The Best Guitar Humidifier & Case Hygrometers 2024

guitar humidifiers hygrometers


Picture this: the wooden parts of your guitar used to be in a tree. Trees need to be sufficiently hydrated to stay healthy.

Even though the wood has been separated from the source. It is still susceptible to humidity changes. It expands or shrinks in response to moisture in the environment. To prevent structural damage or deformity, wood needs to have stable moisture.

This is where the best guitar humidifier comes in. It helps stabilize humidity by absorbing or releasing moisture as needed. Hygrometers also help because they provide accurate humidity readings, so you can make adjustments where necessary.

Interestingly, humidifiers have not changed much through the years, a testament to the effectiveness of what’s currently existing. This guide for the Best Guitar Humidifiers and Hygrometers is divided into three sections for your convenience: Humidifiers, Hygrometers, and Humidifier + Hygrometer Bundles.

The Best Guitar Humidifier & Case Hygrometers

Author & Contributors

The Best Guitar Humidifiers

MusicNomad MN300 Humitar Acoustic Guitar Humidifier

93
GEARANK
93 out of 100. Incorporating 1550+ ratings and reviews.
$14.99
MusicNomad

Cons

  • Applies some stress on the strings
  • Can't be secured inside the case

Pros

  • Anti-drip sponge
  • More water absorption
  • Easy access top cover
  • Intuitive and easy to maintain

What makes the MN300 better than other sponge guitar case humidifiers is its special sponge and intuitive design.

The "Humid-i-Bar" sponge absorbs more water than other sponges that I've tried. This ability to hold more water allows it to work consistently longer, reducing the need for water refills.

I'm also impressed with its anti-drip design, even when fully soaked, water doesn't leak. Only a few drops of surface water drips back down to the bowl. This makes me confident that the sponge really is safe for guitar use.

The sponge goes inside a case that's very easy to use, and comes complete with an easy to open top cap with basic instructions. It is designed specifically for soundhole mounting. It is thin enough to slip in-between strings, and thick enough to be held up by string tension.

The top portion has flaps that allow the unit to rest on the strings. Being a sound hole humidifier allows it to more efficiently maintain the humidity of acoustic guitars, and this is exactly what I use a guitar humidifier for.

Like other sound hole humidifiers, it does apply a bit of stress to the strings, bending them sideways out of their regular position. But in my experience, it's not bad enough to cause any substantial problems - see my video below to see for yourself.

Since the sponge doesn't leak, you can actually place the Humitar inside the guitar case, just make sure that it is placed where it won't accidentally scratch or damage the guitar. You can place it in the space below the headstock, or inside internal pockets - as long as the case is stationary.

Humitar Package
Humitar MN300 Packaging.

Easy maintenance is another big reason why I give the Humitar my thumbs up. All I have to do is open the top cap, and press on the sponge to feel if it's soft or hard. If it's soft, it still is working fine, if is getting harder, then I can quickly pull out the sponge and soak it in distilled water.

Taking out the sponge quickly also allows me to check for discoloration that could be symptoms of problems like mold, dirt and debris. The sponge's light color makes it easier to see problem spots. Maintenance is easy and fool proof.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the MN300, highly recommended for guitarists that want an efficient and easy to use humidifier.

Specifications

  • Weight: 2.9 oz
  • Suspension: Held By Strings
  • Longevity: Medium

Rating Source Highlight

Website Source *Rating Value
Gearank Alexander Briones 94/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Demo

Here's a short video I made showing you the steps to set it up for the first time.

MusicNomad MN303 The Humitar Instrument Case Humidifier

90
GEARANK
90 out of 100. Incorporating 450+ ratings and reviews.
$16.99
MusicNomad
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Guitar Humidifier.

Cons

  • 3M adhesive can damage your case
  • Not as effective as soundhole humidifiers

Pros

  • Attaches to the inside of a case
  • Easy to check via popup top cap
  • Intuitive design
  • Non-dripping sponge

The Music Nomad MN303 Humitar Instrument Case Humidifier functions similar to a soundhole humidifier, but there is a key difference, rather than being suspended on your guitar's strings, this one can attach to the inside of your guitar case.

The humidifier itself is not much different to the MN300, having the same non-dripping sponge, and compact plastic enclosure with easy open top cap. What allows it to stay secure inside a case is the included "case holster".

This holster holds the humidifier on one side, while the other side has a strong 3M adhesive which allows it to stick to a particular spot inside the case.

MN303 Holster
Holster with Adhesive - Image Courtesy of MusicNomad.

The obvious downside to the case holster is that once it sticks, it cannot be easily removed or moved around. So you have to consider the position carefully before sticking it to the inside the case.

This guitar case humidifier should be positioned in a way that does not have direct contact to your guitar, which usually is within the space under the headstock.

On the flipside, its simple adhesive design makes it stable and reliable, and there's no need for any complex modification done on your case. You can also easily detach the humidifier from the holster, so as long as you don't need to move the holster, you won't have any problems.

Since it sits in the case, it can be used with essentially any stringed instrument, making it a great tool for multi-instrumentalists. 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.

The downside to this design is that it may not be as efficient as soundhole humidifiers where it works within the body, it may not be enough for use in locations with extreme humidity changes.

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, take it out. As always, don't use ordinary tap water, instead use distilled water with your humidifier. This guitar case humidifier is highly recommended to guitar owners who want to keep their guitars in a case with proper humidity levels.

Specifications

  • Weight: 3.2 oz
  • Suspension: Sits in Case
  • Longevity: Medium

Oasis OH-1 Guitar Humidifier

93
GEARANK
93 out of 100. Incorporating 1050+ ratings and reviews.
$21.95
Oasis

Cons

  • May not fit inside tight cases
  • Needs to be pulled out to check moisture

Pros

  • Compact syringe profile
  • Easy to use and maintain
  • Non-dripping cloth exterior
  • Very efficient at absorbing and releasing moisture

Instead of using a sponge, the Oasis OH-1 uses a special type of gel to humidify without leaking water on your instrument. This allows it to work just as well as sponge types, while having a smaller profile that's easy to position and maintain.

The OH-1 looks and operates much like a syringe, with a stabilizer bar that allows it to sit on top of your instruments' strings. Once it's properly setup, it is designed to maintain 45% to 55% relative humidity inside the guitar body, when outside humidity is within 25% to 40%.

Maintenance work is quite simple, you just need to open the top cap and pour in just enough distilled water. The water is then absorbed by the Humigel crystals inside, these crystals are super water absorbent, and they serve as the humidifier's sponge.

The exterior is made from a special cloth that prevents excess water from leaking out while allowing evaporated moisture to pass through.

Oasis OH-1 Refilling
Needs refilling - Image Courtesy of Oasis.

The Humigel crystals lose their water absorbing capability after some time, so they will need to be replaced. Refilling the media differs depending on the level of humidity in your area.

If you're not careful, the gels can also fall out of the syringe, in this case you'll have to remove what's remaining and replace everything via a Humigel replacement kit.

The compact design also makes it viable for acoustic guitars with smaller, or distinctly shaped soundholes, like those from Ovation guitars. Note that the cap is a bit thick, and might not fit inside tight cases.

The downside to its special media is that there's no easy way to check if it needs refilling. You'll have to push the strings to the side and pull it out gently to not damage its special cloth like exterior. Once pulled out, you can check if the OH-1 has shrunk and needs refilling of water.

The versatility of the OH-1's small profile makes it a safe pick regardless of the type of guitar you own.

Specifications

  • Weight: 0.8 oz
  • Suspension: Held By Strings
  • Longevity: Long

Rating Source Highlight

Website Source *Rating Value
Acoustic Life Tony Polecastro 90/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm's adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

D’Addario GHP Acoustic Guitar Humidifier Pro

91
GEARANK
91 out of 100. Incorporating 750+ ratings and reviews.
$14.95
D'Addario

Cons

  • Sponge is hard to soak

Pros

  • Sponge lasts a long time
  • 2-way humidity control
  • Customizable

In the driest of conditions, D’Addario GHP Acoustic Guitar Humidifier Pro will give your guitar the optimal humidity levels it needs.

This soundhole humidifier goes in between your D and G strings. It features a 2-way humidity control that evenly spreads out the moisture. Fresh from the box, you get a plastic cover, the humidifier, and their newly designed sponge.

I say newly designed because the first version was quick to dry up compared to the new one. The updated hydrophilic sponge holds 12x its dry weight in water. It lasts for a long time and it will keep your guitar from acquiring structural damage.

You don't always have to soak it all the way. You can create low humidity as well. For dry climates, hot, or cold temperatures, you can control the humidity levels by soaking the sponge in varying degrees.

My only minor complaint is that the sponge is hard to soak.

Overall the D’Addario GHP Acoustic Guitar Humidifier Pro works well. It's straightforward to use and is a great option for your first guitar humidifier.

Specifications

  • Weight: 2.08 oz
  • Suspension:Held By Strings
  • Longevity: Long

The Best Guitar Case Hygrometer

At their simplest, hygrometers provide a measurement of humidity, but most come combined with a thermometer to give you a temperature measurement as well.

MusicNomad MN305 HumiReader Hygrometer, Humidity & Temperature Monitor

89
GEARANK
89 out of 100. Incorporating 175+ ratings and reviews.
$29.99
MusicNomad

Cons

  • One more guitar related gadget to worry about

Pros

  • Can work as soundhole or in-case hygrometer
  • Accurate reading when used on the soundhole
  • Great for checking effectivity of humidifier
  • Can double as room hygrometer

The MusicNomad MN305 HumiReader Hygrometer, Humidity & Temperature Monitor is a great, no-frills, in-case thermometer and hygrometer. It comes in a compact size and shape that's similar to the MusicNomad Humitar MN300, which makes it easy to use and store if not needed.

It rests in your guitar strings, giving you a more accurate reading of the humidity your guitar is experiencing, compared to room hygrometers. And more importantly, it's small enough to sit on the strings together with the Humitar, so you can get readings and humidify your guitar at the same time.

Aside from being soundhole mounted, this guitar humidifier comes with a mounting holster, similar to the Humitar MN303, allowing it to be stored in the case. The holster has a 3M adhesive that lets you stick it inside a safe spot within a guitar case. Just make sure that it's positioned properly where it doesn't come in contact with your guitar.

In addition to being a soundhole and in-case hygrometer, you can also leave it sitting out in your room if you happen to need a room humidifier. It can also compliment any existing room humidifiers that you may have.

MN305 Holster
Holster with Adhesive - Image Courtesy of MusicNomad.

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. Using a hygrometer also allows you to check the effectiveness of humidifiers, and the readings can also be indicators for refilling your humidifier.

The main downer is that it's one more guitar related gadget to worry about, which complicates guitar maintenance. But it is a necessary compromise if you want to better protect your instrument.

If you're looking for a versatile hygrometer that can rest on the soundhole or in-case, then this could be the best acoustic guitar humidifier for you.

Specifications

  • Weight: 0.3 oz
  • Features: Humidity Readout, Temperature Readout

The Best Humidifier + Guitar Case Hygrometer Bundle

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

93
GEARANK
93 out of 100. Incorporating 375+ ratings and reviews.
$39.99
MusicNomad

Cons

  • Two more extra pieces of gear to worry about
  • Comes with only 1 mounting holster

Pros

  • Includes humidifier and hygrometer
  • Soundhole or in-case mounting
  • Simple and straightforward operation
  • Efficient humidification + accurate reading

The MusicNomad MN306 combines their best selling products, the Humitar (MN300) and Humireader (MN305), in an affordable bundle.

Both of them made it to this list as standalone units based on their individual ratings. But getting them in a single package allows you to save some money, and get everything that you need to protect your guitar from humidity in one go.

Since they have similar form factors, use and maintenance is simple and straightforward. The Humitar MN300 is a soundhole mounted humidifier, with a special Humid-i-Bar sponge inside that's good at absorbing and releasing moisture without leaking water.

It is designed primarily to sit on the strings and humidiy the guitar right inside the soundhole. The Humireader MN305 is a hygrometer that is similar in shape to the MN300. It can also sit on the strings to provide more accurate reading.

More importantly, both of them can fit into a regular sized soundhole, so you get the benefit of a guitar hygrometer and humidifier.

Humitar Sponge
No leak Humid-i-Bar sponge

The MN306 bundle also comes with a mounting holster, which allows you to secure either the humidifier or the hygrometer inside a guitar case. The holster has an adhesive that lets you stick it on to an open area inside the guitar case, usually near the headstock support.

With this, you can reduce the extra tension that's being applied on the strings by just having one of them on the soundhole. It would've been nice if it came with two mounting holsters, so that both the humidifier and hygrometer can be mounted in-case.

MN306 Together
Humitar and Humireader together - Image Courtesy of MusicNomad.

The downside to this set up is that you're complicating guitar maintenance with two new tools. But these tools are important if you want to make your previous acoustic guitar last long.

If you're looking for an affordable way to measure and maintain your acoustic guitar's humidity levels, then check out the MN306 package.

Overall

Specifications

  • Weight: 3.2 oz
  • Suspension: Sits in Case
  • Longevity: Medium

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.

Why Do I Need To Humidify My Guitar?

An important topic to understand 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 guitar humidity causes it to contract (cold causes the same thing). This can cause cracks in your guitar, mostly on the exterior, but it can also affect wooden support posts and braces inside - potentially destroying your instrument.

As long as there are guitarists who want to protect their favorite guitars, there will be a market for good guitar humidifiers.

Note that other gear that uses wood are susceptible to warping due to excessive humidity changes, including the speaker cabinet. So when experiencing big air humidity and weather changes in colder areas like New York, regularly check the condition of your humidifier to ensure it is working properly.

Climate and Humidity

As a general rule, when it comes to temperature, if you wouldn't want to sleep where you're keeping your guitar you probably shouldn't keep it there. There isn't a definite temperature range, but you should keep your guitar at a temperature that would be comfortable for you.

High humidity can make hardware corrode faster, so you'll need to know how to clean a guitar more regularly.

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 guitar hygrometer.

Which Guitars Are Most Susceptible to Humidity?

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. Guitars with solid woods are susceptible to humidity, because they're a solid piece of wood flexing. If they flex too much, or too often, cracks occur.

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.

Still, every guitar musician will need a guitar humidifier regardless of the wood material. And this need for protection applies to both electric guitars and acoustic guitars.

The Best Way To Humidify Your Guitar (And How to do It)

The best way, by far, to humidify your guitar is to put it in a case and use a a guitar humidifier alongside a digital hygrometer.

The smaller the space the guitar is in the easier it is to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity. So If you leave your guitar on a stand, or on a Guitar Wall Hanger, you're exposing the instrument to humidity and temperature changes. 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.

This is the reason why guitars are better protected in guitar cases, paired with sponge humidifiers. All you have to do is buy an in-case sponge humidifier, supply it with water, and stick it in your case. Other humidifier types can also work, as long as they can fit into a case without issue. This includes the other humidifiers that didn't make it to the list, like the simple D'Addario Humidipak, or the Kyser Lifeguard Humidifier, which sits on your guitar like a soundhole cover. Another good runner up is the Dampit humidifier, which has a long rubber tube filled with sponge material.

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). Excess water vapor can wreak havoc on your instrument, so take care when using a humidifier.

Best Guitar Humidifier Selection Methodology

The first edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published on June 26, 2024

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 to produce Gearank Ratings for - you can see many of them in our Music Gear Database. We then gathered and analyzed relevant ratings, reviews, forum discussions and videos including the most recent feedback. All the data we gathered added up to over 20,200 sources, all of which were then processed via the Gearank Algorithm to produce rating scores 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.

About the Author and Contributors

Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.

Lead Author & Researcher

After having had encountered humidity problems first hand, I've been diligently using humidifiers on my guitars. I personally prefer the simplicity and reliability of sponge based humidifiers like the MN300. To make sure it works consistently, I set weekly reminders to check on the sponge.

Contributors

Allen Articulo: Product research and co-writing.
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.

Media

Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com incorporating photographs of the D'Addario GH, Oasis OH-1, Oasis OH-2C and a photograph by Wicker Paradise which was used and modified under a CC BY 2.0 license.

The MN300 Demo video is by Alexander Briones and has been embedded in accordance with YouTube's Terms of Service.

The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers, except for those that contain the Gearank logo which were made by us.

8 thoughts on “The Best Guitar Humidifier & Case Hygrometers 2024”

    1. Avatar
      Alexander Briones

      There are ways to dry out a guitar that’s been too damp. But it’ll be best to consult with a luthier to prevent any further damage.

      Humidifiers can help keep guitars dry. But you may have to use more of them and maintain them regularly in places with extreme humidity.

    1. 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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