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Kerrigan Humidified / Dehumidified

Guitar Cabinet Project

In 2017, I established a MeetUp Group for acoustic guitar enthusiasts in Montreal. During this period, I noticed many guitars had developed cracks as a result of low humidity. To prevent this from happening to my own guitars, I started taking extra precautions. However, keeping track of the relative humidity levels in six different guitar cases proved to be a hassle.


To tackle this issue, I purchased a large "evaporative" humidifier for the room, but it turned out that the humidity level was inconsistent throughout the space, and the water tank needed to be refilled every three days.


In 2018, I delved into the process of creating a humidified guitar cabinet and reached out to Martin, Taylor, and Godin Guitars for advice.


The Backstory

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


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


I added a container of distilled water, placed a computer fan above and installed an Inkbird digital controller. When the RH drops below 45%, the controler starts the fan and turns it off at 48%.


I added a mini dehumidifier to lower the humidity when (on rainy days) the RH raises above 50%.


The Inkbird digital controller is set to ring an alarm if the RH drops be low 40% or over 52%


On prototype 2, I plan to have the mineral free water from the dehumidifier flow back into the water reservoir.

Prototype #1



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

Total - $330CAN  


2023 Prototype #2

Project Advice:

Martin Guitars - Harry Vadyak / Customer Service Representative

Taylor Guitars - Jonathan Ortiz / Customer Service Representative

Godin Guitars - Maxime Lévesque / Alexis Tomeno

RGB Guitars - Russ Parker / Luthier

Baron Guitars - Maxime Baron / Luthier

Inkbird (Digital Controller) - Pure Wu


Brian Murphy - Director/Videographer/Editor

David Michael Wallace - Writer/Director/Teacher/Musician

Lindsay Morrison - Consultant / Guitar Enthusiast

Benoit Forget - Guitar setup & repair / Guitars For Vets Program

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