Water Beads for Humidification

[hotroad]

I just bought some water beads for humidifying my two best guitars. But I am not sure how many to use per guitar or how many holes to put in the baggies that I put the beads in. If you have any experience with water beads I would appreciate some help on these two questions. Thanks.

[srick]

I've tried them, but they don't seem to lose their moisture very quickly. Ergo, I wonder if a sponge isn't more efficient. One thing to note is that wen they dry out. they become a tiny acrylic nuisance bead - Tough to pick up and non-biodegradable. Another reason for sponges.

best.

Rick

[lowrider]

Here's how I do it;



One of those in each case. It works like a dream and I only re-charge the beads 2 or 3 times all winter.

[Silly Moustache]

Hi, I've used these things too.
I hydrated them in jam jars and filled the soap dishes when full.
Word of warning -s they give up water, they do get "sticky" and at one time the sticky goo ran out sticking the side of my guitar to the case lining - ugh!

I have not needed them as yet this year but I've invested in Guitar Nomad sound hole humidifiers instead.

[lowrider]

SM, I don't know where the sticky goo came from. You must have got the ''made in china'' brand. Mine are like little super balls that bounce around the house and as they dry out they just get smaller.

[FLRon]

Originally Posted by lowrider

Here's how I do it;



One of those in each case. It works like a dream and I only re-charge the beads 2 or 3 times all winter.

That’s the setup I use. Works like a charm!

[The Bard Rocks]

I'd rather use the soap dish/tupperware container full of holes (as pictured) than baggies. When the beads dry out, they get sharp spots that may well puncture the baggie, then they'd be all over.

i enclose mine very loosely in 2 small cotton bags connected by a short ribbon which I then drape over the strings so the moisture is emitted directly into the soundbox where it is most needed. So the wet cotton cannot touch anything in the guitar, I first enclose them in little fleece envelopes (fleece is hydrophobic and transmits but does not absorb water). Works great, super cheap, nothing to spill, holds more water than anything else i have used so it can go longer between refills. I still use distilled water, a gallon would last 8 guitars for years if my wife didn't steal it for ironing.

[619TF]

Originally Posted by lowrider

Here's how I do it;



One of those in each case. It works like a dream and I only re-charge the beads 2 or 3 times all winter.

That's the way I do it 'cept with sponges. To each their own I say.

[Mike McLenison]

In AZ it's extremely dry so I use a Nomad humidifier in the sound hole and a cup of water after the headstock. I use an Epiphone case and leave it flat on the ground as seen below. I lock the case when guitar isn't in use. No pets or people to disturb the case. I could use beads I suppose but this works good in these parts.

[hotroad]

OP here. My beads are now as big as they will get, about 1/2" diameter. I think I will try to find a good soap box to put them in but I like the idea of hanging them in the soundhole by the strings. That does put the moisture where its needed most. Maybe I will raid the laundry for a pair of my wifes nylons and go from there. Thanks for all the good ideas so far.

[pszy22]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

Hi, I've used these things too.
I hydrated them in jam jars and filled the soap dishes when full.
Word of warning -s they give up water, they do get "sticky" and at one time the sticky goo ran out sticking the side of my guitar to the case lining - ugh!

I have not needed them as yet this year but I've invested in Guitar Nomad sound hole humidifiers instead.

I've been using the same beads for at least 10 years, never had any problems with stickiness or goo. When they are hydrated, they are actually slippery, when dry, they are about this big - O and are rather hard.

THey must have different formulations between brands.

Been very happy using them.

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by lowrider

SM, I don't know where the sticky goo came from. You must have got the ''made in china'' brand. Mine are like little super balls that bounce around the house and as they dry out they just get smaller.

Mine must be the cheap kind. I filled up a pill bottle and after 3 days there was like 2” of water at the bottom of the bottle and the rest were floating at the top. They didn’t work well for me at all. Send me a link to what you bought that stay inflated. After sitting even longer there might be one or two beads left. The rest is water. These beads I would never trust inside of a guitar. They’d drip everywhere.

They look like this

[musicman1951]

Originally Posted by lowrider

Here's how I do it;



One of those in each case. It works like a dream and I only re-charge the beads 2 or 3 times all winter.

This is what I do as well. When I switch out the beads I put the used (tiny) beads in a glass of water until they're back to full size.

[skouri1]

bumping this one up as my d'addario are getting a bit tired. Want to dry this method in tandem with a hydrogemeter.
Any difference between these water beads? Any particular brand on amazon with decent durability (ie that wont explode and leak everywhere)?
thanks in advance or any recs !

[Rudy4]

Anything that absorbs water and then keeps it for a relatively long period of time isn't doing much for your guitar.

Would the "ideal" humidifier be something you fill once and it's good for the rest of winter?