MrNatch3L - Posted - 05/20/2013:  07:53:36

I really gotta do something about a humidifier. I tried one of those long tube type guitar jobbies in my Vega's case last winter and it just didn't cut it. This year I'll have my new White Mountain woodie, which, being all wood, I expect to react to the seasonal humidity extremes around here. I see a lot of humidifiers for guitars and violins. So far I don't see anything for banjos. I assume it would be some kind of case humidifier (I have cases already and am not thinking to buy one with humidifier built in, though I would like that.)

What are you all using that you like, and why do you like what you're using?

banjoman56 - Posted - 05/20/2013:  08:13:10

I use humidifiers with all my instruments in the winter. I make my own using small plastic bottles and a piece of sponge. Drill holes it the bottle cap and soak the sponge, then squeeze a small amount of the water from it, put it in the bottle and place it in the case. When it starts getting dry, re-soak it and you're good to go.

kratty - Posted - 05/20/2013:  08:37:45

While I have not personally used them, I saw these recommended someplace and it seems like a good idea.  I will need to invest in something like this once I get a banjo with a skin head, since my climate has wild seasonal humidity swings.

dampits.com/

Sven57 - Posted - 05/20/2013:  08:43:41

Forgive my ignorance, but I assumed the lack of soundboards on banjos meant they wouldn't need humidifiers.    Does a banjo's hardwood neck and laminated rim need humidification like a spruce guitar or mandolin top?

Sven

PeterJ - Posted - 05/20/2013:  09:02:38

Hey, Sven - I find that humidification in the winter months helps keep the wood parts fitting together well -- just like wood can swell in the humid summer months, causing some parts to get too tight, it can shrink in drier conditions. I haven't seen any examples of necks twisting or warping from lack of moisture, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. 

I use an inexpensive case humidifier, the Herco Guardfather. But I also use room humidifiers when things get really dry in the cold weather -- that's as much for the humans as it is for the instruments.

BDCA - Posted - 05/20/2013:  11:48:57

I use extra large pill bottles and wrap them with graph paper to drill the holes. Use a cellulose sponge and I also rinse first with an antibacterial soap to keep it mold free. I put as many as can fit. Humidity can go as low as 5% in Tucson

Cya!

Bob