Dampit Humidifier

[sglett]

Does anyone use these? Is it a good idea to have one?

[jaydee]

I've used the viola size for several winters and had no problems. I'm happy with it. If you use one just make sure that you wring out all of the excess water before putting it inside the mandolin.
Jeremy

[chuck.naill]

Just got one for my fiddle.

For the mandolin I use an film canister with a damp sponge inside.

Chuck

[glauber]

Dampits are ok, but they need to be replenished every day, and you have to do it the right way, i.e.: immerse them in water, then roll in a towel and give a gentle squeeze, so there is no free-standing water there to fall into the instrument.

If you have space in the case, i recommend a humistat. That's what i use. It works as well as the dampits, and you only have to refill them perhaps twice a month.

The film canister idea works too (takes a little more space). You can also use the product that's sold in flower shops, for holding floral arrangements, instead of a sponge. That holds a lot more water.

But humistat is small and cheap. I set up mine by the headstock, using industrial-strength velcro (available in hardware stores).

[steve V. johnson]

Glauber has the good word there.

I use 'em, I keep a bunch in the house. #I only use them when humidity is a real critcal issue, tho, not often. #They're not a long-term solution for me.

stv