Plant Waves Humidipak

[axeman]

So.... my experience with the replacement Humidipak's is certainly different than the prior verision.

I've had mine about a month.... set them in all of my cases to assist with regulating the humidity for each instrument and to help when they are out of the house. I do keep my instruments in a room with a humidifier.

Seven of the ten I checked yesterday were brick hard or very crystallized. I placed one on top of the humidifier overnight and it did not change the state of the Humidipak at all. The first version of these you could rejuvieate when exposed to humidity again.

I know some of you just received your replacements not too long ago as well. I would be interested in knowing what your experience is with them over time.

Thanks,

- Keith

[Barry]

I was always interested in this product but it appears they cant get it right .

[FFOGG]

Seven of the ten I checked yesterday were brick hard or very crystallized


THATS HOW MINE ARE ALSO

[FFOGG]

watch it !!!!!!!!!!! I have the new replACEMENT PACKS POST RECALL which :mad: were sent to me by the Company and ...I took my EC to a tech tonite and opened the case and it was all discolored from Humdipak ....:mad: :mad:

[FFOGG]

This is the solution I came upon last night and not sure if it will work ....simply store all my guitars in basement level bathroom ..my thought is water from various sink ,toiliet ,and shower drain will provide enough moisture ....thoughts ?? BTW we really do not use that bathroom very much if at all

[ConnemaraGuitar]

If there's interest out there, I can compile and post some plans for a humidity controlled space (such as a closet) that will maintain 50% relative humidity. I'm still noodling on the idea of a humidity controlled storage cabinet and have found a bit of information about humidity control systems.

BTW, these systems increase humidity as well as reduce it.

Let me know...

[Ahess86]

I'm interested but don't have a ton of money to kick around. Its really important though, I have a Tom Anderson (and another on the way), a custom Taylor, a McPherson, and I'm constantly worried about the (humidity related) health of my guitars.

[FFOGG]

Lofton : My concern with these humidifiers is the bacteria that is being spewed into the air

[ConnemaraGuitar]

Good point, Emil. The humidifiers I've been looking at are the ultrasonic variety, and I'm not sure they spew bacteria the same way my old furnace humidifier did. The other thing to consider is that this will be a sealed environment, unlike the old furnace systems which actually collect and concentrate garbage from large volumes of air.

One of the companies markets these for installation inside grand pianos, and another for preservation chambers. I would think that the bacteria problem would have been addressed. But I'll check and get back.

[ConnemaraGuitar]

Here's some information.

There is a company that produces humidity control systems which have been used for instrument storage, among other things. The web site is:

www.habitatmonitor.com/index.php

I just spent a while on the phone with the president of the company and he's knowledgeable about this subject. At the heart of the system is a control unit that drives both humidifiers and dehumidifiers. The latter units can be bought from the company or you can use your own.

The cost to humidify/dehumidify a closet would be in the $500 range.

Regarding the question about bacteria and mold, I was told that this is not usually a problem, even though the humidifiers for this application are the evaporative kind (a wick, a fan and a water resevoir). Ultrasonic humidifiers are for much heavier duty humidification.

The source for bacterial or fungal contamination would be the water, to which some folks add hydrogen peroxide as a sterilizing agent. Also, unless the water is allowed to stand for several months at a time, there's little opportunity for anything to grow. Last, 50% relative humidity is not high enough to promote bacterial or fungal growth...that is an issue at 70%+ RH.

The company is willing to work with people to put together a system that is "plug and play" and sized for watever size space needed. I was impressed, and will likely buy their system for my prototype storage cabinet when I can scrounge up a few bucks.

[FFOGG]

Lofton :Thanks for research..now I need to scrounge up the $ saving for a new Andy

[axeman]

I touched base with Planet Waves again regarding the Humidipaks.... the paks they sent as replacements to me in December are being recalled as well. It's been so long ago that I don't remember, but I thought the first recall included two model/part numbers. The current RA form includes four:

PW-HPK-01
PW-HPK-02
PW-HPRP-01
PW-HPRP-01H

There are two options when returning them, wait for replacements, or receive credit that may be applied to other Planet Waves products.

I don't want to belabor the dialog on this topic, but wanted to let those know that have them, they are still facing challenges with them and you have another option, if you choose to pass on this product.

The website for the recall is: www.planetwaves.com/humidity

- Keith

[FFOGG]

Heard from Planetwaves they will buy me a new case if I send them an invoice ..They were very helpful and ez to deal with

[FFOGG]

Anybody remember how much these packets cost ??

[axeman]

Between $25 and $30, as I recall.

[strat56]

Has anyone tried these?

http://oasishumidifiers.com/index.html