Climate Controlled Cabinet for DB Storage

jsbarber · #1 11-03-2006, 12:03 PM

Right now I only have a laminated DB, but I intend to get a carved DB. I understand that these are delicate and that temperature/humdity changes can detrimentally affect the instrument. I live in San Diego where most of the time the weather is pretty moderate, and I don't use hot, dry forced-air heat int the winter. However, we do have this weather condition called a Santa Ana, where the wind blows from the desert to the coast (rather than the typical breeze from the ocean). So, in a matter of a few hours the temperature can jump 15 degrees and the humidity will plummet. When this happens I have to significantly retune my laminated bass, when otherwise it stays pretty much in tune.

So, ..., has anyone heard of a cabinet, like a wine cabinet, where the climate (humidity and/or temperature) can be maintained/controlled? I know there are these little sponge humidifiers that can be placed in the f-holes, but I was wondering if there was a better way of protecting the instrument.

Any thoughts?

Thanks folks,

Jim

Bob Branstetter · #2 11-03-2006, 05:38 PM

It sound to me like you've got near idea conditions. A 15 degree drop is nothing I would consider extreme. I wouldn't worry about it. Extreme is taking your bass from inside a 70 degree house in the winter and going outside where the temperature is below freezing. When the time comes, get your carved bass and enjoy it.

jsbarber · #3 11-03-2006, 05:43 PM

Bob, thank you for your reply, but it wasn't so much the temperature change I was concerned about as the humidity. It can go from 50% to 7% in a couple of hours. Sorry if I wasn't so clear about that.

Jim

Bob Branstetter · #4 11-03-2006, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsbarber

Bob, thank you for your reply, but it wasn't so much the temperature change I was concerned about as the humidity. It can go from 50% to 7% in a couple of hours. Sorry if I wasn't so clear about that.

Jim

I'm sure that there are lots of good bass players in San Diago with carved basses. Talk to them or to a local bass luthier. If you don't hear any horror stories, I wouldn't worry about it.

Now to answer your original question. In the public schools, it is pretty common to have sealed rooms/closets with controlled humidity since many shut off the heat or air conditioning when school is not in session. No doubt it could be done, but if you take the instrument out of the controlled environment to play it, you still have the same problem. Dampits are useless at best. Do a search on "Dampit" and you will find most luthiers have a very negative opinion of them.