As a guitar player, you know that humidity is the enemy of your instrument. It makes your wood crack and warp, makes your strings lose their tension, makes the finished look faded, and makes the sound go bad. The good news is you can beat humidity with the right humidifier. You don't even need to worry about finding the best guitar humidifier because we've researched it for you.
A guitar humidifier is a guitar accessory used to maintain the proper moisture level within a guitar. It helps to prevent cracks in the wood of your guitar and gives it the rich tone it usually has. This is a complete buying guide for anyone looking for the best guitar humidifiers available for sale.
When the summer season hits, and it's time to turn on the AC, you might find that the hot air isn't the only thing bothering you. The heat dries out the air, which can be hard on anything made of wood or metal. That includes your coveted guitar collection.
How We Have Chosen The Best Options
Knowing which guitar humidifier is right for you and your home can be challenging.
There are a lot of different guitar humidifiers on the market, and it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you.
We've done the hard work for you. Our editors have taken the time to learn about each guitar humidifier, study product specifics, read all consumer feedback, and independently select the best options. This ensures that the quality of each guitar humidifier is suitable for you and your home. Just remember, what works for one consumer, may not work for all.
Here are the six best guitar humidifiers on the market and a buying guide.
6 Best Guitar Humidifiers
1. D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Humidifier System
The ideal humidity level for guitars is 35 to 55 percent. D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Humidifier System humidifier maintains an average humidity of 45-50 percent. This is a tight range and one that is unlike any other humidifier that guitars can claim. This product will adjust for fluctuations in the weather, which are seasonal.
These small packages will safeguard your valuable instrument. They don't need any maintenance. It is enough to place them on the headstock and in the sound hole to ensure the best security.
They come with two saddlebag material holders that fit over the sound hole and a headstock pouch.
You simply place the bags in the pouches. There's no chance of mess, as well as no water, and there's no chance of accidental spillage.
It operates by two methods. It provides moisture when needed and then reduces it when it is required. They should last around two months, subject to the conditions in which you live. It will be obvious when they need replacing when they begin to feel 'crunchy.'
What We Like:
- It takes care of the headstock and neck as well as the body.
- Keeps your guitar in optimal humidity conditions.
- There is no need for maintenance or refills.
- Easy to use.
- Two-way humidity control.
- Protects your guitar from damage caused by too much or too little humidity.
2. Boveda 2-Way Humidity Control, (1) 12-Packets
Boveda is a US company with its headquarters in Minnesota. They are a reputable company that manufactures products to control humidity. This protection in two ways for your guitar is expected to last for about three months and offer protection at every humidity level.
There are other positive benefits to this particular product. It doesn't require being activated and doesn't require any maintenance whatsoever.
It will give you the right amount of humidity when you adhere to a straightforward rule. Keep it in a tightly sealed area to keep its efficiency and get the longest possible lifespan.
It is always the case. Therefore, when the instrument is removed from its case, it is required for the case to be shut.
The humidifier will maintain an ongoing relative humidity of 40-55 percent. This is significant as the ideal level to ensure the wood is safe is 35-55 percent. The Boveda humidifier meets these guidelines. All you need to do is put it inside your guitar case.
With some humidifiers, there can be a danger of 'over-humidification,' but with the Boveda, this is not possible. The water vapors that it sends out remain within the required humidity range. In order to achieve this, it utilizes an osmosis process that is like how purifiers of water work.
The process works according to the theory that salts, when combined with water, naturally control the humidity levels.
There are 12 packets of each box, which can last up to six months. This depends on the setting where they will be used. They'll become rough to the touch when they begin to wear out. This makes it easy to determine the time to replace them.
They can be rehydrated by placing them in an airtight container and an ice cube. It can take several days. But don't place them in the water for too long.
They can be put anywhere inside your case to make them effective and don't require you to be placed on your guitar. They're an economical and effective way to regulate humidity. They're also easy to use - as a humidifier for your guitar with an alternative approach.
What We Like:
- No application or maintenance issues.
- The 2-way humidity control system automatically adds or removes moisture to keep the RH at 49%, so you don't have to worry about constantly monitoring the humidifier.
- Protects all types of wood instruments, not just guitars.
- Prevents damage caused by both high and low levels of humidity.
- Comes in a 12-count pack, so you can keep multiple instruments protected at once.
3. Oasis Humidifier for Acoustic Guitars (OH-5)
This product is designed to manage the humidity of guitars by providing humidification inside the instrument during dry seasons. The Oasis OH-5 Acoustic Guitar Humidifier is made with high-quality materials in the USA and features a stabilizer bar for mounting the humidifier and a 10-centimeter syringe for distilled water-filling control. This safe and effective product provides the humidification your guitar needs to maintain its tone and integrity.
The Oasis Humidifier for Acoustic Guitars (OH-5) is a great way to keep your guitar healthy during dry seasons.
The humidifier is designed to fit inside the soundhole of your guitar and maintain the humidity levels inside the instrument's body. This humidifier is made in the USA and is a safe and effective way to keep your guitar in top condition.
What We Like:
- It is made with high-quality materials in the USA.
- The humidifier comes with a stabilizer bar for mounting and a 10 cc syringe for distilled water filling control.
- It is a safe and practical design.
- The humidifier is easy to use.
4. MusicNomad The Humitar ONE - Acoustic Guitar Humidifier & Hygrometer
The MusicNomad Humitar ONE is an acoustic guitar humidifier and hygrometer that is simple to use and requires no mess or maintenance.
The innovative Humid-i-Bar sponge holds a lot of water, meaning you won't have to monitor it as closely. The accurate sensor monitors your guitar's environment every 20 seconds and gives you humidity and temperature readings on the LCD display.
The unit features a humidity sensor that monitors the relative humidity inside the guitar case and automatically activates the humidifier when the RH level drops below a certain threshold. A built-in hygrometer also lets you know when it's time to replenish the humidifier's water reservoir.
You can also see the maximum and minimum humidity and temperature range over the period you are measuring and reset it at any time.
The MusicNomad Humitar ONE also comes with other cool features like a reminder of the humidity and temperature-safe zone you want to keep your guitar in, a long-lasting AG 13 battery, and Fahrenheit or Celsius readings.
What We Like:
- Low maintenance.
- The innovative Humid-i-Bar reusable sponge holds a lot of water which means less monitoring on your end.
- An accurate sensor monitors your string instrument's environment every 20 seconds
- Simple, precise, and reliable.
- It can be used for other string instruments as well.
5. D'Addario Accessories Acoustic Guitar Humidifier
D'Addario Accessories Acoustic Guitar is a reliable and affordable way to keep your guitar in top playing condition. The built-in humidifier provides consistent humidity control, preventing your guitar from drying out and cracking.
The product's design is such that it hangs from the guitar strings and never actually touches the guitar's body. This means there is no risk of scratches or other damage to your guitar's finish.
The exclusive non-drip design also ensures that moisture is released evenly and slowly so that your guitar stays protected without being damaged.
It also evenly and slowly releases moisture, keeping your guitar sounding its best. Plus, the suspended design means that it's always ready to go without having to clip or fasten it in place.
What We Like:
- Protects your guitar without damaging the finish.
- Suspended by the strings, so it will never touch the guitar body.
- There are no clips or fasteners which could scratch the guitar finish.
- The exclusive non-drip design will release moisture evenly and slowly.
- Easy to use and clean.
6. Integra Boost RH 2-Way Humidity Control
The Integra Boost RH 2-Way Humidity Control is a great way to keep your guitars at the perfect humidity level. This product uses a two-way humidity control system to maintain the humidity level in your guitar case at a consistent level.
The humidifier control system adds moisture to the air in the guitar case when the relative humidity drops below the desired level, and the dehumidifier removes moisture from the air when the relative humidity rises above the desired level.
This system also features a built-in hygrometer that monitors the relative humidity level inside the case, so you can always know what the humidity level is and make adjustments as needed.
Integra Boost RH 2-Way Humidity Control has distinct relative-humidity levels (55%, 62%, 69%, and 72%) that maintain ideal relative humidity (RH) in an enclosed environment; preserving your favorite household items has never been easier.
All Integra Boost packs are individually wrapped and come in a professional-grade double-zip barrier bag that protects against moisture, oxygen, and vapor, making it perfect for storage and long-term use.
What We Like:
- Creates a balanced environment for your products
- Maintains ideal relative humidity levels
- Safe and simple to use
- Effective at preserving household items
- Individual packs are wrapped for convenience
What is a Guitar Humidifier?
A guitar humidifier disperses water vapor evenly inside your case and, in some cases, inside the guitar. The type of humidifier will determine how it works.
They will generally come with a porous material that is either ready to use or needs to be moisturized. Some humidifiers use a dampened sponge, while others use a different material to make a sponge-like consistency.
Some are made of natural materials, while others use man-made compounds. Some manufacturers use clay and salts, while others use advanced composites developed in a laboratory to be suitable for guitar humidifiers. These may be beads, jellies, or crystals. Many are made with advanced absorbency and incredible water retention. It is amazing how much technology goes into something that appears so simple.
The container containing the porous component is also different from one product to another. This prevents water from getting into the instrument.
It can then create an utterly humid environment in your guitar case. Although some humidifiers can be attached to stands, keeping your guitar case sealed is best.
It is recommended that guitars be stored in cases as there is a chance of them being knocked over or damaged if they are left on stands.
Types of Guitar Humidifiers
1. Guitar Case Humidifiers
A guitar case humidifier does precisely what it says: It sits inside your guitar case and maintains a controlled humidity level.
They are usually made of plastic tubes or a small amount of plastic that allows water vapor to pass through.
Humidifiers for guitar cases are an excellent option for those who keep their guitars in hard cases and use them regularly. You won't have to install and uninstall the humidifier each time.
2. Soundhole Humidifiers
A sound hole humidifier, also known as a guitar humidifier, hangs around your guitar's sound hole.
Usually, three scenarios can occur.
- Place the string below the soundhole to cover the entire soundhole
- Place your hand on the edge of the soundhole.
- Place your hands between your strings.
Because they are usually very affordable and require little effort to operate, soundhole humidifiers are more popular than the other options.
3. Room Humidifiers
Room humidifiers are more valuable than any other type for many reasons.
Humidifiers for rooms are a type that adds moisture in the air and conditions more than your guitar case and guitar.
Room humidifiers can be used to protect your instruments and are also very helpful in treating dry skin, lips, throat, and nose.
A room humidifier is the best choice for those who hang their guitars on a wall or use a stand to hold them. They keep the room regulated and the instruments in top condition.
Buyer's Guide: Key Considerations
There are some things to consider before you buy one once you have decided that you need one.
Let's start with which type. There are three main types: room products, sound holes, and guitar cases. Let's take a look at each one individually.
Case
They work similarly to sound hole ones, but they are specifically designed to hydrate your guitar while it is still in its case. They are placed in your case next to the guitar's headstock. When necessary, they release water vapor. These are a great option for busy musicians who travel a lot and don't have to be dismantled in order to play.
Sound Hole
A sound hole humidifier is the most popular type. These rely on simple technology, and the hydrating component is usually made up of a removable sponge. This sponge can be placed in your ax's sound hole or in a container that provides one-way humidity to the guitar's wood. Once dried, sponge-based models can be refilled with water and used again.
Certain types of sound hole products, such as the Humidipak product review, allow for two-way humidity control. They let the water evaporate in dry environments while absorbing moisture in humid areas.
You can place them inside the sound hole to humidify your body. Sound hole products can be used for one instrument only.
Storage
Your guitar should be stored somewhere safe. Is it going to be on the wall, in a case, or on a stand? A case humidifier will work well if you plan to store your guitar in a box. A soundhole or room-based humidifier is best if you want to show your ax.
You can also choose which product to buy based on how many guitars you own. It will be easier to purchase a room humidifier if you already have several.
Travel much? It may be worth adding some hydration to your holiday trip. This could be done by adding a case humidifier to your soundhole humidifier and sealing your guitar in the case.
Keep in mind that any water vapor collected in a case made of soft material or fabric will be emitted. To prevent moisture from escaping, you will need a hard case that has a good seal.
Room
Humidifiers in rooms with high humidity are a necessity. However, they can help to preserve the quality of your instrument. This humidifier can be used to stabilize an entire room and maintain the humidity levels of multiple guitars simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all types of guitars required to have humidifiers?
Humidifiers are not required for all types of guitars. Humidifiers are essential for acoustic instruments, but they might not be required for electric ones, depending on where you live.
Because electric guitars have a more solid body, this is why there are so many. The body is made from a thick chunk of wood that is not easily affected by humidity changes. It doesn't shrink, expand or change the instrument's shape.
On the other hand, acoustic guitars have hollow bodies that can shrink or expand depending on ambient humidity levels. This can cause damage to the guitar, sometimes even permanent. You should pay attention to the sound quality of your guitar by monitoring the humidity and purchasing a humidifier if it falls below the ideal level.
Semi-hollow electric guitars, only certain parts are hollowed out. The humidity variations can cause little to no damage to the guitar's body. If it gets very dry, you might consider buying a humidifier.
Too much humidity can lead to metal parts rusting in electric guitars. The guitar's tone could also be affected by the electric parts.
Why would you need a humidifier for your guitar?
A humidifier is essential to keep your guitar sounding great if you don't live in an area with the right humidity.
Guitars are made from wood, which reacts to temperature and humidity changes. The guitar's neck can contract or expand depending on the temperature and humidity levels. This can lead to cracking, warping, top sinking, and fret sprout, as well as other problems such as bad action, loose bridges, fret sprout, fret sprout, fret drift, warping, and many others.
Low humidity can also occur due to living in an arid climate. Low humidity can be caused by heating your home in winter or changing the air temperature in summer.
Extreme dryness can be deadly for your guitar, even though excess humidity is bad. It is impossible to revive wood that has been completely dried.
A warranty does not cover damage caused by low humidity.
Can an electric guitar be humidified with a guitar humidifier?
Although we tend to see acoustic instruments being humidified, it is also possible for electric guitars to shrink, warp, crack, and other problems.
Electric guitars aren't as dependent on wood as regular acoustic guitars and rely more heavily on amplifiers and pickups. However, all instruments can benefit from proper care.
It's clear that soundhole humidifiers are not the best choice. A guitar case or room humidifier is a better option.
How can you use a humidifier on a guitar?
There are three types: soundhole humidifiers, guitar case humidifiers, and room humidifiers.
The soundhole humidifiers can either be covered or placed on the guitar's strings. Depending on the design, these humidifiers can hang your guitar on a wall. These humidifiers also work if the guitar is in a case.
The name implies that guitar case humidifiers are placed inside the case of the guitar, not on the soundholes or strings. The humidifier will typically be made from a material that allows water vapor to pass through. The humidifier must be sealed tightly in order to function properly.
If you own a guitar collection or a store, room humidifiers can be used to maintain the humidity in your entire space. This humidifier is usually more advanced than soundhole or guitar case humidifiers. They can also regulate temperature and will only work if the door is closed.
What's the ideal humidity range to use with guitars?
You should keep your guitars at 40-50 percent humidity. A hygrometer can be used to monitor humidity levels in guitar cases if you are worried about fluctuations in humidity.
What are the benefits of using a humidifier for your guitar?
There are many benefits to using a guitar humidifier. A guitar humidifier's primary purpose is to preserve the shape of your instrument. The body of an Acoustic Guitar is made from wood and is susceptible to humidity.
The body of your guitar will shrink if the air in the case is dry. This can cause the back and top to become compressed. This can cause various problems, including the deformation or loss of the bridge.
However, excessive humidity can cause your guitar to expand. You might experience a slight deformation or even complete damage to your instrument.
Humidity problems can affect the shape of your guitar and alter the sound. The soundbox's dimensions, materials, and construction can influence the guitar's tone. The tone can change if it is dry or humid.
Other than the changes in the body, there may be other parts of the guitar that are affected, which can lead to poor sound quality. The neck, for example, is susceptible to humidity-related deformation. Long-term exposure to low humidity levels can cause permanent damage to the neck and other parts of the guitar.
Humidifiers can also protect your investment. If you are a professional musician or hobbyist, you could have spent thousands on a guitar. Humidifiers can be a cost-effective option to ensure that your money is protected and that you get the most enjoyment from your investment.
Many guitar manufacturers do not cover humidity-related damage. This could lead to significant financial losses.
You probably take great pride in the appearance of a guitar if you've spent a lot on it. Guitars of high quality have an impeccable finish and can include intricate details. Cracks on the finish are a sign of dryness. You care about the appearance of your guitar and should keep it at the proper humidity.
Can you recommend another brand of humidifier?
Kyser lifeguard humidifier is a decent sound-hole humidifier that will preserve the wood on your guitar. You simply immerse this product in water, shake off the excess water, and then position it in the sound hole.
Conclusion
A humidifier is an essential accessory for guitarists. First, consider the product's effectiveness. Next, you should consider the cost. We believe it is important to get great value for your money. After considering all these factors, it is time to consider the product's design.
Some products can be reused while others cannot. You will save money if you can refill it. However, you might not get the same quality from a product that cannot be refilled.
There are many great humidification systems. Many affordable options keep your guitar in tip-top shape for the long run. Because of its low price, it's low-risk to purchase. Simply order one and install it to see the benefits. Brands that work for some may not work for all.
We hope you find our buyer's guide helpful and have answered any questions you had.
Items reviewed:
1. D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Humidifier System
2. Boveda 2-Way Humidity Control, (1) 12-Packets
3. Oasis Humidifier for Acoustic Guitars (OH-5)
4. MusicNomad The Humitar ONE - Acoustic Guitar Humidifier & Hygrometer
