A simple, home-made humidifier can be constructed from sponge and a plastic
film case. Drill or punch holes (I use 3/16" or 1/4" bit) in the film case,
in the upper 2/3s of the film case. Cut a piece of sponge to fit inside the
film case and insert the sponge. Fill it with or soak it in water, shake out
the excess and dry off the exterior. If you drill the holes in the upper
part of the film case, excess water will be held in the case and not drip
onto the instrument or its case.
This sort of humidifier can be inserted and suspended between strings of
most classical guitars or can sit upright in a lute or barqoue guitar case.
I used a small Tupperware-style container (punching holes only in the lid)
for my larger theorbo case.
I assume that finding the plastic film cases may be a bit more challenging
than it was a few years ago, but I know some folks do still have and use
film in cameras.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Edward Mast" <[email protected]>
To: "Mayes, Joseph" <[email protected]>
Cc: "Suzanne Angevine" <[email protected]>; "Dan Smith"
<[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 11:47 AM
Subject: [LUTE] Re: Lute humidifiers
Living in South Florida this seems a quaint idea, but when growing up in
Connecticut our house had trays built into the tops of the radiator
enclosures. Filling these with water every few days during the winter
kept the air humidified. But I suppose today there are more efficient
heating methods than radiators.
On Mar 7, 2011, at 12:27 PM, Mayes, Joseph wrote:
Sponge, Dampit, What hast thou? I find an equal amount of danger from
dripping moisturizers as from dryness. I have a room humidifier running
night and day between Oct. and May.
Best,
Joseph Mayes
On 3/7/11 12:17 PM, "Edward Mast" <[email protected]> wrote:
Any music store will probably carry the type of humidifiers made to fit
into
the sound holes of cellos or violins (basically a perforated plastic
tube with
a sponge inside). I use one of these and simply place it in the peg box
area
of the case. I've also tried a kitchen sponge in a baggie, (with some
holes
cut in it), but mildew did build up in the sponge, so I prefer the
violin
humidifier.
On Mar 6, 2011, at 9:51 PM, Suzanne Angevine wrote:
Artist sponges made damp and enclosed loosely in a baggie, stuffed in
the
pegbox part of the case are what I've heard of.
Suzanne
On 3/6/2011 5:45 PM, Dan Smith wrote:
Does anyone have any recommendations for a humidifier for lute.
Would
appreciate any advice - thanks.
------------------
Dan Smith
Raleigh, NC
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