The Best Guitar Humidifiers & Case Hygrometers
The Best Guitar Humidifiers
D'Addario GH Acoustic Guitar Humidifier
To the uninitiated humidifying your guitar can be a challenging idea to wrap your head around, but in practice it can be as simple as sticking a sponge in your guitar case and letting natural processes take care of the rest. Case in point: D’Addario’s GH.
The D’Addario Planet Waves Acoustic Guitar Humidifier works by suspending a sponge inside of a plastic, non-drip casing. As water evaporates from the sponge, it raises the ambient humidity inside of your guitar case. The wood then absorbs the excess humidity, keeping your instrument from drying out.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.3 oz
- Suspension: Held By Strings
- Longevity: Medium
Pros
Owners are pleased with how simple it is to use, and how affordable it is, myself included. Most are pleased with how it is able to humidify the guitar while being discretely tucked in the soundhole suspended by the strings.
Cons
While the D’Addario Guitar Humidifier is affordable, you do have to take care when using it. Always be sure to squeeze the sponge to remove excess water before placing it into your guitar, and also be sure to use distilled water with the sponge. Using distilled water helps to prevent mold growth, which means that your sponge will last longer.
Overall
The Planet Waves Acoustic Guitar Humidifier is an affordable and no-frills way to keep your guitar safe from humidity fluctuations.
MusicNomad MN300 Humitar Acoustic Guitar Humidifier
The MusicNomad MN300 Humitar Acoustic Guitar Humidifier works exactly like the Planet Waves humidifier above. Simply wet the sponge, squeeze out excess water, replace the sponge into its plastic housing, slide the housing through the strings, and you’re good to go.
However, there is a small quality-of-life feature that helps to increase the product’s ease of use. The top of the MusicNomad MN300 Humitar Acoustic Guitar Humidifier’s plastic casing pops open easily, allowing you to check the condition of the sponge while it’s still resting in the strings of your instrument. The MN300 also uses sponges with anti-dripping properties, which while not a huge feature, does help to prevent the possibility of water leaking from your humidifier into your guitar.
Specifications:
- Weight: 2.9 oz
- Suspension: Held By Strings
- Longevity: Medium
Pros
Many users appreciate how easy it is to check the sponge with the MN300's easy to open lid. It allows for quicker checks, which can save quite a lot of time checking multiple guitars. Those with humidity monitors report that hydration levels are as expected.
Cons
There are a few who report mold issues with the sponge, but this maybe due to user neglect than an actual design problem. There are also a few who wish for a thinner version, so that it wouldn't push the strings apart as much.
Overall
The MusicNomad MN300 is ideal for those who want to protect multiple acoustic guitars.
MusicNomad MN303 The Humitar Instrument Case Humidifier
The MusicNomad MN303 The Humitar Instrument Case Humidifier functions similarly to soundhole humidifiers, but there is a key difference, rather than being suspended by your guitar’s strings, this one discretely attaches to the case.
Checking the sponge of the MN303 is a snap. Simply pop open the top and touch the sponge, if it’s soft leave it and if it’s hard change it out. As always, be sure to use distilled water with your humidifier.
Specifications:
- Weight: 3.2 oz
- Suspension: Sits in Case
- Longevity: Medium
Pros
Since it sits in the case, it can be used with essentially any stringed instrument, making it a great tool for multi-instrumentalists. And since positioning is flexible, you don't have to worry about it damaging your guitar or strings, as long as you attach it where it doesn't come into direct contact with the guitar.
Cons
The downside of this design is that it may not be as efficient as soundhole humidifiers where it can easily humidify the body from within. So it may not be enough for use in locations with extreme humidity changes.
Overall
If you're a multi-instrumentalist and want a good all-in-one humidifier solution, then this is for you.
Oasis OH-1 Guitar Humidifier
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Guitar Humidifier.
Instead of using a sponge, the Oasis OH-1 uses a special type of gel to humidify your instrument without leaking water to your instrument.
It has profile that looks like a syringe, designed to sit on top of your instruments strings with a special cloth that prevents excess water from leaking out while allow evaporated moisture to pass through. The compact design of this humidifier also makes it viable for acoustic guitars with smaller, or distinctly shaped soundholes, like those from Ovation guitars.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.8 oz
- Suspension: Held By Strings
- Longevity: Long
Pros
Owners are simply pleased with how the Oasis OH-1 works as intended, and it does so even in places like Colorado with excess heat and humidity fluctuations. Ease of use and compatibility with different acoustic guitars are also much appreciated.
Cons
There are a few who note that this may not fit in tight guitar cases. While others caution that the humidifier gels inside the OH-1 are supposed to be replaced after a period of time.
Overall
With its versatility and ease of use, the Oasis OH-1 will make a great tool for any acoustic guitar owner.
Oasis OH-5 Plus+ Guitar Humidifier
The OH-5 Plus+ is designed for use in area’s with very dry climates, with a fabric that outputs roughly 50% more humidity than the ones used in Oasis’s other models.
Most musicians really aren’t going to need this humidifier, and in areas that are already relatively humid in the winter this humidifier may actually do more harm than good. This is why Oasis only uses this fabric on one model, rather than every model in their line. Another thing to note about this humidifier is that it will also require more regular refilling than other Oasis humidifiers. This is because the OH-5 Plus+ outputs more humidity than the other humidifiers in their line.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1.6 oz
- Suspension: Held By Strings
- Longevity: Medium
Pros
Reviews of the Oasis OH-5 Plus+ are replete of stories of how it saved many guitars from damage in some extreme weather conditions, be it cold dry winters or hot and dry desert summers. Many users also point to its ease of use to be its strength, making it easy to employ on multiple instruments.
Cons
There are a few who caution to regularly check the humidifier, and to not let it be over damped or dry, as it may cause damage and leak in the future.
Overall
If you live in a desert (this includes high plains deserts, like parts of Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada) this humidifier is definitely worth a look.
The Best Guitar Case Hygrometers
At their simplest, hygrometers provide a measurement of humidity, but most come combined with a thermometer to give you a temperature measurement as well.
Oasis OH-2C Digital Hygrometer With Clip
The Oasis OH-2C digital Hygrometer with Clip is an affordable and fully featured hygrometer, making it a great fit for anyone looking to monitor the humidity of their instruments without having to invest in costly and/or difficult to maintain accessories.
The Oasis OH-2 Hygrometer functions as both a thermometer as well as a hygrometer. Since both temperature and humidity have an impact on the state of your instrument, a device which displays both measurements inside of your case is incredibly helpful. The unit also displays temperature extremes, letting you know if the area in which you keep your guitar is suitable for your instrument. The OH-2 can also clip onto your case, allowing you to keep it in an area where you can get the most accurate readout possible.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.3 oz
- Features: Humidity Readout, Temperature Readout, Min/Max Temp. Readout
Pros
It is commended for being compact and accurate when mounted inside a guitar case. And it's not just for guitars, because there are plenty of positive reviews coming from musicians who use other instruments. Reliability of the OH-2C hygrometer is also commended often, it’s actually guaranteed to work for five years following the purchase date.
Cons
There are a few who complain about its calibration, they report seeing small variations when comparing with other hygrometers.
Overall
If you're looking for a compact and affordable hygrometer with thermometer function, then check out the Oasis OH-2C.
MusicNomad MN305 HumiReader Hygrometer, Humidity & Temperature Monitor
The MusicNomad MN305 HumiReader Hygrometer, Humidity, & Temperature Monitor is a great, no frills in-case thermometer and hygrometer. The main selling point with this hygrometer is that it can actually rest in your guitar strings, giving you an incredibly accurate reading of the humidity your guitar is experiencing. However, while this does help to increase the unit’s accuracy it does mean that you may have to use an incase humidifier as opposed to one that rests on your strings (since that spot will be occupied by the hygrometer).
However, you don’t have to rest the hygrometer on your strings. The unit comes with a clip, allowing it to be stored in the case similar to the Oasis OH-2C above. Likewise, you can also leave it sitting out in your room if you happen to have a room humidifier. While this isn’t a must-have feature, the MN305 also comes with a reminder of the proper humidity level and temperature for a guitar. It’s a huge help if you’re not used to having to humidify your instruments, because the unit itself will always remind you what the proper temperature and humidity ranges are for your instrument.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.3 oz
- Features: Humidity Readout, Temperature Readout
Pros
Users are quite satisfied with its fit and practicality, ideal for accurately measuring acoustic guitar humidity at the soundhole. But since it can be attached to a case with the included clip, there are also owners who are pleased with its performance as an in-case hygrometer.
Cons
There are a few who report minor reading inaccuracy, while others note that with a proper humidifier, you won't even need this hygrometer.
Overall
If you're looking for a good humidifier that can rest on the soundhole or in-case, then this one is for you.
Taylor Hygro-Thermometer Mini Humidity Sensor
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Guitar Hygrometer.
If you're maintaining expensive acoustic guitars like those from Taylor, it only makes sense to keep them safe from humidity changes. And who better to trust the monitoring of your Taylor guitar, than the company itself.
The Taylor Hygro-Thermometer provides a streamlined way of monitoring temperature and humidity, be it in the room where your guitars are, or in case. For room readings, it can be wall mounted near your guitars, or you can have it sit on a desk with its built in tilt-back mechanism. It is also compact enough to use in your guitar case.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1.44 oz
- Suspension: Wallmount or In-Case
- Longevity: Medium
Pros
User friendly and working as intended are descriptions that encapsulate how most users feel about the Taylor Hygro-Themometer. It also helps that it is nice to look at, and does not distract wherever you position it.
Cons
There are a few who feel that it's too small, requiring a more closer look to check the readings. There are also some who are concerned about this hygrometer being made by a third-party manufacturer for Taylor.
Overall
With its flexible positioning and compact size, this will make a good tool to anyone who wants to monitor room or in-case humidity.
The Best Humidifier + Guitar Case Hygrometer Bundles
These are packages that have a Humidifier paired with a Hygrometer and can be cheaper and more convenient than buying them separately.
MusicNomad MN306 Humidity Care System
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Guitar Humidifier & Hygrometer Bundle.
The MusicNomad MN306 combines their best selling products, the Humitar and Humireader, in an afforadable bundle.
Both of them made it to this list as stand alone units, but getting them in a single package allows you to save some more money, and get what you need to protect your guitar from humidity in one go. The Humitar and Humireader sit on the strings on the sound hole, making them ideal for acoustic guitars.
Specifications:
- Weight: 3.2 oz
- Suspension: Sits in Case
- Longevity: Medium
Pros
Since they both sit on the strings on the sound hole area, they both can do their job much more efficiently, getting accurate measurements and hydrating the body. Reliability and ease of use also come up often in reviews.
Cons
Ironically, some users are not comfortable with having 3rd party devices sitting on the strings, which to them causes extra unwanted string tension.
Overall
If you're looking for an affordable way to measure and maintain your acoustic guitar's humidity levels, then check out the MN306 package.
Oasis OH-3 Guitar Hygrometer and Humidifier
The Oasis OH-3 Guitar Hygrometer and Humidifier is a package which includes an Oasis OH-1 humidifier as well as an Oasis OH-2 hygrometer. The hygrometer measures the ambient humidity, which makes it easier to know whether or not your humidifier is producing the correct amount of humidity for your instrument.
The cool thing about the OH-2 hygrometer is that, in addition to displaying the humidity inside of your guitar case, it also shows high and low temperature extremes. The OH-1, which has also been covered elsewhere on this list, is a great humidifier in its own right. The gel used in the humidifier has a greater longevity than a sponge, and the casing used helps to prevent leakage.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1.4 oz
- Suspension: Held By Strings
- Longevity: Medium
Pros
The Oasis OH-3 bundle continues to get good feedback from those who really need it most, guitarists who have to deal with extreme weather and humidity changes. It also gets commendations for its longevity, with some reporting many years of good use without any issues. Owners of the OH-3 trust it to protect their Martin, Taylor, Gibson and other expensive acoustic guitars.
Cons
There are a few who feel that the hygrometer is not really needed, which is unfortunate since Oasis do offer the OH-1 humidifier as standalone.
Overall
The inclusion of the OH-2 makes the OH-3 package a great deal for anyone looking to preserve their instrument, because it has everything that you need in order to protect your instrument from changes in humidity.
Things to Consider When Buying a Guitar Humidifier or Guitar Case Hygrometer
If you’re not sure why you need a humidifier, or you just want to brush up on your knowledge before you throw any money down, check out the sections below.
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Why Do I Need To Humidify My Guitar?
The first thing you need to know about your guitar is that, like any other piece of wood, it swells and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. An excess of humidity causes your guitar to swell (as do hot temperatures) and too little humidity causes it to contract (cold causes the same thing). This can cause cracks in your guitar, potentially destroying your instrument.
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Climate and Humidity
As a general rule, when it comes to temperature if you wouldn’t want to sleep where your keeping your guitar you probably shouldn’t keep it there. There isn’t a definite temperature range, but your guitar should be kept at a temperature that would be comfortable for you.
When it comes to humidity, your guitar should be kept in an environment with somewhere in the neighborhood of 30% to 40%. You can measure the amount of humidity in a room (or your guitar case) with a hygrometer.
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Which Guitars Are Most Susceptible to Humidity?
All solid woods are susceptible to humidity, because they’re a solid piece of wood flexing. If they flex too hard, or too often, cracks occur. While solid wood instruments generally sound better, guitars made with laminate woods are more resistant to humidity because the instrument is made up of layers of wood. Because it’s made up of layers as opposed to being one solid piece, a laminate instrument will flex in situations where a solid wood instrument would break.
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The Best Way To Humidify Your Guitar (And How to do It)
The best way, by far, to humidify your guitar is to use an in-case humidifier alongside a digital hygrometer. The smaller the area the easier it is to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity. If you leave the door open to your room, or if the heater kicks on in the middle of the night, your guitar can begin the process of drying out. If this happens consistently you can still end up with cracks in your instrument even if you’re using an in-room humidifier.
To humidify a guitar in your case, all you have to do is buy an in-case humidifier, supply it with water, and stick it in your case. The only thing you need to be aware of is that, for humidifiers that use a sponge, you want to dampen the humidifier (not flood it). Water can wreak havoc on your instrument, so take care when using a humidifier.
Best Guitar Humidifier Selection Methodology
This guide was first published on November 9, 2017 written by Mason Hoberg and the latest major update was published on February 14, 2020 written by Alexander Briones with contributions from Mason Hoberg.
Top Image: Original photograph by Wicker Paradise, modified by Gearank.com and made available under a CC BY 2.0 license.
We looked through all the Guitar Humidifiers and Guitar Case Hygrometers available from major online American music gear retailers and selected the most promising to put on our short-list for closer examination - you can see many of them in our public music gear database. Next we collected and analyzed review and rating information about each one, including the most recent customer reviews, forum discussions and similar sources. For this February 2020 update, we ended up gathering over 4700 sources, all of which were then processed via the Gearank Algorithm to provide ratings out of 100 for each of them. Finally, we selected the highest rated options to recommend above. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
Comments
As a result of the February
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of the February 2020 Update the Oasis OH-6 Case Humidifier came off the recommended list above.
Does my acoustic humidifier
Submitted by Gary (not verified) on
Does my acoustic humidifier have to be in the case, or can the guitar be left hanging on the wall?
These types of humidifiers
Submitted by Jason Horton on
These types of humidifiers have to be with the guitar in the case.
To hang a guitar on the wall you would need to get a room humidifier instead.
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