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
Advice
Research