The 10c humidifier

Winter and temperatures have been around -20 C or -5 F. Indoors the RH is about 30% and sinking. A quick and dirt cheap fix to keep the acoustic on the safe side:

Tools and supplies: A sponge, a plastic cup (baby food), scissors and hole punch pliers.

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Cut the sponge in half and rip the abrasive layer away, Well, you can leave it on, it doesn't really matter...

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Punch some holes in the lid of the plastic container.



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Wet the sponge halves and stuff 'em into the container.



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Put the lid on and put your new humidifier in the case with the guitar. When the sponge dries, add some water.

I'll check humidity in the case in a couple of days and report back.

Solid top acoustics need humidification of course but should we be humidifying our electrics or plywood top acoustics in this weather?

very creative Guran, I've made up some similar to that over the years and they work just fine. Jo-Anne, It would not hurt to humidify any electric guitars as well as acoustics, especially if the frets feel sharp when you run your hands up and down the neck. (a sign that the wood is shrinking from being too dry)

I have one very similar to that photo - but with a block of wet oasis foam (better than a simple sponge and available from craft stores or florists) and a propylene glycol and distilled water solution (which regulates the humidity and prevents any mold build up).

In my case I use it in a cooler to keep my cigar stash humidified, but I think it would work well for guitars too. Just be careful you don't use too much water and damage the guitar.

After 28 hours, RH in the case is 44%. Unfortunately I don't know what it was before I started... I'll check it tonight again.

Solid top acoustics need humidification of course but should we be humidifying our electrics or plywood top acoustics in this weather?

I can't say if it's necessary for plywood top acoustics, but electrics... No I don't do it. You may get some fret sprout, but if you file that down during cold season it won't come back. However, there's nothing wrong in keeping humidity in the comfort zone! :smile:

you can reuse those film containers as a humidifiers too. same thing, punch some holes and wet sponge. saw this in an 80's guitar player mag

ldr

Have the common sponges ever dripped or leaked in your cases?

Planet Waves uses special sponge that holds water in very well. Phenolic sponge??

It looks like a great idea. I just wouldn't want the thing to drip.

In my case I use it in a cooler to keep my cigar stash humidified, but I think it would work well for guitars too. Just be careful you don't use too much water and damage the guitar.

For cigars and other baccy, I actually like a small cup of moistened salt -- it maintains a humidity of 75% very nicely.

- Scott