Humidity and leaky packs

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by wooster

…Anyone have any views?

Hi w

After the first round of 'leaks' I was skeptical of them. After the 2nd round (couple years later) I just made sure my students and friends knew there was an issue.

I'm a sponge-in-a-ziplock user (have been for over a decade now). I've never had leakage issues, because I make sure they are wrung out thoroughly.

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by Song

With my own eyes I have seen the new Humidipaks leak. I would never allow them anywhere near my guitars.

I too have heard that the leakage problem was solved a long time ago. But this is a salt solution that regulates the humidity, so if it does leak -- what a mess!

I did buy a used ukulele once where a Humidipak had leaked. That almost ruined the uke, and did ruin the leather strap and the hard case. After seeing that damage, I have never considered putting one in my guitar. I even have one Humidipak on the shelf (never used) that was a door prize at a Road Show. My damp sponge in a perforated soap dish method has worked fine for many years in some trying conditions, without any damage to the guitars.

[wooster]

I did look for the leak resistant holders but can't seem to find them in the UK

[Dakotabison]

Originally Posted by wooster

I did look for the leak resistant holders but can't seem to find them in the UK

You need to buy the full Humidipak kit and not just the replacement packs. The full kits will have the holders along with the humidipaks, the replacement packs only contain the humidipaks themselves. It looks like you can buy the new holders separately from Boveda.

[Rev Roy]

Here are the new style holders that you need:
https://bovedainc.com/store/music/bo...-pouch-holder/

[hollowbamboo]

I just tested the D'Addario pouches that came with their system (looks similar to the Boveda) by filling one with water: the pouches definitely do not leak water, but there is no velcro to seal them in the case of a gel pack leak. I'm not worried about using these for humidification of bamboo, given the setup, but don't think I will be putting them in my acoustics.

I do have a Musicnomad sponge rig here I can use. I just don't like the pressure it puts on the guitar when spreading the D/G strings in the soundhole; I also fear a small amount of additional nut/saddle wear, over time, as a result. I have always kept these below/behind the neck heel in the case--just not sure exactly how effective that is. Seems to me I remember seeing a similar system somewhere with a much thinner width / spread of the strings?

Was hoping the gel packs would be better, especially being 2-way, but they have their own set of problems, obviously. Heck, I might even try a couple of the Musicnomad-type sponges in the hanging D'Addario bags - that gets them in the soundhole with no fear of leakage! Hmmm.... hamster on sqeakey wheel.

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by hollowbamboo

...... I just don't like the pressure it puts on the guitar when spreading the D/G strings in the soundhole; I also fear a small amount of additional nut/saddle wear, over time, as a result. .......

The tiny amount of extra tension created by spreading the strings for the humidifying device would be trivial and will not create the problems you fear. Remember that a set of light gauge (54-12) strings tuned to standard pitch create a constant 160-165 pounds of total tension. If two of those strings increase from 25 to 29 pounds because of the spread, that's not an issue -- either short term or long term.

[hollowbamboo]

Excellent point. Even the minute lateral wear on the saddle is probably a non-issue, even though most acoustics don't see too much bending of the G/D (in my world, anyway).

[drplayer]

Timely subject...maybe this will help. I reached out to D'Addario Customer Service directly just the other day to inquire about the shelf-life of an unopened humidity system. My plan was to have one on hand for use when I may travel with my guitars during inclement weather. Their response in full was as follows:

"Hello,

Thank you for your e-mail.

As long as it has not been opened and they are stored in a neutral place then yes they should be good for that long..

Just remember to please keep the guitar flat (otherwise on its side or upright will cause the gel to pool into one corner and we do not want that) and if walking around with the guitar please take them out until you get where you are going(otherwise they are sitting in there bouncing around hitting the bracing etc…


George Santos

Title: Consumer/Customer Service Product Specialist
CR-Fretted, CR-Planet Waves, CR-Evans & Puresound, CR-Pro mark
D’Addario & Company, Inc."

[hollowbamboo]

Wow, interesting info, thanks for relaying! I just read through the entire booklet that comes with the D'Addario system and that is not mentioned anywhere in there, that I could see. Hmmmm...

[Dakotabison]

Originally Posted by hollowbamboo

I just tested the D'Addario pouches that came with their system (looks similar to the Boveda) by filling one with water: the pouches definitely do not leak water, but there is no velcro to seal them in the case of a gel pack leak. I'm not worried about using these for humidification of bamboo, given the setup, but don't think I will be putting them in my acoustics.

I do have a Musicnomad sponge rig here I can use. I just don't like the pressure it puts on the guitar when spreading the D/G strings in the soundhole; I also fear a small amount of additional nut/saddle wear, over time, as a result. I have always kept these below/behind the neck heel in the case--just not sure exactly how effective that is. Seems to me I remember seeing a similar system somewhere with a much thinner width / spread of the strings?

Was hoping the gel packs would be better, especially being 2-way, but they have their own set of problems, obviously. Heck, I might even try a couple of the Musicnomad-type sponges in the hanging D'Addario bags - that gets them in the soundhole with no fear of leakage! Hmmm.... hamster on sqeakey wheel.

I'm not sure how having the sponges within the pouches would be any different than having the humidipaks within the pouches. The outer surfaces of humidipaks consist of a breathable membrane that protects against leakage, and even if one did leak the pouch would have to be upside down for the gel to leak out. Again I have used these for 4-5 years and currently have them in seven guitars right now. I've never had a leak. That being said there are plenty of other ways to humidify so if these don't work for you something else will.

[hollowbamboo]

<<<I'm not sure how having the sponges within the pouches would be any different than having the humidipaks within the pouches.<<<

I think it's mainly the penalty not being worth the risk, for me. I know the sponges don't leak and, even if they could, it's a tiny amount of water. A gel pack leak does far more damage, in the rare event it occurred, and was able to breach the pouch opening. Since my cases live vertically/angled leaning against a wall, the gel will also pool, apparently a "no-no" per the D'Addario rep comments above.

I just dug out a couple of Dampits I've had around for years that will see some new use. I love the 2-way concept of the gel packs keeping RH within the proper range. I imagine the future will yield a penalty-free, hands-off system that does the same.

[Sonics]

If the gel packs leaks, then the plastic pouch will prevent any liquid damaging the guitar.

[hollowbamboo]

What's most interesting to me is that, apparently, I've been mis-pronouncing "D'Addario" for the past 40 years!

Plus, my 2 brand new D'A systems from Amazon do not have the clip method. Just a double pouch + single pouch.

[Shadowfox]

I'm going on 10 years using them no problem. Plus they have such great customer care of anything did happen they have replaced several instruments.