forty five percent, this is when you’ll start using the device. Below thirty percent and you’ll want to add water every week or so. Any lower and you’ll need to check it every couple of days. Do I need a guitar humidifier is something that you’ll have to determine by yourself. Look around your locality and your home to determine whether or not the levels are alright.
Wondering whether you should invest in a guitar humidifier? Check out our super guitar care tips and advice now in our comprehensive guide to all you need to know about where to buy musical instruments online.
