Tis the season- to humidify!

As the weather starts to get chilly and we keep cozy and warm, we need to make adjustments to ensure our instruments are comfortable too! 

Here in the midwest, as the temperature drops, normally too comes a drop in humidity levels. This happens especially in our homes when we kick on our furnaces and send dry, warm air throughout the house. Just as we may need to put on lotion or add humidifiers to keep us comfortable, our instruments also need the added humidity to prevent cracks and open seams. Since our instruments are made of wood, they are very susceptible to humidity changes. Shrinkage cracks and/or edges coming unglued are common for instruments stored in overly dry conditions.

The ideal environment for string instruments lives in the 40-60% humidity range. Some homes may be at this level naturally or by using furnace humidifiers, but many musicians need to take extra steps to keep their instruments in working order. Although this guide is not all inclusive, we hope to provide a good foundation of understanding to get started.

Room Humidifier/ Furnace Humidifier

One method for keeping your instrument well maintained is to have a humidifier in the room where the instrument is stored. Some homes have a humidifier addition on their furnace as well. Note that these methods work best when the instrument is stored outside of the case. Instrument stands or wall hangers (violin/ viola) can be purchased at The Loft to ensure safe out-of-case storage. If the humidifier doesn't have a built in hygrometer, we recommend setting up a stand alone hygrometer in the room to monitor the humidity levels. 

Oasis Case Humidifiers

For those who prefer to store their instruments in a case, in-case humidifiers are best. Although cases protect from damage, they also prevent external humidifiers from being as effective against shrinkage damage. Oasis humidifiers are a good visual option as they shrink up when they need refilled with water. They also come with magnets that help hold it in place in the case and make it easy to remove the tube when it's time to refill it. An added bonus of the Oasis is that you do not have to purchase additional refill packets. This type of humidifier works best in violin cases, viola cases, and hard shell cello cases. There is a version of the Oasis humidifier that we also carry suited to bass bags.

Stretto Humidifier

Stretto packs are another option as an in-case humidifier. Inside the plastic shell is a bag that users re-wet roughly every two weeks (depending on the environment the instrument is stored in). Eventually, the bag will need replaced. Replacements are available at The Loft! On the plastic shell is velcro for easy adhesion to the interior of a case. Strettos come in a violin/ viola and cello (hard shell case only) variety. 

Boveda Packs

Boveda packs are a unique option​ because they boast two way humidity control and low maintenance. Unlike some of the other options, Boveda packs can be used in cello and bass bags. The packs are filled with salt and water and sealed by a reverse osmosis membrane. You put the pack in the leakproof cover and tuck it somewhere in the case where it will not be punctured. Boveda's website recommends replacing the pack every 3 months on average. 

D'Addario Small Instrument Humidifier

The D'Addario Small Instrument Humidifier works similarly to the Strettos. Inside the black casing is a sponge that simply has to be re-wet when it becomes dry. D'Addario states it could be anywhere from days to weeks between re-wetting depending on the environment in which the instrument is stored. The casing is intended to evenly distribute the humidity through the case. This humidifier is intended to be used for smaller instruments like violin and viola. 

What about Dampits?

Dampits are another way of humidifying your instrument, albeit a bit more old school. We tell customers that if they want to use a Dampit, to be very careful in doing so. Dampits can bring a higher risk as you are putting a submerged sponge directly into the instrument f-holes. You must use caution to ensure there will be no drips into the interior of your instrument. Dampits also must be monitored closely as dried up Dampits may actually pull moisture out of the air. 

If you still have questions, we are happy to help! Give us a call at 614-267-7221 or send us an email at violins.theloftviolinshop@gmail.com