30/09/2026
I have been experimenting this year with wireless datalogging hygrometers, measuring the environment inside different types of guitar cases, with different instruments and types and amounts of desiccant product onboard, over different timescales, and with the case itself living in different ambient conditions.
My goal is to develop a practical, affordable protocol to help my customers protect their guitars from the ravages of excess humidity here in the subtropical Northern Rivers region.
What you are seeing in this screenshot is a three-month log of the relative humidity level inside a regular moulded PVC guitar case, with an OM size guitar, and no dessicant product. The case was stored in a non-climate controlled timber house in the Northern Rivers. Ambient relative humidity varied during this period, with daytime RH varying from the low 70s down to 45% at times. But as you can see, the microclimate inside the case remained consistently moist, and damper at all times than the outside environment.
In an environment like this, acoustic instruments will display swollen soundboards, high action, and greatly increased risk of structural glue joint failure. Not to mention the potential for mold growth 🤮
I show graphs like this to my customers to illustrate that “keeping it in the case” is likely to do more harm than good, unless you are also taking measures to dry out the environment inside the case. By adding dessicant product, you can create a dry microclimate for your instrument, rather than a damp one.
I’m continuing to gather data about what types of dessicant are most effective, what amount must be used to keep instruments in good order, and how frequently it must be changed. More information soon.
Do you find this type of stuff interesting, or useful? Let me know, or visit the workshop and experience first-hand me ranting about the data for hours :)
Cc: The Looth Group
northernriversnsw
