experimentjon
Well-known member
So now that I have one of those cheap humidity/temperature devices in one of my ukulele cases, I have looked into what a good number for humidity would be. It seems that the internet consensus is 45% to 55%.
Then I noticed that over the past few months, every time I looked at the hygrometer in my case, it is usually right around 60% (slightly above the recommended levels). So I looked online to see what the average relative humidity (RH) on Oahu is. It seems to be more moist than recommended, typically...but not way out of whack.
http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Hawaii/humidity-by-month.php
So I looked for some of the possible negative side effects of humidity.
On my guitars and ukuleles, I've definitely had corrosion on frets, strings, and other metallic hardware...but thankfully, no major swelling of tops or loosening braces.
So the question now is whether I have anything to worry about. I'm leaning towards no, because I've played some old gold and white label Kamakas that seem to be holding up just fine after 50 years of relative neglect in closets. And I, myself have had ukuleles sitting in cases without any special treatment at home for about five years now with no negative side-effects. But if there is something to worry about, I'd probably go and buy some silica packets.
Any experts care to weigh in?
Then I noticed that over the past few months, every time I looked at the hygrometer in my case, it is usually right around 60% (slightly above the recommended levels). So I looked online to see what the average relative humidity (RH) on Oahu is. It seems to be more moist than recommended, typically...but not way out of whack.
http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Hawaii/humidity-by-month.php
So I looked for some of the possible negative side effects of humidity.
Source: http://www.humidifix.com/What happens to my guitar at 60% humidity?
At 60% relative humidity or above symptoms may include tarnished frets and strings, corrosion to nickel, chrome or gold plating on tuning machines, swelling of the top, high action and loose braces and bridges.
On my guitars and ukuleles, I've definitely had corrosion on frets, strings, and other metallic hardware...but thankfully, no major swelling of tops or loosening braces.
So the question now is whether I have anything to worry about. I'm leaning towards no, because I've played some old gold and white label Kamakas that seem to be holding up just fine after 50 years of relative neglect in closets. And I, myself have had ukuleles sitting in cases without any special treatment at home for about five years now with no negative side-effects. But if there is something to worry about, I'd probably go and buy some silica packets.
Any experts care to weigh in?