HUMIDIFY PROJECT

The Open Source

Acoustic Guitar Canada Cabinet Project

In 2017, I organized an acoustic guitar MeetUp Group in Montreal. During that time I observed a number of guitars which were cracked due to low humidity. I began taking extra care of my own guitars, but quickly found monitoring the relative humidity level within 6 guitar cases tedious.

I then bought a large evaporative room humidifier, but found the humidity level to be uneven throughout the room and the water tank needed refilling every 3 days.

In 2018, I began researching how to build a humidified guitar cabinet and contacted Martin, Taylor and Godin Guitars for advice.

The Backstory

In the spring of 2018, I began my build by modifying two Ikea bookcases.

I sealed the joints with clear Gorilla tape and high-density weatherstripping around the doors.

I added an Inkbird digital controller and fan over a container of water to raise the relative humidity, and a 2nd Inkbird unit to control a mini dehumidifier to lower the humidity when needed.

I keep the humidity level in the cabinet at 45% (range 42%-48%). The dehumidifier is set at 50% and only turns on during very rainy days.

The dehumidifier produces mineral free water which is recycled back into the large container.

The Prototype

My Costs In Canadian Dollars

Two used Ikea cabinets ($35 + $65) - $100

Brackets & screws - $20

Container for water - $10

Fan - $30

Inkbird digital controller - $65

Swivel yoke hangers - $100

Mini dehumidifier - $60

Air Vent - $10