in-case humidifier

[t7389sg]

Can you get away with just tossing your favorite humidifier in the center compartment or does it need to mount somehow next to the mandolin? Steve G

[Ken Sager]

There are varying opinions on this. Some think that by enclosing the moisture source in the center compartment you're simply humidifying the center compartment. Some think you should have a DampIt type humidifier inside the instrument body. Some think you should never put a moisture directly inside, or next to, a wooden instrument so the center compartment is a safe alternate. Some think the center compartment is fine because you're humidifying the entire case that way, the center compartment isn't sealed tight.

I say do what makes you happy, but put a hygrometer (an hygrometer?) in the case near the mandolin so you know whether you really need to humidify or not.

Just FYI, when I humidify I keep it in the center compartment. I find my case stays around 40% year round simply be keeping it closed all the time. No, I don't keep the humidifier wet. Sure, the weather changes, but the instrument spends more time in a closed case than not, so the moisture level in the case stays fairly constant.

Good luck,
Ken

[t7389sg]

thanks
Steve G

[Salty Dog]

I use a Planet Wave humidity tester and the small humidifier (available from Elderly). #They fit in the hole below the neck joint in the Calton. #When the humidity in the case gets low, I put in the humidifier and indeed the humidity gets inside the case and mandolin as the string tension increases when the mandolin pucks up the moisture and swells slightly. #Ideally, you want somewhere around 45% relative humidity. #Up here in the frozen north country, when the furnace is cranking, the humidity inside the case can get into the low 30s, and the case is open only when I am moving the mandolin in or out. #I haven't tried the center compartment, but I believe that the humidity would stay in that compartment because it is surrounded by foam. #While the Planet Wave tester and humidifier have "peel and stick" permanent mounting capability, I just leave them loose in the case (humidifier on top of tester) and remove them when I travel with the mandolin.