Humidifiers, Humidity and de Humidifier Controls for Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano, Guitar, Harpsichord, other musical instruments
These are the best low-priced systems and accessories I'm aware of for
controlling the humidity in one room, such as a music studio, instrument making
studio, instrument storage room, practice room or hotel room.
Why do you need this, and
what's special about these systems?
(http://www.burgessviolins.com/humidity.html)
Hygrometer/Thermometer
I sell this because I've tested so many hygrometers which turned out to be junk, which were nowhere near their claimed accuracy.....as much as 40% off!
Each of these units is individually recalibrated after we receive them. They are calibrated using two different saturated salt solutions, producing a humidity of about 33% and 55% respectively, depending on temperature. This method has been chosen because it verifies not just the reading at one level, but also the "rate", and because it isn't prone to operator and equipment errors inherent in some other methods. While it is generally assumed that the most accurate method of determining humidity is by using a sling psychrometer (wet/dry bulb temperatures), a US Army study found an average error of 9% when using them.
Oddly enough, after recalibration, these cheap looking things are much more accurate than any of the "certified", lab-grade hygrometers I have tested. They are 2.75x2 inches, and will fit in almost any instrument case. Accurate measuring range is 30 to 70%, guaranteed to be with 1%. Unlike most hygrometers, these can be easily recalibrated as they drift over time, as all hygrometers do. A hygrometer that isn't accurate is worse than useless; it's a hazard to your instrument!
$32.00 plus shipping. U.S. orders only
Control unit, specially recalibrated.
Will automatically turn both humidifiers and dehumidifiers on and off. Aftermarket recalibration for accuracy. Will control up to three of the recommended vaporizers, many other humidifiers and vaporizers with non-electronic controls, as well as dehumidifiers up to 15 amps. Much more accurate than most built-in controls on humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Allows the use of inexpensive, bacteria and mold free steam vaporizers such as the one below.
Details:
Most humidifier and dehumidifier controls come up short in several areas: They are either built into or too close to the output of the appliance, so their accuracy is affected by the heat produced by the appliance, or they sense the moisture in the treated air coming out of the appliance instead of the average moisture in the room. This unit can be located many feet away from your appliance
Power saving features:
The spread between "on" and "off" is about 4% to
prevent electricity wasting frequent cycling of the appliance, and the accuracy
is superior so the appliance will run no more than necessary. This setup should
pay for itself with reduced power consumption, and by allowing the use of
cheaper humidifiers/dehumidifiers. 15 amp capacity.
Will sometimes produce some temporary interference on radios, cordless phones and TVs.
No failures or reports of dissatisfaction to date.
Note: Will not work with appliances which have electronic, digital controls which need to be reset if they have been unplugged.
$140.00 plus shipping, #HD300 U.S. orders only
Oregon Scientific (EM913R) Hygrometer/Thermometer
I have six of these left, and all of them read between 5 and 7% low, far enough out of spec that I wouldn't sell them individually, but still better than most of what's on the market. Those that were worse were already thrown away. Oversize digits, one-touch memory recall of minimum and maximum readings. Detachable weather-resistant outdoor temperature probe. 4x.75x4.5 inches, will fit in most instrument cases.
Will sell the lot for $100.00 plus shipping. Phone order only.
Sunbeam Vaporizer, 1.2 gallon capacity.
Emits bacteria free, mold free, mineral free distilled steam. Has no wicks or
filters that support bacteria or mold and need to be replaced periodically (and
it's cheaper than anything else!). If it gets mineral buildup after a couple of
years, just throw it away and buy a new one. Plug into control units above for
automatic operation.
I don't carry these, but wanted you to have a picture
of what you'd be looking for at K-Mart, Meijers, or similar places. Usually
under $15 in the health products department.
A similar steam vaporizer from
Vicks is available at WalMart.
Need to humidify, but it's already hot and you don't want to add any heat? Try the Hunter model 33201, an evaporative style which doesn't need replacement filters. The downside is that it is much more expensive than the steam vaporizers, and has an internal fan, making it noisier than the steam type. Available at WalMart.
"Gold Star" brand 30 pint per day dehumidifier, model DH305, about $140 at Wal-Mart. or from walmart.com.
We don't carry this because of the expense in shipping, but it's rather quiet, was highly rated by a consumer magazine for energy efficiency and is one of the least expensive. It's down side? As with many dehumidifiers, the built-in controller wasn't very accurate. No problem. Plug it into one of the humidity control units at the top.