Humidifcation

[Jhass]

I live in New England, where the air gets dry in the winter. I had been using an ultrasonic humidifier. In the depths of the winter heating season, it could usually maintain about 45% relative humidity. But I didn't like the white dust that the ultrasonic humidifier sometimes deposited. So, when that humidifier recently died, I bought an evaporative humidifier (the kind with the paper filter inside). This one might be a bit too small, because the best it can do is 37%-38%.

For solid body electric basses, is 37%-38% relative humidity enough to prevent fret sprout? I have two basses with maple fretboards, and one with a rosewood board.

 

[SkylineFiver]

From all the material I’ve read on this subject the consensus is 40-60% humidity is ideal. So, you’re close.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Get a second one, out it elsewhere in the house. Use ceiling fans to spead the humidity around.

 

[cxcxcx]

If you haven’t already tried, using distilled water in dehumidifiers considerably reduces the white dust issue.

 

[Jhass]

I’m sure that’s true. I’m going through about 1.5 gallons of water a day, so it would be pretty costly (and inconvenient) to have to buy that much distilled water.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I live in New England, where the air gets dry in the winter. I had been using an ultrasonic humidifier. In the depths of the winter heating season, it could usually maintain about 45% relative humidity. But I didn't like the white dust that the ultrasonic humidifier sometimes deposited. So, when that humidifier recently died, I bought an evaporative humidifier (the kind with the paper filter inside). This one might be a bit too small, because the best it can do is 37%-38%.

For solid body electric basses, is 37%-38% relative humidity enough to prevent fret sprout? I have two basses with maple fretboards, and one with a rosewood board.

Pretty typical for aerosol rain-out especially when using anything less than distilled water. Are you running the evap in a fairly-confined space?

Just a sidenote: this is the best time of year to address fret-sprout...cold and dry.

Riis

 

[Jhass]

Yeah, it’s a pretty confined space. I think I need a higher-output humidifier. No feet sprout so far (fingers crossed)

 

[31HZ]

I set my evap humidifier at either 35% or 40% and it keeps the fret sprout away; I'll definitely notice a difference in the basses if I'm gone for a few days and can't refill it!

 

[Jhass]

Mine manages 37% overnight, but during the day (when the house is warmer) it seems only able to get to 34%. But, no fret sprout so far.

 

[RSBBass]

Another unit would be good but you are at least minimizing the risk for now. Just a word of caution. I had a big evaporative unit in my house in Vermont. I had considerable problems with mold growing on the filters.

 

[Jhass]

Thanks. There are things you can float in the tank to prevent mold, and the unit I have now does have filters that are treated to help prevent mold

 

[Zooberwerx]

Thanks. There are things you can float in the tank to prevent mold, and the unit I have now does have filters that are treated to help prevent mold

Chuck a copper ChoreGirl scrubbing pad or two in the reservoir.

Riis

 

[sissy kathy]

Turn the humidifier off, let the fret sprout happen, and then dress the frets: mucho dinero saved.

 

[sissy kathy]

Thanks. There are things you can float in the tank to prevent mold, and the unit I have now does have filters that are treated to help prevent mold

I don't think it's mold, more likely minerals left behind from the evaporation process.

 

[Jhass]

I don't think it's mold, more likely minerals left behind from the evaporation process.

That’s definitely a thing also. The filters get all crusty.

 

[Lammchop93]

If you haven’t already tried, using distilled water in dehumidifiers considerably reduces the white dust issue.

Distilled water is better for your health too. Breathing in tap water for a humidifier isn’t the most healthy thing according to some articles I’ve read.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Keeping decent humidity in your house in the winter is important for a number of reasons, including your health.

 

[Jhass]

Distilled water is better for your health too. Breathing in tap water for a humidifier isn’t the most healthy thing according to some articles I’ve read.

Yes, that is an issue with the ultrasonic humidifiers. That’s another reason I got the evaporative kind. All the minerals stay behind in the filter, rather than ending up in the air

 

[Clark Westfield]

I wouldn’t go nuts.
If you get sprout at 38%, just let it happen.
Dress the frets, and you’ll never worry about an ultra dry house again.

 

[Jhass]

I wouldn’t go nuts.
If you get sprout at 38%, just let it happen.
Dress the frets, and you’ll never worry about an ultra dry house again.

I got a larger humidifier, and it’s maintaining 40%-45%. All good