Humidity is trying to destroy everything I love...Ben Padgett saves the day

#luthier #guitarrepair #acousticguitar
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[@davidshaw5979]

I wish we had a guy like Ben in the UK. sadly we don't. All the best to you both on that side of the Pond.

[@dwson87]

Whoa! I went to VCU at the same time as Ben and crossed paths many times! Glad to see he’s doing well. Would love to have a guitar made by him.

[@rzh3443]

Mr Padgett is quite an expert! I live in a winter dry area as well. I think you need a larger humidifier for your studio (no, I don’t sell them). Although my house has a whole house furnace humidifier , I use the Oasis brand humidifiers. I leave my guitars out ( a guitar cased is a guitar not played!) ,so what I did was cut some moderately stiff plastic plates that fit between the finger board and the bridge , covering the sound hole. Tape the edges with blue tape. I then drilled a hole for the Oasis to fit through. It seems to prevent the Oasis from dating out so quick ( you really have to replace the crystals once a year). The other thing I am experimenting with is that made a PVC “rack” and placed it on a boot tray. I then hung a wet towel over the rack. It SEEMs to add a couple percent of humidity, but don’t quote me. The towel has to be “recharged “ every day or two so the moisture is going somewhere! Enjoyed the video !

[@markmiller5253]

I am a amateur builder. I keep around 12 guitars some good and some just ok. But I had my best one crack on the soundbored . Not the seam. I own a Martin .it was a heads up to hydrate all of them and keep checking. I live in Oklahoma and haven't had a problem until now. Oh I repaired the crack and it looks good.

[@anthonyb2334]

I live in Arizona so trying to keep my guitars humidified requires keeping the room closed , humidified, but checking levels 6-10 times a day. It’s not unusual to have outside or house humidity in the 10-15% range. I can usually keep the guitar room at 45-48%. I found I cannot purchase a guitar that lived it’s life in a humid climate (like Florida). No matter what I do, it cracks. Great video. Thank you

[@tothepoint7258]

Guitars are built when they are very dry. They usually use a kiln to dry guitar woods to stabilize them. Too much humidity is the issue. I have 16 instruments in 20 to 30 percent humidity and not a single one of them are cracked. Not one. I run a dehumidifier to keep it from getting too wet in my area.

[@JCWGTR]

Same here this winter with humidity in Alabama. Good luck!

[@festushaggen2563]

I just discovered a good sized dip on the top of my Yamaha dreadnought a couple of days ago. I bought it new 7 years ago and it always did fine in its case in the dry climate I was in. Never humidified it. I had seen some videos before about humidifying so I put a damp sponge in a soap dish in the guitar and closed it up in the case yesterday. Today, it’s almost completely level. One more day and it should be fine. I’m amazed at how much a difference a little humidity has made in just one day. I don’t think I’ll use a daily humidifier but every now and then or at the first sign of dryness, it seems a good idea to give it a little moisture. It really does wonders.

[@tothepoint7258]

Guitars woods are dried down to around 8 percent humidity. Guitar are BUILT with very low humidity. Wood will never dry to the point of crack in a guitar. TOO MUCH humidity is more of a problem than lack of humidity. Too much humidity will cause the wood to expand and crack. It will cause to expand and split the finish. Guitar humidifiers are largely gimmicks and can ruin guitars.

[@festushaggen2563]

@@tothepoint7258 I never put much stock in humidifiers either but I can’t deny what I’ve seen. I had a dent in the top of my guitar and after a day in the case with a damp sponge, it’s almost back to normal. There’s definitely an argument to be made for a some level of humidity.

[@tothepoint7258]

@@festushaggen2563 The dent in your top couldn't have come from low moisture. Yes. You can use moisture to swell wood. An iron with a wet cloth is often used to fix dents in guitars.

[@staleyexplores]

Ben seems like a gentle soul and I feel like I can hear that in his guitar, it was interesting to get to hear his thoughts on fixes/issues. Had to circle back when I had more attention span to learn a thing or two!

[@GizzyDillespee]

My previous guitar, way back before the turn of the century, was a Korean Washburn acoustic that was ply back and sides, not sure about the top. In the summer, one day I was in Arkansas in the river valley, then I drove to 12000 feet in Colorado to pick orthoclase crystals just below the Climax mine, then I took it to Glenwood Springs for a few days and played it with my feet dangling in the free hot springs by the river and the steam rising up, then I went to Vegas and Tahoe for a couple days, and then to Arcata California on the Pacific Ocean, and camped out there for a while. Then I went to Seattle. That guitar never had a case, so I couldn't use a case humidifier. I tried to take it with me on really hot days, but sometimes it had to stay in the car. I'm sure I cared more about my tobacco or weed drying out, or the shrooms getting too damp. That's how life was back then. Where I was going with this - the guitar never developed a crack and the neck didn't twist and the frets didn't fly off or anything. I remember adjusting the action on the west coast at one point - it had gotten a little too high to play up the frets, so I brought it down. I don't remember if I gave it away or sold it. When I went to the city, I needed more room in the car, so I got rid of the guitar and the ridiculous speaker box with the 2 10" speakers. I forgot to mention that - the whole way, the guitar was getting blasted with massive dub reggae sub bass, and some really weird music that would rattle the car windows. That was an Olds 88, with a metal firewall, so the whole trunk was like one big metal resonator chamber for the subs and the 6x9s. Now I'm wondering if Washburn used superglue, or how exactly that guitar made it thru that. There was a full sized black and red Sigue Sigue Sputnik bumper sticker across the lower bout just below the bridge, on a mahogany guitar! Just terrible taste, and I apologize to those who had to see it, and whoever ended up having to remove the sticker. I'm talking a full sized bumper sticker. The 90s, man. I sucked at guitar, so I thought it would be an appropriate sticker. I'll tell you what, though... it was right where the mandolin cracked, in this video. I wonder if it helped? I remember being so careful applying it, making sure there were no bubbles. Anyway, I wonder how all these vintage solid wood guitars made it down through the decades? I remember some people used to use humidifiers, and before that, we would put a pot of water on the wood stove, but with a wood stove and 50 year old decomposing sawdust as insulation in the walls, humidifying was a losing battle back then. That was my uncle and aunt's house, but I'm sure plenty of guitar players had a similar living situation. But now, this winter, everyone's nuts about humidity. I guess it's important, but before the internet was popular, we really didn't think anything about it. With laminate back and sides, I was most worries about not getting getting the guitar too WET at the beach or hot springs etc. I don't have forced air, and I keep it relatively cool but steady, and I only have a cheap old (seasoned) guitar, but it's solid wood. I keep a little cheap humidifier going slowly anyway, but nothing like you guys are talking about. Hopefully things stay ducky! I'll check out your other vids.

[@mikecrean8849]

Great video Jeremy. So interesting. Ben is such a great builder. Beautiful countryside on your drive there. 🙋‍♂️🇬🇧

[@ryanfulldark2775]

I hear ya, Jeremy. I seem to be stuck around 35% humidity no matter how many humidifiers I run. I’m up in upstate NY, it’s definitely been a dry one.

[@drivenmad7676]

I live in a drafty old farmhouse in Maine, Heated with wood only. Needles to say i don't have a large collection. However i do own a Washburn acoustic (junk),but plays okay. A Harley benton TE52 that i love and a Regal Resonator that i never play( buzzy and needs a (Luthier). HELP!!!!!

[@Super_Nope_13]

I would get hardcases for them and use case humidifiers. Keep them in the cases when not playing them. That's always the cheapest and easiest option for monitoring instrument humidity. You don't even have to use some expensive case humidifier (though I really like the d'addario ones)... you can just soak a sponge put it in a small zip lock bag with a few holes or small slits in it, use a clothes pin and dangle it in the soundhole from the strings. Just make sure it's not dripping water in the body... the sponge should be moist at all times, not dripping wet. Hope this helps. If you need a referral for a good luthier in your area, just let me know.

[@drivenmad7676]

@@Super_Nope_13 thank you for the advice. I'm in western Maine do you know any Luthiers in my state?

[@Super_Nope_13]

I have a buddy that works for bourgeois guitars in Lewiston Maine. I just sent him a message asking if he is taking repair jobs at this time. He's the only one I know in Maine... but even if he can't, he'll likely know someone qualified. I'll let you know.

[@drivenmad7676]

@@Super_Nope_13 fantastic. I go to Lewiston all the time. even if he can't i really appreciate everything. Thank you so much.

[@copdoc]

Hey Skeddy!!! Great video Jeremy!

[@JeremySheppard]

I love Skeddy. He gave me a pick with his face on it. Haha

[@copdoc]

@@JeremySheppard nice lol he was at Galloup when I was a Masters student 😊 Great guy

[@michaelminturn183]

Hopefully I can add some value to the comments section here. I own a 65 Martin 00-18, a fender Strat and recently a Martin J40. A respiratory therapist friend of mine mentioned that humidifying room air is done best with a unit that heats the water. He went on to say that a rooms ambient temperature has an effect on the ability to increase humidity. If you run a little cooler room (below 70) buy a heated humidifier or increase your room temperature when running the mist style units. Ever notice after a summer rain when the sun warms things up how noticeable the humidity is. Apparently it does have an effect. Hopefully this helps. I’m running a warm mist unit here in Wisconsin. Good luck.

[@acadianflatpicker]

I remember during your reno's you installed a minislip AC system. AC actually dehumidifies the air. That might be your problem.

[@jayarbee3804]

In my high ceiling studio, I have two commercial sized humidifiers running 24/7. I refill each daily. In the Northeast winter, it’s a struggle - 50 % relative humidity in average winter weather, but barely 30% in the extreme cold……

[@carlchiveral2307]

The only time I have ever had a guitar crack was when I tried to keep the humidity up in the winter. I don't try to control humidity anymore and have had no problems. I live up north with gas heat. It's dry as a mother. But all good.

[@staleyexplores]

Jeremy ty bud for bringing us great content, cheers friends

[@paulboden7850]

The cherry 00 is gonna be nice. You're fortunate to have Ben down the road for repairs/adjustments.

[@deblane401]

I live in Montana and the humidity can get as low as 15% in the dead of winter. I run a humidifer 24 hours a day and try to keep it at 40 % (the highewt I can get it). My Montana Lutherie mandolin (built by Bruce Weber) has had no problems so far. But I go through a lot of distiled water. George in Helena, Montana

[@texhaines9957]

Amen! You can also get a home distillation unit. Helena Mt.

[@mattmacfarlane2202]

2 yrs ago my old terada's soundhole was dipping real bad,i put 2 carrots in it,put it in it's case for 3 days,boy,what a difference.the top had leveled up so much,what a difference putting moisture back in!!!

[@JeremySheppard]

Wait....what?! 😂

[@mattmacfarlane2202]

this guitar had been in my loft for 20 summers and winters.a guitar playing friend took it and got it playable.new strings,truss rod adjustment,nut,he could'nt do the saddle 'cos we think it had an adjustable one at one time,new tuners,and thats when i said,well,i guess i've got to try and learn this.3 yrs ago this month mate.and it did work,but as you said in you're live show a wee while back,it plays rubbish now.my luthier said he would get it playing like new,just have'nt got round to giving it to him yet!! bit long winded,but,there you go!!🤗🤗

[@deachkoch9521]

I recently spent two days cleaning the white haze off of everything in my guitar room from using a mist humidifier ( long way from town so distilled water not an option). Bought a good evaporator humidifier which works great with no white film.

[@ryanfulldark2775]

I’ve been using demineralization tablets in mine, it helped a lot.

[@jeffsquires6620]

Jeremy you gave an excellent video topic, should you leave a guitar completely original for nostalgia or value. Or should you keep it optimum for playing. Remember to always keep all changed parts. I know what you humidity issue is. It's frequent and drastic changes in humidity. Your studio is smart and every time you open the door your humidity drops to 0. Keep guitars you are not playing in cases and put small humifiers near your rack. Also when guitars move to a new home they go through one of the changes. Been in my new house 1year. Just starting to figure out placement and humidity now.

[@ShineDawg]

Ben's a good dude, God bless the flat pickers of this world. All the best fam

[@ZandvlietGuitarCompany]

Good stuff, I’m sure the octave mandolin will be as good as new when ben has done his magic.

[@markinmemphis]

Same humidifier and same battle! I am averaging about 35 percent humidity this winter…

[@joemcgraw5529]

Need to find a decent humidifier ,Im having the same problem ,which is opposite in Summer im running a noisey dehumidifier 27% humidity im my basement now and not happy lol

[@jondowe5252]

Skeddy is awesome and I miss him dearly

[@JeremySheppard]

Come hang!

[@jude.25]

Same problem with humidity here in NE Alabama, Jeremy. So far, I've managed to keep it above 40%, but I've had to cover the floor vent and let my guitar room stay a little cool. Also, I picked up a Tacoma DM9, built in '02. I am liking it a lot. Any experience with these?

[@peelarat-hijuelos]

Get tropical fish tank with heater set to 75 ... u get plenty of right humidity in the air

[@carlchiveral2307]

Wouldn't a wood instrument pull moisture from the person playing them? Just curious.

[@RByrne]

For anyone looking for a higher quality, or even just a more accurate humidifier, don't go to Home Depot, go to indoor gardening centers. They have far more accurate stuff that is basically set and forget

[@dvanolya]

Jeremy, aren't you concerned that the Mahogany One Padgett guitar you got last year is already bellying and has a hump in the fretboard requiring repair? Especially for a hand built guitar. I'd be really concerned.

[@JeremySheppard]

Buying the first model year is always a gamble. It's lightly built but not going crazy. It's still my favorite guitar to listen to(maybe second to my Waterloo) but knowing Ben and his calm approach gives me lots of peace. I played it at church yesterday and had full joy playing it the whole time.

[@texhaines9957]

Jeremy, who sized your humidifier? Last summer our outside humidity got to 6%, inside lower. My HVAC engineering says something didn't happen correctly. You got my email.

[@ShineDawg]

Just some real good people...

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

33% during winter cold is actually not that bad! If you’re still at 30% when outside temps fall into single digits then 30% is actually too high RH. If you’re cranking a humidifier because you’re afraid your guitars will all turn into a pile of wood chips you’re likely doing more harm than good not to your guitars as much as other elements of your home.

[@batman48195]

Jeremy you need to add a humidifier to your furnace along with the room one. Otherwise it sucks all the humidity out of the room.

[@JeremySheppard]

We don't have a furnace. But also got a bigger humidifier since filming this. Thanks!

[@2dazetake]

What is your favorite guitar and the one you play the most,also what is the cheapest guitar you own,that you would recommend, to someone looking for decent guitar that is affordable, thanks.

[@JeremySheppard]

My favorite guitar is my Waterloo WLS, this Padgett is right there with it. The cheapest qatarion is a squire Tom delong that's been with me since I was 14. I also have an Orangewood that I like a lot. For the money, I like the Guild imports and Eastman. Recording King dirty Thirties are really fun too.

[@dalesearcy5734]

I see a lot of differing opinions when it comes to humidity. I have decided to go with idea that a guitar will acclimate to the humidity that it lives in for the most part. Those of us that live in very dry climates will have a very difficult time keeping guitars at 509%. My goal is to not get under 30%. I don't always achieve this and my 1982 Martin D-35 has never suffered form humidity issues. Keeping the humidity stable can be as important as how high the level is.

[@ryanbloom1738]

Case sponge I'm my opinion I like Nomad. Matt from Eddie's says keep you guitars in their cases man.

[@tomdalia5284]

#LoveTheSkeddy

[@tomdalia5284]

WAIT I'M THE BUDDY AT GALLOUP!

[@Super_Nope_13]

Sup buddy

[@tomdalia5284]

@@Super_Nope_13 MY HERO

[@JavaoftheLava]

I think it’s easier to treat guitars like violins. Keep it in the case with a soundhole humidifier. It’ll outlive you

[@JeremySheppard]

That's a good thought

[@hjlim8993]

Looks like the mister you have is just too small, considering everything including the dry walls, furnishing and other things are also soaking up moisture.

[@JeremySheppard]

I just got a big boi....2 gallons

[@alanfloyd3205]

Your Humidifier is just under the Mini split. the Humidity is being sucked out immediately. Try putting it on the other side of the room. Just something to try.

[@Dub1281]

That is a humidifier for a child's bedroom. Buy a bigger one that holds a minimum of 1 gallon and can actually pump real humidity into the room. Also, a fan helps.

[@JeremySheppard]

Got a 2 gallon one day after this video. Hello 50% humidity!

[@dhbauman558]

SKEDDY!

[@billsmith3042]

my dude thats not a humidifer that's a vaporizer. you need a commercial grade humidifier, not a walmart bedroom machine they call a "humidifier." Go to home depot.

[@JeremySheppard]

I got one after this video. 2 gallon tank....look out world.

[@billsmith3042]

@@JeremySheppard awesome! your channel is the best on yuotube.

[@BobPerrone]

Wiggle and play....lmao

[@derekelder3010]

Lol that's your humidifier you use? Bro come on gotta be smarter than that