10 Best Guitar Humidifiers 2024 (Review) - Music Critic (2024)

Guitar Humidifier Buyers Guide

As you'll have gathered from our product review, countless factors can affect your guitar during storage. The most important being the environment in which it is stored. As it is made from wood, then natural degradation is a risk, as it is with any object made from this material. But there are added factors with a guitar too, such as the pressure that it is constantly under due to the tension produced by the strings. That means that constant care is required when it comes to maintenance.

There is a lot to consider before you buy a guitar humidifier. The environment is the first factor to consider. The humidity of where you live has to be taken into account. And, depending on your location, that might differ depending on the season. For example, you might live somewhere that has very wet winters and dry summers, and you'll need to choose a product that will be effective during these different conditions.

It is also key to remember that the size, material, and design of your guitar case will have an impact on humidity permeability, and this needs to be taken into account when selecting the right style of humidifier to buy.

What Is A Guitar Humidifier?

A guitar humidifier is a device that evenly disperses water vapor inside your guitar case, and in many instances, actually inside of the guitar itself. How it does this will depend on the type of humidifier.

Generally, they will feature a very porous material, which will either arrive ready-to-go or will need moisture added to it. Some humidifiers will feature a dampened sponge, while others will use a different material to create a sponge-like consistency. Many are made from natural materials, while others feature man-made composites. For example, some manufacturers use clay or salts, while others use more advanced composites that have been designed in a laboratory to have properties specifically fit for function as a guitar humidifier. These can be in the form of jellies, crystals, or beads. Some are engineered with materials that have advanced absorbency and unbelievable water retention. It's quite remarkable how much technology goes into a product that seems so simple!

The porous component is then housed in a container which also varies from product to product. This component keeps the water from coming into contact with the instrument itself. Then it can safely create a fully humid environment inside your guitar case. Some humidifiers work when attached to stands, but ideally, you want a sealed area. It is always recommended guitars are stored in cases, as when left on stands there is a small possibility it could be knocked over and damaged.

How To Use A Guitar Humidifier?

Even though guitar humidifiers might function in a different way, they will almost always be very simple to use. In our reviews, you'll find a quick description of the installation method for each of the humidifiers, as well as how you monitor the moisture levels, so you know when to replace them or add more water to them.

As most customers will opt for something easy to use, most competitive brands have developed humidification systems that require very little effort from users.

If the product doesn't come damp, then your first step will be adding moisture to it. It is recommended that you use distilled water to guard against mold and another bacterial build-up inside the humidifier, which can spread to your guitar. This process may be as simple as removing - if removable - the sponge to soak it in water. The most fiddly this process will be, is if you need to use a syringe - which will be provided - to then insert the water through an access point.

Once the humidifier's sponge had been filled, then it will need placing inside the enclosure which is often a plastic pod or a breathable fabric pouch.

Typically, the humidifier then hangs between the strings in the center of your soundhole, as this is a prime position to give the broadest and most even dispersion of moisture. Some will sit below or above the strings in the space left so as not to stretch the strings.

It's a very low-maintenance product. It is easy to keep on top of refills as long as you remember to check from time to time on the moisture levels.

Do I Need A Guitar Humidifier?

Unless you live in an area with a constant, balanced humidity level, then the answer is 'yes'.

Of course, it's not possible to control the weather or climate in which we live. But we can educate ourselves on how these environmental factors might impact our beloved instruments. Research your climate, check the humidity levels, and then you can choose a humidifier that will keep your guitar in immaculate condition.

If you don't keep your guitar in optimum conditions, then it will inevitably be subject to warping, swelling, bending, cracking, and joint or layer separation.

Guitar Humidifier Benefits

It's quite simple. A guitar humidifier will make your guitar stay in top condition for longer. It will extend its lifespan by counteracting dryness that can lead to cracking, which is so often an issue for guitars.

A lack of humidity is responsible for the majority of guitar repairs, so it is a safe bet to say that it is an essential accessory for maintaining your instrument.

Best Acoustic Guitar Humidifier?

The D'Addario Humidipak is tough to beat as far as performance is concerned. Primarily because it offers 2-way protection. This means that regardless of the natural humidity levels and their fluctuation, the humidifier will always deliver the optimum moisture levels.

Also, this product provides more complete coverage, as the headstock is taken care of as well as the body.

The Boveda humidification system is also on par but we prefer the pouch system of the D'Addario to prevent against accidental breakage.

This excellent product was the first of its kind, though many other manufacturers have now produced 2-way protection systems to compete with D'Addario.

As they need to be replaced rather than simply re-soaked, then these pouches can work out a bit more expensive than some other humidifiers. If you prefer a bargain, then Oasis humidifiers are perhaps a better option. And if you want to keep costs down even lower, then Herco is an excellent cheap choice.

Best Guitar Case Humidifier?

All guitar cases are different sizes, of course. That's because the case will be designed with a specific guitar in mind, or, at the least, the style of guitar. That means that you need to keep the dimensions of your case in mind before choosing a humidifier.

The clear candidate for the best guitar case humidifier would be the Oasis OH-6. Its compact size and unique magnetic latch-on attachment concept are excellent features. It's also a versatile product that should fit in a wide range of cases.

Conclusion

It's clear that a humidifier is an important accessory for any guitarist. The first factor to consider is the effectiveness of the product. Then you need to look at cost, as it's important to get good value for money, in our opinion. Once you've looked at these factors, you should then consider the style of the product. Some are reusable and others are not. Of course, if you can refill it, then you'll save money in the long-term, but you may not get the same quality that you'd get from a product that cannot be refilled.

There are some great humidification systems available. Most of them cost well under the $20 mark, with budget options starting from around $4. That means that it won't break the bank to keep your guitar in perfect shape. It's a low-risk product to buy because of the low price tag. Just order one, install it, and see if you notice the benefits, which we think you will.

We can highly recommend any of the products that are on our list. We also hope that our buyer's guide has answered all the questions you might have had.

Expert Tip

If you want to keep a closer eye on humidity levels or aren't sure what kind of conditions you're living in, then it would be wise to invest in a hydrometer. There are many models on the market. Generally, this is an affordable product that can come in very handy. They provide a more detailed analysis of the moisture levels inside your case. It is a superb solution for those who live in areas with dramatic shifts in temperature and humidity as well as those who regularly travel around while performing.

Did You Know?

Relative humidity levels that reside above 55% can, unfortunately, begin to dismantle your precious instrument. It is also important to remember that ideal temperatures for storage should be between 70-75 fahrenheit.

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