Humidity / Humidifying

[nikar77]

I just bought a new 330 (midnight blue) last week in London. Ive just arrived back in The United Arab Emirates where I'm living. Thankfully I was able to bring the guitar as cabin luggage with me. I have some worries now about humidity. I know idealy humidity should be 30 - 70. Its starting to get warmer here in the UAE and theres a big electronic sign at the end of the street that tells me its now 37 degrees Celsius (98.6F) and humidity is 10. This will only get worse in coming months as mid July we have been known to hit 50 C (122F). We are inland and it is always very dry. We are living with the air con on most of the time already and that only helps to dry the air more. So.. how do I protect my precious guitar? Should I be using a humidifier in the case? Any one else have a Rick in these conditions, how do you go about keeping it safe. Any help much appreciated

[Folkie]

I tried an experiment this winter in which I bought a set of Planet Waves Humidpaks (which are made for acoustic guitars) and put one gel packet in each of my electric guitar cases. The Humidpaks are supposed to work in both directions (that is, to humidify or dehumidify as needed). The results were encouraging: the setups on two of the three guitars remained completely intact for the winter season. The only downside is that the packs dried up before they were supposed to (They lasted about a month each, whereas they're supposed to last three to four months. I heard from another guitar player that he had the same experience.) A set of 3 Humidipaks will cost you $25.00, which may seem expensive. But when you figure in the cost of setting up your guitars, it begins to look more affordable.

There are multiple threads here which discuss different methods of humidifying guitars. There's even one post with a You Tube link showing you how to make your own homemade humidifiers using sponges. I'll look for the links to those other threads and send them your way.

Robert

[Folkie]

I forgot to ask, but have you considered running a room humidifier in the area where you store your guitars? I tried that a few years ago with mixed results. And if you don't already own a hygrometer, I would strongly recommend buying one. That will tell you the exact temperature and humidity in your guitar room.

[Folkie]

Kiran,

Here's the link to one of the other threads (which it turns out I started):

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=399159

Robert

[verbed]

Hmm, I think we as guitarists worry too much about this sometimes. There are plenty of pre war Martins surviving from before our present ability to manipulate our environment. Keeping it in it's case is the easiest way to protect your guitar if you're worried, carrying out periodic adjustments in terms of neck relief etc. Other than that you'll probably be alright

[nikar77]

I generally dont worry too much with my cheaper chinese guitars but this is my first really nice instrument. Back home in New Zealand I wouldnt give it a second thought but here it is just so dry. Temperature is fine with air con but humidity is another thing. I feel it, my nails, hair, skin all dry out and I need to drink water constantly, so if Im feeling it Im sure my guitar will. How do you get round the custom fit case with humidifiers. I thought about a room humidifier but we leave here in mid July for good although it will be dam hot by then, maybe I should get one just for the next 3 months.