Violin Humidifier Substitutes

January 14, 2013 at 06:46 PM · One of my former teachers had a diy method involving drilling some holes into the top of a travel soap container (the plastic ones you find at target, etc), soaking a cellulose sponge, squeezing out excess water, putting the sponge in the container and finding a spot to affix it in the case (where it won't damage, bump instrument) It works quite well.

January 14, 2013 at 06:52 PM · I do the same, but with a 35mm stills film container.

January 14, 2013 at 07:03 PM · I've fiddled around with different devices, and now I use a water boiler to produce some steam twice a day in my music room. Works perfectly, is clean and cheap.

Because my instruments spend most of their time here, I don't need no humidifier in the case.

January 15, 2013 at 01:27 AM · Hey Guys! Thanks for all the great advice... I improvised a bit according to the resources I have. I took the plastic part of a spool of thread, and filled the holes full with cotton and soaked it in hot water... I still am open for improvement tho, do you guys have ideas with smallER things required? The soap box is brilliant! Unfortunately, I currently have a terrible case with only two small compartments, no space at all for other knick knacks.

-Gian :)

January 22, 2013 at 05:14 PM · You should be very careful about placing sponges or other water containers near your violin because dripping water can cause significant damage to the varnish, which can permanently change the sound quality and value of your instrument. It is also important to remember that when luthiers talk about maintaining humidity levels in 40%-60% range, they are actually referring to "relative humidity", which is "relative" to air temperature. The relative humidity levels inside your case can change very quickly and dramatically if the air around your instrument is subjected temperature changes or extremes. That is why it is important to avoid exposing your instrument to very high or low temperatures, and part of the reason why you should not open a cold case inside a warm building.

Some cases offer better protection than others against temperature and relative humidity swings, but be sure that your case is at least well-insulated and that you keep it away from external sources of heat. If your case is exposed to heat, particularly in a dry winter environment, the relative humidity levels inside will drop very quickly. Unfortunately it can be difficult to find a safe, reliable, low-cost humidity solution, but if you keep these safety tips in mind it will help you to avoid accidental damage. Good luck!

January 22, 2013 at 06:09 PM · My wife - bless her - is making me a violin case blanket made totally of silk, including the batting inside. Silk's innate ability to bind and release moisture makes it a good material to dampen humidity fluctuations inside the case. Cotton would probably work for this as well, just not as elegantly!