What's The Problem?

Many of the most common and popular musical instruments are precision devices made of wood (!). All varieties of wood expand and contract when the amount of moisture in the air goes up and down. That can cause damage to the instrument when internal stresses caused by the expansion or contraction cause wood or glue joints to rupture.

There are steps you can take to avoid damage to your instrument. In general, you want to keep the wood from expanding and contracting, and you do this by providing extra moisture when the air is dry, and by removing moisture when the air is damp. A note of caution, however: Adding too much moisture can be as bad or worse than not having enough. So you must be very careful when using a humidifying device that you're not over-doing it.

Some protection you provide with common sense --

• Don't leave your fine instrument in the cellar during the summer months.
• Don't store your instrument in an unfinished or uninsulated attic, where temperature and humidity changes are extreme.

Beyond common sense, there are circumstances where it's difficult for you to monitor or control the temperature and humidity swings that occur around you. There are some products available that can help.

Humidification Products

There are products in the marketplace that can help with the problems of too much and too little humidity. To increase humidity in a dry environment, you use a humidifier. To decrease humidity in a moist environment, you use a de-humidifier. Both of these kinds of devices are available in all sizes, shapes, and capabilities. We'll not try to describe the larger ones that are used to stablize humidity in a room or building. Instead we'll suggest a couple small, affordable devices that you can use on or in your instrument to change its local humidity.

Dampit^TM Humidifier

The Dampit Humidifier is the original humidifier for instruments. It works with guitars, violins, cellos, and other wood instruments with a large cavity. Made with premium quality, Dampit is the most popular humidifier used by professional musicians.

This humidifier consists of a flexible tube containing water-absorbent material with protective closures and fasteners. It is immersed in water and then inserted into the instrument to retain humidity. It is left in while the instrument is not in use; performers may leave the Dampit in the instrument while playing, if desired.

The humidity indicator included with Dampit indicates the proper humidity level. The humidifier is placed in the instrument through the f-hole or sound hole to maintain the correct moisture level in the instrument. Humidity indicator is included. Price: $15.99 at The Minor Chord.

Planet Waves
Acoustic Guitar Humidifier

The Minor Chord recommends the Planet Waves Acoustic Guitar Humidifier. It fits in the top round hole of most any flattop acoustic guitar. Just add water!

Caution: Be sure not to over-humidify your guitar. Water damage to your instrument caused by over-humidifying is not covered by your instrument manufacturer or The Minor Chord.

Related Links

Here are some additional information resources on the topic of musical instruments and humidity. Take a look and think about whether the information applies to your instruments.

• Martin & Company Website
• Taylor Guitars FAQ
• Taylor Guitars Document, Using a Guitar Humidifier (PDF, 231KB)