David et al. Holding an instrument and breathing on it humidifies them a little, placing that instrument in a relatively airtight case helps hold moisture. I keep a few older lutes hanging on the wall de-strung for decoration, but my playing lutes I keep in the case with a humidity gauge and a humidifier when needed. When the relative humidity in the case falls near or below 45%, I start putting water in the humidifier, sometimes once a day. I keep the lid closed after the lute is removed to hold the moisture in. Everything in the case must remain humidified, especially the lining. Lou Aull
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