How to and when to humidify your guitars and WHY! How to make humidifiers

[@captaincoyote1792]

I was a federal wildlife officer down in Georgia in early part of my career. I found folks down south “genuine”! I’m retired now....taking up the guitar. Didn’t realize how much I miss interacting with hunters and fishermen. I digress.....I recently started using the Lifeguard Humidifier due to a significant crack in my guitar’s bridge; three days after using it, you almost can’t see the crack! Great product! And great video, amigo! Take care!

[@jean-claudefillion6500]

so informative i watched the ads without skipping just to help him

[@adamx9987]

Love this guy's videos. Find myself coming to his shows over all the bigger channels.

[@DynamicRockers]

Don't forget, between 45% to 55% humidity inside the guitar. Thanks for the useful info Randy ;)

[@RestoreAllLLCPittsburg]

Man I love this guy.... I been watching videos for problems I don't even have with my guitar. I'm a carpenter and worked at a cabinet shop when I was younger so I feel like I should know more about this stuff then I do. But I been watching and learning a lot of ways I fxxxed up with my guitars in the past. Live and learn. Thanks Randy

[@RandySchartiger]

great to hear man thank you! and thanks for checking out my videos!

[@erwinmge]

Randy, as usual, you provide sound advice. Everyone needs this information that owns a guitar. I started searching for the reasons that my frets were protruding from the fret board a few years ago and discovered that something needed to be done. I researched and talked to a few folks and found advice similar to yours. You provided a real needed Public Service with your video. It's very timely. Thanks again!!

[@RandySchartiger]

+Maurice Erwin I should have made mention electric guitars need humidified too, solid bodies not so much but the open grain fingerboard ones do or exactly what you said about the fret ends happens eventually. Thanks for that reminder and for watching and commenting Maurice, I appreciate you! :)

[@VioletRene]

Bravo! I love your style and presentation! This video is just what I needed! Thank You from Oregon!

[@paulgeorgia8013]

Hi Randy, Great video with great advice so thank you. One thing I would offer in the way of info is that I have had some bad experiences with using tap water. Depending on where you live, you can wind up with mineral deposits left over from the evaporation on your sponges, or even in the guitar. I always use distilled water, so there are no minerals left behind. You can get a gallon for about 1 dollar at any supermarket.

[@bobpower8411]

Hello from cold Nova Scotia, just love your videos and obviously you know your stuff. I humidified a guitar I have because of a top bow right behind the bridge. I put a small amount of pressure on it by folding pieces of paper, the width of the bridge, loosely taped them all together so that they would compress. I folded enough so that when I stacked them behind the bridge and closed the case top, they put enough easy compression on that bow. I left it like that for about a week and it did flatten the top. To keep a long story short your humidification methods work. Keep putting your videos up, I'm learning a lot form you.

[@adamw2621]

I have been playing guitar for 25 years now, and of all the nonsense jibber jabber I have heard people discuss with humidification, yours is just straight forward truth on the correct way! Thank you. You earned a new subscriber. I learned about this the hard way unfortunately. I sent my J45 to Nashville hoping Gibson would fix it. They sent it back and said no, the belly at the bridge was because it was too dry. I got the guitar fixes but it still has a slight bulge, but I use those clay humidifiers like you showed like crazy now. I live in Northeast TN, it is super humid in the summer, but when winter comes the house dries out because of the HVAC of course. Thanks again for this video. This is the best video on instrument humidification I have ever watched.

[@RandySchartiger]

+Adam Wallen Thank you Adam and welcome aboard! Sorry to hear about your J45, those are nice instruments! I hope you got it lined out and playable again. Thanks for the nice comment and for subscribing it's very much appreciated!

[@ac0ustic78]

i left my solid top in my car for a few hours on the back seat not thinking of what happened when i got it home and changed the strings i had a dull tin sound horrible buzz on 6th e at 4th,6th 8th frets and couldn't figger out why ,i used same gauge strings,my neck is perfectly set with a nice low action , nut , saddle ok.. scratching my head i googled it... and there it was ..fret buzz causes. humidity.. i ran a straight edge over the belly and it had sunk so much ,the arch was gone and the natural wood felt grainy. so after a few videos , yours being the best randy as usual.. i made my own humidifier with a sponge, paper clips and plastic circle ... the first week my guitar drank more water than Africa !! its all back to normal now thank god ... once a week i dampen the sponge and cover the sound hole as i hang my guitar on the wall. thanks randy love your videos.

[@lego40404]

I'm glad I found your channel Randy. I was given a Epi Hummingbird artist a couple of months ago that's been sitting for two years with no strings, tuners and saddle. You could've jumped a dirt bikes off the hump where the neck meets the body as well and the twist wasn't to bad. After seeing a few of your tutorials I dove right in and Following your guidance I cant believe how much this guitar sprung back. I picked up a correct set of second hand tuners, Bone nut and saddle and strung it up. I have the humidification going for 24 hrs now and will let go for another 24, then I'll check the humidity level. Im not looking for perfection but I should have a nice playing acoustic in no time

[@johnlindsey9915]

My 1980's Seagull S6 had developed some belly bulge below the bridge and the fretboard extension had started doing a nosedive toward the sound hole. I used your sponge and zip lock bag method for 4 or 5 days. The belly is all but gone and the fretboard and bridge are now on the same plane. Thanks for the good tips!

[@jamieowens3106]

You ever thought about writing a book?id buy it,seriously

[@LaZaritasjourney]

Hi! Thank you, Randy Schartiger for the wonderful info on humidifying one's guitar. I have a guitar that's 45 years old, and one side is warped on the sound hole.Never knew this to this extent. Also, trhe back unglued and its edges became shorter and one rib became loose. I appreciated the info. This guitar is so very special to me because it belonged to my mom and because my dad had bought it for her. 'Keep-on-A-Rocking-N-A-Rolling!' ; -D

[@RandySchartiger]

You're welcome my friend, thank you for tuning in! :) Iff you humidify that guitar from inside the sound hole as well as humidifiers outside the body with the guitar in the case my bet is you'll see most of the warping and pulling straighten out by itself, it's amazing what re-humidifying a guitar badly dried out will do to it. If its that dry it'll probably take a couple of weeks to get it back up to normal.

[@ljamiol]

Thank you for your informative video. Now that I've acquired a few acoustics and jazz boxes, I have become more aware of humidification. I mostly use the Herco clay humidifiers. I refill those every 2 to 4 weeks. I always store the guitars in their cases. I have 2 that I keep out. One is plywood and the other is carbon fiber. In addition, the house has hot air heat/AC with a built-in humidifier which I normally set to 55% relative humidity. I keep all my guitars tuned to pitch when in storage. I play most of them monthly. They are my babies..

[@TheWildAdventureGirls]

Awesome playing and fantastic channel! We have liked and subscribed =)

[@jacklawer6389]

Gr8 video, thanks I bought a couple of those hydrometers with bluetooth, so i can monitor my humidity levels on my phone with app.

[@arnematthijssen1821]

yes, it helped someone even 5 years after! Just bought a beautiful CF-100 1952 Gibson...and i am afraid to even touch it, have put some humidification in its case and will let it get used to my room for a few more days :)

[@thomastommy1192]

Awesome video. I have seen this before. I wanted to review it again. Since it's winter again. It would be great if someone could invent a case that plugged in electrical outlets to keep the guitar at the right temp and humtidey. Thanks for sharing.

[@PresAdams-bz2ep]

You're such a genius! Apply for that patent! I would seriously buy one!

[@dolphabernethy9723]

Just discovered your videos today! Great information and great sense of humor!

[@RandySchartiger]

thank you my friend! welcome aboard! :)

[@Kaderpeck]

Nice! ....and funny! ...."Humidify your box! You Gotta keep your box moist!" Hilarious! lol

[@RandySchartiger]

+Doot Derman Thanks for checking it out mate! :)

[@GILLEBRATH]

Hi Randy, thanks for the reminder, I have a few guitars and will check them more often now. Thanks and take care, good advice.

[@RandySchartiger]

+GILLEBRATH Thanks for tuning in Gillebrath! Yes keep them properly humidified and you'll never have trouble with them coming apart.

[@dalepal]

After learning the hard way I now humidify the room where the guitars are out and also use Dampit that seems to work well. I found having a digital hygrometer is a must to really know the level of humidity.

[@RandySchartiger]

+Dale Palmer Yes! Definitely need a way to monitor the humidity! I tried guessing it for years and was wrong! lol Even a cheap one will get you close, better than nothing! Thanks for tuning in Dale!

[@jaw444]

Thanks for the reviews and information. I just got one of those Kysers on Amazon, it was delivered today. That was before i saw your video. The main reason i wanted this one is that i can still play my guitar when it's in. i don't know how dry my guitar is but it's having symptoms. My room hygrometer shows mid 20s %, i'm in the Los Angeles area, temperatures aren't very extreme but i can see that the lack of humidity affects this one guitar. None of my other acoustics have ever shown any effects or variation. all my guitars are old. The one that i'm concerned about is 1931 Gibson L-1 12 fret and it's my holy grail. i like to play it a lot and keep it within reach all the time , including when sleeping at night. That's why i liked the idea of the sound hole cover where i could still play the guitar. I am completely new to humidification though i've been playing for 50 years, i never noticed any issues with any guitars. Except this one. When the weather is really dry, the 4th string on the 9th fret doesn't make a good sound there, it's kind of buzzy and off pitch and muted sounding. But when the humidity goes up, it sounds normal again. Also, it had a cracked brace that was repaired in November of 2014 and then it cracked again, in a different place, two weeks later. Back then, i didn't associate it with humidity and the guy who repaired it didn't mention humidification, i thought it was another issue with the guitar (some gouging of the X braces a former owner apparently did in order to make the braces lighter? i don't know, it's the lightest guitar i've ever met. Anyway, i would like to ask some questions about the video. One is why do you think the Kyser isn't able to increase the humidity inside the guitar? do you think it has too small of a sponge to do that? Two, the Dampit, as you demonstrated, has a sound hole cover so i'm guessing i can accomplish the same purpose as the Kyser , if the cover isn't too close to the strings. Is that true? Three, based on your review, i ordered two Dampits on Amazon. I didn't see any choice of different sizes, but i guess i'll start with two of whatever size they send (they'll be delivered tomorrow) and put them inside the guitar. I hope the included hygrometer will give some info, including a baseline reading, but if not, i'll get a hygrometer. I don't know how else to tell if it's working except if the symptom goes away. Four, does the Dampit have to be hung from the sound hole cover or can it just be dropped into the guitar, as long as it's rung out real good? Five, to humidify the outside of the guitar, my understanding is that i would have to put it in its case with a humidifier. Can i just put one of the Dampits in a slitted ziplock and put it in the case? i never put that guitar in a case because i just want to play it so much of the time. It's in reach all the time. But in dry weather, i'll make a practice of leaving it in the case with some kind of humidifier, at least during the night. Six, how do you know when you need to put more water in a humidifier? With a hygrometer? Is there a rough general guideline about that, or i guess it depends on the weather/humidity where you live?

[@RandySchartiger]

It often takes some guitars a very long time to dry out, some longer than others, but if left unchecked long enough they will eventually began to show signs. Your question about Kyser, they are excellent for maintaining humidity levels once a guitar is humidified properly but as you said the sponge is too small if the guitar is dried out badly, they will eventually work but you have to refill the sponge with water daily. Two: Yes, anything like plastic or rubber that doesn't absorb the humidity can be used to cover the soundhole. Three: A cheap digital hygrometer works much better and more accurately, those that come with the Dampits are not very useful or accurate. Four: It can be dropped into the soundhole without the cover yes, but a lot of the process would be lost if the hole isn't covered and the humidifying process will take much longer. Five: You don't have to put a Dampit into a ziplock, just ring it out good and dry it off and you can lay them inside the case almost anywhere as long as more water isn't squeezed out. Six: Check the humidifiers daily, or at least every couple days, when the sponge starts to feel dryer soak it again, ring it out good and dry it off. When the moisture content of the guitars wood reaches the proper level you'll start to notice the sponges taking longer and longer to dry out, your guitar is then properly humidified and the hygrometer should maintain 45-55% with no humidifiers inside the sound hole.

[@robknott1687]

They make small humidity monitors for reptiles have a probe so you can mount it in your case and see the humidity as soon as you open your case and there cheap thats what i have been using lately and i love it

[@mk3ferret]

Thanks mate, just traded some used equipment for my first flamenco guitar outta my local guitar center, BONE DRY by the time it got home, a sponge did the trick untell I was able to pick up a dampit

[@RandySchartiger]

cool! they come very dry from a lot of stores I am told. thanks for checking out my videos!

[@el34glo59]

Hey I live in the North east. Humidity is always 40-55 percent in the house. But I use the planet waves humidipacks. They are sealed packets that you hang in tbe sound hole and one pack that goes in by the headstock. They actually regulate the humidity. Keeps it between 45-55 percent. They'll get hard when they've been used up and you just get new ones. No liquid to spill. No screwing around and the fact they regulate it, not just raise it, is great. Mine still haven't gotten hard because my humidity rarely drops below 38 on a day and that in tbe winter. But I use them anyway. Got to be safe. You ever tried them by any chance? No mess. No fuss. And you never have to worry. Take them right out when u play. Put them right back in when you're done. Takes 10 seconds. I don't humidify the outside though, even in the winter. You think I should? Seems to stay at ideal conditions in jersey. I think it matters what environment the guitar was built in and what store they were stored in. My guitars seem to sound the best at 45. When they get to 55 they sound a little muddy. You find anything similar?

[@nonoozabletodogmaisaiah4577]

Always great homemade tips.

[@vickycampbell6311]

Nicely done, Sir! Thank you very much. :)

[@williamjahn7514]

Randy , I have a question and comment about humidity it's a bit long hope you can find time. First off I watched Rosa String Works repair an ovation top and he brought up humidity . all guitar manufactures claim if they find your guitar was dried out and this caused the issue the warranty is now trash , you did it and I agree. Saw your comment of the Ovation repair and you brought up humidity . He seems to feel it's not always best, he has his own ideas and I respect that. I have two acoustics , both only have solid tops and three ply solid wood backs and sides. Here is southern Calif it can get quite dry especially when the Santa Anna winds blow in . It can be 20% one day and 30% the next then drop to 10% . I imagine an all solid wood guitar requires more care yet three ply solid wood is still wood add in the solid top. Both have hard shell cases . A 2004 Seagull grand Parlor and One Epiphone EL-00 Pro 2013 . I check the analog stewmac hygrometer daily since I don't have any in case units and keep them in their cases in a small closet so I can control things better. I don't know what the actual in case RH is. All this to say I use a dampit in the Seagull and a Plane waves in the EPI plus a small sponge in a zip lock in both at the head stock , all are wrung out well . I write down the daily temp and RH to keep track . If I see 45 % or above I don't add moisture just leave the devices in the case with guitar . I never see mold . I never let water drip inside . I think since Ovations are a fiber bowl any moisture at all just may help the top yet the bowl body acts like a bowl with a sponge and can't absorb moisture . On Bob Taylors site he has a sort of chart 20-35% wet 5 to 7 days , 35-45% 10 to 14 days , 20% add second unit. His guitars are mostly all solid wood. I try to use that as a base line. I do use 2 one in sound hole one at head stock yet the sponge at the head stock stays damp longer still damp I let it be. I wait depending on RH until one is dry before I act. Since the El-00 Pro has that thick plastic like finish and they add this under saddle PU they drilled a hole through the end block not on center more to the bass side by 1/8" and now for some reason I can see the side seam in the finish and I couldn't before . This brings me back to Rosa stating humidity swells wood and the finish my buckle yet it's only at this one area . I might not have noticed it until last week and it may always have been there. I don't need the fishman PU system and don't like the jack off center thought I'd remove , plug the hole all the way into the end block and fit a normal strap button there. and since it's sun burst it's gloss black it this area so I could blend easy . If you have time will you offer your thought's ?

[@Badass_Rooster]

I played a Blueridge guitar for years! Very nice guitar

[@RandySchartiger]

they are indeed good guitars, thanks for watching!

[@arcticflying]

Hello Randy! First of all, thanks so much for your time. I'm having some interesting humidity issues with a friend's 12 string Larrivée. The first thing I noticed was the bridge trying to unglue itself from the rear. Also, the bridge "wings" were warped and a crack from the bridge to the butt of the guitar was showing up. I unglued the bridge, soaked it in boiling water for a few minutes and clamped it on a flat piece of metal for 2 days. It seemd to work; the bridge went back to its original shape. Put it back on with hide glue, leaving the clamps overnight and I thought the guitar had its new life. A day or two later, the wings are warped again. Didn't dare restringing...I might want to buy a couple of Dampit devices. Feel a bit desperate about it but you gave me a lot of hope. Thanks again my friend!

[@RandySchartiger]

It does sound like the guitar is badly dried out! After you glued the bridge back on it quickly dried out again because the moksture content of the wood fibers just wasn't high enough. I would recommend humidifying the guitar inside and out, put humidifiers inside the sound hole, block the hole with a plastic lid of some sort, then put the guitar in a case with more humidifiers inside the case with it and leave it for at least a week, you will be surprised the things this will correct and fix! You might have to remove the bridge again and really build up the moisture content i it and the guitar body before gluing it back on. Just remember, if it took a guitar years to dry out, it will take a very long time to get it back up to normal, usually weeks to months depending on how dry the wood is. And if you humidify it too quickly (like you did the bridge) it almost always becomes dry quickly again. I hope this helps, good luck!

[@arcticflying]

Thanks for such a quick and elaborate reply Randy. What if I remove the bridge and let in the case while humidifying the guitar?

[@AvaPxiaO]

One thing that crossed my mind recently was whether moisture inside the guitar will eventually affect the electronics that most acoustic these days have. Maybe some silicone in contacts and on the seams of those plastic boxes or pots and plug may be necessary.

[@RandySchartiger]

Very good point! Thanks for adding that info it will help many people. Silicone should work perfectly for this I think.

[@billsutherland2128]

Hey Randy! How do you project microphones and pickups inside an acoustic guitar when humidifying in the winter?Thanks for the great videos. Yes, you need to write a book and share your knowledge before you go to the great Luthier's guild in the sky. Signed, Bill from Minnesoootah.

[@Flat-Pickfan]

Great info. It really can save an instrument. I've got a few homemade ones

[@RandySchartiger]

+Flat-PickFan Especially if not kept at a safe level can really ruin an instrument over time.

[@jhorsty]

Always great and informative videos,thanks Randy.Getting that time of year again here in the Midwest.I find that if you monitor the Planet Waves sponge Humidifier regularly,every 3 days or so,they work well. If is the key word,they dry out pretty quickly.Have to use Distilled Water also. I checked on my '08 Gibson Advanced Jumbo the other day after not checking it for well over a week and the sponge was dry as a Bone.Humidity reading was 41% , with more diligent checking should improve to at least 45%. Really enjoy your Channel,have a Happy New Year!!!

[@RandySchartiger]

thanks my friend for checking out my videos! happy holidays! and happy humidifying! :)

[@KYTO82]

Good advice Randy I have those little cans in my case.

[@RandySchartiger]

+KY. T.O. They are very good humidifiers, my only complaint is the holes usually being too little but it's an easy fix. Thanks for watching Tim!

[@stribor695]

I guess one can also make humidifiers similar to those dumpets with some plastic/rubber hose and some sponge. Thanks man,subscribed

[@cpnstbn1266]

One tip, if you have hard water, your sponge will eventually lose its spongeability ( not a word I know). I like to use the keyser lifeguard, because you can cut a slit in it and replace the sponge when its calcified, with a thicker sponge so it works even better. or buy distilled water...

[@DnDnBeer]

Once every few months I put my guitars (and cigar humidors) in the bathroom while the shower is running hot. Works like a charm.

[@SynergyCeleste]

I have to glue on a Rosewood Bridge on a Brittle Cedar Top... Should I Humidify the Guitar before the gluing or wait until the glue is cured??? Titebond 3, waiting 3 days, using a bridge caul.

[@RandySchartiger]

humidify the guitar first! that way the wood can expand as much as it needs to, then glue on the bridge.

[@SynergyCeleste]

OK thanks!

[@MegaGuitarplayer92]

Hey great video I’m going from Florida to Arizona soon and have been worried about this stuff should I put the humidifier in before or after I land cause I was also afraid of over humidifying it cause fl has lots of humidity

[@fatalfever7781]

could you do a lesson on removing a bridge if possible?

[@nigelmccluskey]

Cheers buddy,good honest info...

[@stevew585]

Hi Randy, what's your opinion on hanging the Guitar on the wall as opposed to putting them on regular floor stands? I used to have the Guitar on the floor stand but now with lack of space have to ' Hang Her by The Kneck'. Is that ok long term? Thanks

[@oscarjagal1081]

Thx for sharing its great explanation, I just need to ask you when you start building acoustic or classical guitar how should be the humidity of the wood for the body and soundboard ? And if the guitar very dry does effect the sound ? And if the guitar got over 60% humidity also its effect the sound ? Sorry too many question thx for sharing again 😊

[@guitarstruggles3140]

Good video brother, I never really think about this. Should I get one for my case for my electrics?

[@RandySchartiger]

+guitarstruggles Probably the only electric guitars that need it most are hollow body and guitars with open grain fingerboards, the first thing you'll notice when it gets too dry are the fret ends start sticking out and feel sharp, this is good indication it needs humidity. Thanks for tuning in brother!

[@johnbugay3748]

@randy schartiger. make a video on humidifying a guitar case. i just got a new case n put my guitarbin and my hygrometer is like 35% humidity. n i have the best hygrometers in my cases due to seeing my best friends martin snap in half while jamming. i just started to humidify my guitars. i use the two way humidifier from boveda. they work great. my cases with guitar in them always stay at 45 to 55% humidity.

[@JorgeTheilacker]

Thanks for all information! Cheers

[@jimcamp2423]

FL is different, the HVAC system is the best thing. AC or Heat, during the summers and warmer months, the RH in the house is about 55-60%. On the coldest winter day it'll drop to about 40 with the heater running. But that lasts a day and it's back to 45-50% RH and another day later it's 55% RH. And that's where the win comes in for an Ovation Applause, the neck/fretboard & top/bridge are it for wood hydration, the bowl is Lyrichord. So a string change and a quick fretboard & bridge cleaning & oiling and the guitar is hydrated with the natural moisture of the air from the process of HVAC. I think if I didn't have an HVAC system, I'd be using a dessicant to dry the guitar rather than the humidifier year round. I live in East coastal Flagler County, considered NE Central FL.

[@AvaPxiaO]

Advise Inquiry: When moisturizing a dehydrated guitar is it best to keep it in tune, without any string tension or with just slight guitar tension? I tend to store guitars by detuning the strings to the point where they can barely make any sound and think that a totally unstrung guitar may be just as prone to warping as tuned guitar when not played. But while going through a moisture treatment I don't know which way to go.

[@RandySchartiger]

It's best to always leave some tension on the instrument, as it was designed to have it all of the time, so yes when hydrating a slight tension on the strings will allow all of the wood to return to it's expected form and shape. Even storing an instrument some tension should be on them at all times. I tune down at least one whole step, but more is ok too as long as some tension it always left on it.

[@jillrob4871]

I live in Coastal BC. it gets extra humid here in the winter. do I really need to humidify? we use DE humidifiers in most homes here in the winter.

[@THEALBRL]

More of a question than comment. I've Done outdoor stuff here and there and in doing so have somehow accumulated or acquired these mold type spores for lack of better terms , in my acoustic guitars as well as the cases . when i put fresh sponge type humidifiers like those in your video the spores or mold actually starts to form on the sponges. Wide open for suggestions. p.s. does NOT make me sick or cause any other health problems other than some aggravation.

[@RandySchartiger]

Several things causing that to happen, your sponges could be too big, causing them to stay wet too long, the sponges need to dry out as the guitar gets moister, if your sponge is too big it's making it too damn inside your case for too long of time. It doesn't take very much. Usually this doesn't happen unless the case is left closed over a long period of time. Try aa smaller sponge and open the case for about 5 minutes a couple times per week should stop the mold.

[@THEALBRL]

Thanks Randy I Know Your a Busy Man. Great Work On The Videos. I'm 60 Years young and some day when I grow up maybe I'll be just like you.

[@RandySchartiger]

THEALBRL I'm right behind you at 57 years, I wonder sometimes if I'll ever grow up or not haha! Thanks for your support my friend I'm glad to help! :)

[@waltdombrowski3789]

Thanks Randy great tips... I got a few questions. 1) When you put the sponges in the baggie, did you poke holes in the baggie, leave it open or leave it closed ? Couldn't tell. 2) I have my guitars out on the wall, I live down in Florida, of course AC is pretty much always on. Should I put them in cases ? 3) I have a Rogue acoustic I got for like $60. Love the sound on it. I noticed it started getting some small white splotches on the inside pretty much where the label is and surrounding area. Any ideas ? It plays great, sounds great, no cracks, just about 6 spots.

[@RandySchartiger]

1: I used an exacto knife and just put slits down the side of the baggies for moisture to escape. 2: If you leave them on the wall I would suggest getting a digital hygrometer to keep in the same room and monitor the humidity levels in that room. 45-55% humidity should be maintained all the time. 3: No idea on that one mate, is it mold? Not sure what this could be other than mildew or mold. Maybe someone spilled something inside it?

[@AvaPxiaO]

In FL especially coastal areas, where humans tend to live, the air is 90+ % hum. The a/c will make the house drier, taking some humidity off. Further up and north where the temperature may go down to the point you need heat the indoors air being warm sucks humidity from anything. If the house is well insulated and not ventilated it will dry up. If not it sucks moisture from outside and brings it in. You can see this in real cold weather where indoor air releases its humidity on windows and other cool surfaces. Further north you get ice building up on the inside. You can never really tell unless you lock the guitar in a case and check once in a while if your humidifier is still moist. Where I am at now, in 2 days the thing is dry.

[@CesarAllGuitar]

Hi Randy. As always a great one. May I simply share a bad experience with the Kyser one? It ended up damaging slightly the finish in one of my two Martin's. Never used them again - switched to Dampit and since then using Dampits. Anyway is just my experience and it does not mean they are bad. Thanks Randy!

[@RandySchartiger]

+Cesar Blues Guitar Oh man sorry to hear it damaged your finish, especially on a Martin, could it have been defective? I've never had a problem with this one and it lives on a guitar hole all the time. Thanks for letting us know that is good to watch out for in the future.

[@Gingerjake2]

+Cesar Blues Guitar It's funny you should mention this because I was just ready to post that I used the Keyser sound hole one on my old Framus & I felt nervous because every time I removed it to replenish it, it hadn't hurt the finish or anything like that, but the wood around the hole felt excessively wet to the touch & it made me nervous to continue using it. Since the guitar is ancient, I figured maybe that was the reason because they hadn't hurt my other guitars at all. I do have to try some of these others that Randy has mentioned tho' because right now I'm using...*hanging head* nothing! ={ ~G~ ♪

[@CesarAllGuitar]

+Gingerjake2 HI there! It was exactly my issue but in my case it did hurt the finish as the excess of humidity went under the lacquer around the sound-hole. So I stayed with Dampits. Take care!

[@RandySchartiger]

Cesar Blues Guitar One thing I should have mentioned, I always make sure I dry out those lips with the edge of a towel good before placing it in the sound hole, maybe it's why I've had good luck with this. There is quite a bit of water in them usually and you wouldn't want them in your guitar with water in the lips. lol That sounds funny I know. :P

[@CesarAllGuitar]

+Randy Schartiger That was definitely the issue, Randy. I find drying out the lips of the device takes a lot of work and attention. Yes, it sounds funny! Thanks so much!

[@allanpennington]

I live in New Zealand and palace called Turangi where the avg annual humidity is as high as 80%. Its just the start of summer and it is around 65% today and 65 deg F. The weekly forecast is for around the same temp but humidity rising to around 80%. My 74 D35 does show some signs of drying, but this could just be age too. Is and avg of 80% going to be too high? BTW we are at about 1000ft above see level.

[@sulffojus1227]

allanpennington maybe its over humidified try measuring the humidity inside the guitar

[@allanpennington]

Thanks, I bought a small hygrometer and put it in the case. It is around 57% average and we are in mid summer now. Even on a wet day it doesn't get too humid as we have a good westerly prevailing wind. Winter gets cold though so I will watch out for it getting too dry.

[@gregbrown9271]

Thanks for the advice bro 👍

[@butteredbiskit3497]

I try to keep the room at around 50% but I don't use humidifiers and it gets drier than a bone in winter when its below zero.

[@steveharris2589]

Good video Randy, I learned the hard way Like you said you might not know it and you will be in for a big surprise when you open your case one day.🎸🎸🎸👍🏼😊🦃🍗

[@RandySchartiger]

+Steve Harris Thanks for tuning in Steve and for your video that reminded me to make this one. Yeah it's a big shock to open your case and see something like this.

[@CrawfishParish]

You're right! Thanks..

[@RandySchartiger]

+CrawfishParish Thank you for watching mate!

[@alamosabill201]

Interesting and I never knew it was necessary, I've only been concerned with dehumidifying my garage to keep the damp off my 911. Anyway does this mainly apply to acoustics as I have electrics which are kept in the case when not played. Cheers

[@RandySchartiger]

+Simon Bradbury Acoustics mainly, and hollow body electrics, and electrics with open grain finger boards, such as rosewood or ebony fingerboards. Thanks for tuning in!

[@martinv.5621]

Hi Randy! Great Video, Dude! I have a question. What should I do to get my guitar humidified but I do not want to get the electronics damaged in it. I mean I do not want that it gonna be rosted or something like that. I am just affraid when I put a sponge or other things in it, the water gonna have a bad influence on electronics or on any metal things. Any advice? Thanks, Greetings from the old Germany.

[@RandySchartiger]

That's a question that comes up a lot! About the only thing you can do is either take the electronics out until the guitar is humidified, or if you can tape plastic over and around them to create sort of a barrier between them and the moisture. About the only other thing I can think of is spray them with a good coat of something like wd40 or electronic cleaner and leave it on until humidity level is reached. Then wipe them off after humidifying. It usually doesn't hurt the electronics to humidify guitars but it's a good idea to protect them as much as possible.

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

Super video especially; (I can't spell especially) the ending edits were done to perfection. Same thing here, miss it but eye were young a could justify it? I think? I don't remember, what, oh yeah, its rhymes with xxxx its time four my medications, till next in Jesus Steve S. from Michigan†

[@graphicartdude]

Great videos. I just subscribed. Question for you... What about the electronics and metal of the guitar? For example, my acoustic / electric guitar has electronics on the inside that will corrode I'm guessing if I add moisture to the inside of the guitar. I'm sure there is some tedious way to cover some of those components, though I can't think of any simple and quick way other than taping something on there. It's not very accessible though. I read through the comments and see that one person suggested adding silicone to areas, though I definitely don't want to do that in case any repairs need to be done at some point. Any ideas? Thanks.

[@RandySchartiger]

It's a good idea to clean any movable parts (sliders/pots) before and after humidifying, there really is no way of avoiding the humidity effecting electronics to some point. I always spray them with electrical cleaner, this removes any moisture and dirt that might have gotten in and should make them perform normally. Other electronics that doesn't have any movable parts should be ok. Thanks for subscribing! I hope this helps.

[@ritadeleon5279]

I love your videos. I live in a very humid country, is it necessary to humidify here too? I guess I should check the % inside the guitar first, right?

[@RandySchartiger]

thank you Rita! yes you should always monitor the humidity of your guitars and all instruments, put a hygrometer inside your guitar (if acoustic) or in the case with the guitar and give it at least 24 hours then see what it reads, 45-55% is ideal. thanks again!

[@jjccllgg]

Thanks man! Good tips!

[@technicknb]

Hi Randy. My larrivee has 2mm or 0.078inch belly on each side.. Would drying it help or opposite i need to humidify it..? Cheers

[@RandySchartiger]

loosen the strings completely loose and humidify it for about a week, you should start seeing a difference in 3 or 4 days. thanks for checking out my videos!

[@Carlos-zj9ev]

Randy, I have a gretsch g9201, METAL body, do you think is necessary to humidify it?

[@TheOlmecindian]

The intro to this video is funny as hell ...... Oh hello I didn't see you there lmao

[@RandySchartiger]

+TheOlmecindian lmao Thankjs for watching my friend! Glad you liked it!

[@MrStealth654321]

I love that tune. You got a lesson on that??

[@RandySchartiger]

+MrStealth654321 Not that particular tune, I was just making it up as I went lol

[@MrStealth654321]

+Randy Schartiger O lol ok well sounded good.

[@Mykoe9]

Thank you very much for this video. BTW are you from WV? I think I recognize your accent. I'm from Poca River.

[@StratBeer]

That is nice to know Randy

[@RandySchartiger]

+Strat Beer Thanks for giving it a watch mate! :)

[@danyube4450]

funny dude kinda seems like the folks I hang with here in Illandoi

[@mikemagnum7987]

Hey Randy, I finally got around to putting new strings on my guitar and have begun humidifying it with a Grover tube style that you talked about. I am thinking about a Tusq saddle and nut but was curious about the pins! Tusq makes those to and my question is, will it make much difference if I use those as well? Or should I save a 20 bucks and use the pins that came with the guitar? I hope this video isn't to old that you don't monitor the comments! ;)

[@RandySchartiger]

It really depends on the tone response you are looking for, tusq saddle and nut will brighten the guitars tones and add volume, I would try them with original pins first and then if you still want more tone and volume try tusq or ebony pins, every addition makes a little difference, a bunch of additions at once makes a bigger difference but there is a fine point of overshooting and getting the guitar sounding too much on the treble side.

[@kenbullard2120]

I’ve just started watching your videos and man your crazy but you know your $h!#. I think I spelled that right. I hope your still rolling along and get this comment. I’ve got more videos to watch.

[@hendersonskater]

Thanks for the advice!!!

[@RandySchartiger]

+Bobby Henderson You're welcome Bobby, thank you for watching and commenting!

[@stephenkingeagle1]

nice dude!

[@lilbasedboi]

great video thanks man

[@rikiperdigon4260]

Thanks bro

[@MicheleBartonThomas]

Good stuff! Good to know!

[@RandySchartiger]

+Michele Barton Thomas Thanks Michele! This stuff happens before it's noticed usually!

[@salemsludge]

thanks man very helpful

[@RandySchartiger]

You're welcome bro thanks for checking it out!

[@12Radius]

Good info .thanks !

[@RandySchartiger]

+12Radius You're welcome bro, appreciate you watching!

[@jamesglenn2732]

your a mind reader lol. I was just wondering about this topic. I have three acoustics, two cheapies and a half decent fender. Any chance you could do a vid on upgrading acoustics. Honestly I dont know one saddle, nutt, bridge pin of tuning key from the other.I thank you for the Pearls of knowledge and keep your vids coming brother.

[@RandySchartiger]

+James Glenn I'll try to keep that in mind and do a video on it, gets lots of requests and I write them down so stay tuned and thank you for watching!

[@alepwalling]

Hi bro Do you think i need to humidify my guitar ? Im from INDIA and during Day its 31°hi and 21°lo at night. Usually hot during day and not too cold at night. Just Normal. Does my guitar needs humidifier according to you ?

[@RandySchartiger]

put a hygrometer inside your case or in the room where your guitar is, if it's an acoustic guitar put it inside the sound hole, leave it for 24 to 48 hours, if it reads 45-55% you're good to go, anything over or under will need attention. thanks for watching!

[@alepwalling]

I've got a problem with my acoustic guitar. please do a video .it would really help me . When im loosening the strings completely the strings sometimes breaks usually the treble > GBE strings . That's funny why are they breaking when im loosening . And I've seen the same problem in some other Guitars too. I hope you'd help me out with a video .

[@THEALBRL]

I had the spore problem or whatever it is before i started using the humidifiers. If i keep scratching my brain I'll figure it out or my brain will be raw. Anyway thanks again.

[@RandySchartiger]

Ah ok then it sounds like it's too damp inside your case. Anytime it gets too damp for too long of time mold will grow. I would try drying the case out good with a hair dryer or just leaving it left open for a week or so.

[@pamhurt7126]

Never seen a FRAMUS TEXAN on your channel,love too,hav3 one ,wanting to go bone on nut & saddle

[@graphicism]

On the shelf is that a guitar for a mouse?

[@RandySchartiger]

lol it's Q-balls guitar! :)

[@cmoreno12345]

Lol! Love your humor.

[@RandySchartiger]

thanks so much ad thanks for watcing!

[@Gingerjake2]

Great information as always...whatever did we do before your channel came along? ♥ I have been using the Keyser because I don't keep my guitars in cases so this enables me to humidify the inside & trap the moisture in there...however as you pointed out, it does diddly for the outside. Now's the time to slap me upside the head. I think I'm going to try the Dampits again...I've got two guitar cases & four guitars so I'll have to switch them off now & then but that's better than not at all. I like the sponge in the ziplock bag idea too...little ms thrifty from way back! Thanks Randy! Happy Thanksgiving!!! ~G~ ♪

[@RandySchartiger]

+Gingerjake2 You sound like me, I've always got 2 or 3 guitars out of their cases at the same time and usually they stay out cuz I tend to play them more if they're already out. But yes, rotate them in cases and water tghem good! :) No slap up side the head lol LMAO! You crack me up! Happy Thanksgiving Ginger to you and all of yours! :)

[@Gingerjake2]

+Randy Schartiger It's true. If I had to go & get the guitar in the case then open it & tune, I know I'd never get half the playing done I do now...& that's not enough as it is! I have the Guild & the Martin D18 right here with me on stands in the den so that if I see something on YT I can grab either one of them quick & try to play along! So much of my playing happens just like that! The Framus is too big for any case but it has an unsightly vinyl bag...I guess that's better than nothing tho' because this poor old thing has already suffered so much from dry heat damage, I shouldn't chance any more. But I need to do something quickly...I think I'll head back over to the music store first thing next week & purchase some new ones but in the meanwhile, I'm going to do the sponge in a bag thing. I hope your Thanksgiving was great. We volunteered at the soup kitchen & then came home & had a big meal ourselves...*burp* ~G~ ♪

[@semajjames7082]

you are solid fun!

[@zoomzoom208]

Always best to use distilled water

[@Deebz270]

Interesting. I guess it must be more of a problem in very warm and dry climates. We don't see humidifiers being used in the UK that much, probably because our relative humidity is higher, being a damp country (esp here in Cornwall). I live in a fairly damp caravan (trailer) and I don't have much in the way of heating, it certainly never gets really stuffy hot in here. And apart from the guitars that are here in the lounge, all my other guitars are stashed at the other end of the caravan, which is a lot cooler I am more concerned that the 'boxes' will get too damp. So I tend to cycle those that are playable (not being built or refurbished). I will be keeping a close eye on my latest PRS semi-hollow body though. I don't want that drying out or getting damp. However, global warming, is upon us and even here, even though it gets pretty wet, we have quite a mild climate. But it is getting hotter.... So I might need to start monitoring the relative humidity in my cases and guitar cupboard. Nice 'heads up' Randy. Thanks Dude.

[@flar8413]

I like ur shirt 👍🏻

[@Jdotm]

Easy way to remember... Keep your guitar like you keep your woman... you can fill in the rest ;)

[@MichaelSeanHarrell]

keep em happy,keep em moist.

[@RandySchartiger]

+Michael Sean Harrell And they will be forever grateful! :) Thanks for watching Michael!

[@chaipod]

I use a moist sponge and put it in a soap box than slide it in the hole.

[@therealzilch]

How to humidify your guitar? Take a shower with it. Afterwards, you can bring it to a luthier to repair (if possible). I'm a luthier. :)

[@budm.1450]

I keep hearing you say "hydrometer". Actually, the word is "Hygrometer" with a "G" not a "D". I hope that helps a little.

[@cheryllakin3077]

You're too funny.....I love your videos !!! I have a tricky sort of guitar because it's got a highly laminated finish on the outside, so I take my smart-phone and angle it inside, under and between the strings, and take pictures. It gives me an idea of how the wood looks under the top and sides. I live in Florida, and I don't worry about humidification too much, but when we have a particularly dry winter, I keep close tabs on it. Thanks for your tips, Randy 'cause I'm always learning new things : )