9 Best Guitar Humidifiers 2024

There’s nothing worse than making a significant guitar purchase, only to find out that you haven’t been maintaining it properly. If you’ve ever been in these shoes, you’re probably all too familiar with the accompanying feeling of guilt and regret. 

Because guitars are made of wood, humidity (or lack thereof) can completely wreck the instrument’s overall condition. Keep your guitar at proper humidity levels by using one of the following guitar humidifiers. 

MusicNomad The Humitar One – Best Overall

Are you looking for a comprehensive kit that will allow you to maintain humidity without spending a ton of cash? The MusicNomad The Humitar One (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is one of the best values on the market. 

At its most basic level, The Humitar One is designed very similarly to many of the other available soundhole humidifiers. The humidifier itself is a combination of a few different key components.

Firstly, the actual outside of the humidifier is essentially a plastic case, with holes on the side for moisture circulation. Wondering how moisture is applied to The Humitar One?

The answer to this is rather quite simple, revealing the 2nd key component: the sponge. However, this isn’t a regular sponge like you’d use at the kitchen sink to scrub tedious food stains away.  

MusicNomad uses their signature Humid-i-Bar sponge within The Humitar One’s case. These are designed to be highly absorbent, with water replacement time usually ranging around 2 weeks.

Performing a simple touch test will tell you whether or not you need to re-wet the sponge. MusicNomad recommends that you use only distilled water when using The Humitar One.

You might be thinking that, so far, The Humitar One doesn’t seem to be that different from any other guitar humidifier. However, this guitar humidifier’s secret sauce is actually the 3rd key component and can be found on the lid. 

Here, you’ll find that MusicNomad has conveniently placed a hygrometer. This will allow you to continually monitor both the temperature and the humidity level within the guitar and its case. 

Every 20 seconds, the hygrometer takes a reading and updates the LCD screen. The hygrometer supports temperature readings for both Fahrenheit and Celsius. 

Wondering how to use the humidifier? Simply place it in between two strings to drop it into the soundhole. 

Because of the humidifier’s overall design, the lid will sit on top of the strings. This keeps the humidifier in optimal position while preventing it from falling into the guitar. 

Why Is The MusicNomad The Humitar One The Best Guitar Humidifier Overall?

In a market where guitar humidifiers can be found at any cost, you might wonder why this is the best. Certainly, cheaper guitar humidifiers can be found that do their jobs just as well as The Humitar One. 

If that’s the case, then what’s the big deal about this specific humidifier? Despite being almost double the cost of a standard garden-variety humidifier, The Humitar One is still a value. 

Part of this is because of the humidifier’s design, which features plenty of ventilation for the circulation of moisture. All parts of the sponge (aside from the dead middle) are exposed to air from both sides of the case. 

MusicNomad’s specialized sponge allows you to not have to worry about it drying up too quickly. The 2-week time period is a relatively safe window of time to expect the need to wet the sponge. 

Because of the sponge’s density, simply pressing your finger into the sponge will tell you the moisture status. If it’s feeling somewhat hardened (which will be obvious), you’ll need to add water. 

Need help determining whether you can trust yourself to properly judge whether the sponge needs moisture? The touch test will be pretty easy to tell, but it’s never a bad thing to moisturize when in doubt. 

MusicNomad’s sponge and humidifier design allows for the moisture within the sponge to be released in a controlled manner. 

If you’re ever unsure, you’ll immediately realize and appreciate the beauty of The Humitar One’s hygrometer. Never again will you have to guess whether or not your guitar and its case lack moisture. 

This is a small addition but you'd be surprised at the load it can take off your mind. MusicNomad has also printed some safety zones where both the humidity level and temperature should reside. 

So, essentially, with The Humitar One, MusicNomad is giving you all the tools to maintain your guitar’s humidity. The biggest difference is that it’s roughly half the price of other humidifiers offering many of the same capabilities. 

While it might be twice the cost of a standard humidifier, it provides a middle ground between the expensive kits. Plus, the replacement sponges are relatively inexpensive for how much life you can get out of them. 

D'Addario Humidikit Bundle – Best Premium

Want a comprehensive kit that will provide humidity to your guitar and case while allowing constant monitoring? It might cost a bit much, but the D'Addario Humidikit Bundle (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is worth it.

This kit is insanely comprehensive for tackling humidity control. As such, it goes above and beyond the simple soundhole humidifiers you will commonly find on the market. 

You can think of the Humidikit Bundle to be the optimal tool for maintaining humidity within a guitar case. If you don’t have a case or gig bag, the Humidikit Bundle isn’t going to be the most ideal tool. 

There are actually 3 different parts to the Humidikit Bundle that make it such a comprehensive kit. 2 of the 3 parts can be found in the provided Humidipak 2-way humidification packets. 

D’Addario provides 2 sleeves for these Humidipak packets. For the soundhole, a double-sided sleeve requires 2 packets and conveniently drapes over the middle strings. 

Interestingly enough, D’Addario also provides a single sleeve to place a humidity packet below the headstock at the case’s bottom. This helps to ensure that all areas with the guitar case are seeing proper levels of humidity. 

When in use, the Humidipak sleeves will maintain the guitar to have a humidity level ranging from 45-50%. 

There’s one more thing in this bundle that pushes the kit’s capabilities far beyond what is typically offered. D’Addario has included a digital hygrometer that will allow you to monitor your guitar’s humidity levels. 

But this isn’t your standard hygrometer in any way, as it offers Bluetooth technology powered by Blustream. With the associated mobile app, the device continually broadcasts humidity and temperature readings to be seen anywhere at any time. 

This really is the kit to get if you want to make sure all of your bases are covered. It’s pricey but the Bluetooth monitor provides a level of convenience you might not want to live without.  

Is The D'Addario Humidikit Bundle Worth Its Price?

When things cost far more than other similar items on the market, you have to wonder about their value. Does the D'Addario Humidikit Bundle have the necessary weight to be able to justify its high cost? 

The answer to that really depends on the kind of person you are and what you're looking for specifically. If you’re somebody that tends to worry about things over and over again, the Humidikit Bundle is a good fit. 

Have you seen those movies where the paranoid homeowner becomes consumed by the act of looking at their security cameras? The Humidikit Bundle is sort of the guitar humidity equivalent to that sort of monitoring.

Using your phone, you’ll always be able to check in on your beloved guitar, no matter how far away. That means no more sleepless nights worrying about whether your guitar is cracking in its case. 

All jokes aside, the Humidikit Bundle is a worthwhile investment for maintaining vintage instruments. Any guitar that cost you a ton of money should not be subjected to guesswork when it comes to humidity. 

In situations where you want complete isolation within a humidity-controlled environment, this will work nicely. You will be able to monitor the levels without having to open the case to read the hygrometer. 

With the Humidikit Bundle, you’re only getting concrete facts combined with innovative humidifier designs. Boveda is actually one of the leading manufacturers of humidifier-related products, specifically in relation to cigar humidors. 

You could almost certainly just buy Boveda packs yourself (as you’ll soon see). But really, the crown jewel of this kit is the Bluetooth monitor. 

Because of this, and considering the price of what Boveda packs go for, this kit’s price is justifiable. If you’re not somebody who desires to have yet another mobile app, then this might not be for you. 

Herco Guardfather HE360 – Best Budget

In need of a guitar humidifier but don’t want to spend a whole lot of money to get one? The Herco Guardfather HE360 (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) might be cheap, but it’s highly effective. 

Compared to the other guitar humidifiers on the market, this is one of the most unique offerings. Most of the humidifiers on this list utilize a sort of sponge pack, but the Guardfather HE360 is completely different. 

This humidifier is essentially a circular plastic case within which is a sort of porous clay. To use, put the humidifier in water for 5 minutes, close the lid, and remove excess water.

Once you’ve gotten the humidifier properly hydrated, all you need to do is place it in your guitar case. The clay will need to be rehydrated roughly every 2 or 3 weeks depending on humidity levels. 

For the price, the Guardfather HE360 is almost too affordable not to have in your guitar case. You could buy multiples for the price of 1 pouch-based humidifier and it would work almost just as well. 

Is The Herco Guardfather HE360 Actually A Viable Guitar Humidifier Option?

If you’re like me, you’re probably a little skeptical as to how effective something this inexpensive could actually be. When it comes to something as serious as humidity, it might be too much of a gamble to find out. 

The Guardfather HE360 is actually one of those rare instances where you’re getting great value for a low cost. Sure, it might not be the most comprehensive humidifier to be found on the market, but it is functional. 

This humidifier design has actually been around for quite a long time, with a reputable track record to follow. As such, you’ll often find it’s one of the most commonly recommended as it costs less than you might imagine.

There are actually some benefits as to why you would want to put the Guardfather HE360 in your case. The first would have to be that you won’t need to remove it from the guitar to actually play. 

Instead, the humidifier sits in the case, working as any other humidifier would when the case is closed up. The only negative is that it isn’t as directly focused on the inside of the guitar as with other humidifiers.

Still, it provides an affordable start to building the proper maintenance over the humidity levels in your guitar’s case. You could easily add extra items to bulk up your maintenance efforts if it’s needed.

A simple hygrometer will tell you whether you need to add extra humidity packs elsewhere in the case. Otherwise, you might just find that this inexpensive option is all you really need. 

You might notice that you don’t have to rehydrate the clay as often. Some people have claimed that the clay within the Guardfather HE360 remains moisturized far longer than sponges.

Plus, they’re small and inexpensive enough to serve as a handy Christmas gift for other guitar players in the community. 

In other words, it’s better than nothing. And, for the price, there’s no excuse not to have at least one in your guitar case. 

Boveda BVMFK-LG 2-Way Humidity Control Kit

Want a guitar humidifier that you can trust to manage the levels of moisture in your guitar’s case? The Boveda BVMFK-LG 2-Way Humidity Control Kit (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) won’t let you or your guitar down. 

Even if you’re well-versed in the brands around guitar-related products, Boveda might be foreign to you. However, with humidity control-related things, Boveda is one of the most respected companies in the game. 

In fact, you’ll often find that Boveda humidity packs are being used in guitar humidifiers made by other companies. Why not cut out the middleman and just go for the secret sauce directly?

With the BVMFK-LG 2-Way Humidity Control Kit, Boveda gives you that very opportunity. You’ll find that what’s offered here is very similar to other aforementioned humidifiers.

In this kit, you’ll get a pair of sleeves, both of which support 2 Boveda humidifier packs. These are intended to be placed in the guitar’s soundhole, with each humidifier pack draped down over the middle strings.

You won’t need to add any water to get this humidifier working. Simply remove it from the packaging and you’re good to go.

The Boveda humidifier pack will actually start to become a little stiff, denoting that it’s time for a new pack. Replacement packs aren’t necessarily cheap, but they aren’t overly expensive either. 

As this kit comes with 4 humidifier packs, you should be set for a while. These do a fantastic job maintaining humidity levels around 40% to 50%. 

D'Addario Humidipak

Want comprehensive humidity control without the associated price tag? The D’Addario Humidipak (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) has all of your bases covered.

This product is essentially half of the aforementioned D’Addario Humidikit bundle, minus the Bluetooth monitoring device. If that bundle was overkill for you, this package contains the actual humidifiers themselves.

As such, you’ll receive a venting sleeve for both the headstock and the soundhole. You will use 1 humidipak (made by Boveda) for the headstock, and 2 packs for the soundhole.

Each venting sleeve is crafted to withstand regular use and the facilitation of regular moisture. The soundhole sleeve even has a convenient cloth handle for easy maneuverability. 

For the most part, the Humidipak will have no problems regulating humidity levels around 45%. The actual humidity packs need no moisture for activation and are relatively affordable to replace. 

Oasis OH-1

Want a guitar humidifier that has safeguards in place against leakage? The Oasis OH-1 (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is sure to fit the bill with its signature design. 

In terms of looks, the OH-1 looks more like a boat key buoy than something you’d use for guitar maintenance. Don’t let its goofy looks fool you, the OH-1 is one of the best guitar humidifiers on the market. 

This soundhole humidifier is designed to sit between the 3rd and 4th strings and provide continual moisture control. Instead of a sponge or clay, the OH-1 has a crystalline gel that absorbs 500x the humidifier’s weight in water. 

One of the things that makes the OH-1 noteworthy is that the openings allow only vapor to pass. When filled, the OH-1 will enlarge, shrinking when it is time to refill the humidifier with distilled water. 

These OH-1 humidifiers have been time-tested in the most rigorous of environments. If you’re in a hot and dry area, the OH-1 will preserve your guitar’s condition. 

MusicNomad The Case Humitar

Need a humidifier for your guitar case? Giving the MusicNomad The Case Humitar (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) can never hurt things.

One of the best things about MusicNomad’s designs is that they are typically relatively simplistic. The Case Humitar is no different, offering a standard plastic casing with venting holes on each side. 

Within the case is one of MusicNomad’s specialized Humid-i-Bar sponges designed to slowly release moisture. When the sponge gets stiff, it’s time to rehydrate using distilled water.

As this is a case humidifier, it’s generally best to place it below the headstock. Any other areas that do not come in direct contact with the guitar are also likely to be fine. 

MusicNomad The Humitar

Do you like the MusicNomad design, but need one specialized for the guitar’s soundhole? The MusicNomad The Humitar (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is designed for that precise intention.

Like all of the other MusicNomad humidifiers on this list, The Humitar features a plastic casing with venting holes. Each side of the case has vents to ensure that its Humid-i-Bar sponge evenly disperses water in a controlled manner. 

Could you use The Humitar and The Case Humitar interchangeably? Considering the design, the only differences are the actual color of the case and perhaps a small size difference. 

You would probably have better luck using this as both a guitar and case humidifier than the other way around. This specific model is designed to fit in the space between 2 guitar strings.

Plus, it’s slightly more affordable than The Case Humitar, despite its similarities. 

Martin Guitar Humidifier

Do you only trust Martin products to take care of the maintenance on your Martin acoustic guitar? If so, you’ll want to make sure you grab a Martin Guitar Humidifier (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon).

Out of all of the humidifiers already mentioned on this list, the Guitar Humidifier from Martin is quite unique. While it is technically a soundhole humidifier, its construction is actually quite different.

Rather than relying on a sponge within a case or a pack in a pouch, this has its own methodology. This is essentially one long, 13” tube with holes punctured into opposite sides of the tube.

In a way, the Martin Guitar Humidifier relies on physical science to ensure the slow release of water. Because of the length of the tube, the inner cavity of the entire length of the guitar is maintained. 

If you’re like me, you might be a little skeptical as to whether or not this humidifier actually leaks. However, one of the steps in the instructions actually requires the squeezing of the tube to ensure against leakage. 

To fill, simply place it into a container filled with water and submerge it for a few seconds. Afterward, you want to let it dry, where you will then need to squeeze the excess water from the tube.

Should you opt to go for this design, it’s best to follow those directions. Unlike the other designs, this humidifier will likely come into direct contact with the inside of your guitar’s body. 

Keep in mind that you don’t need to only use Martin products with Martin guitars. But, it doesn’t hurt considering that their own products are likely recommended for use specifically for their instruments. 

While this might be one of the more primitive designs on this list, it’s still quite effective in moisture management. Be sure to pair it with a hygrometer to ensure that your guitar is being kept at proper humidity levels. 

What To Look For When Buying A Guitar Humidifier

Proper maintenance can be a scary thing to somebody who has never owned a guitar before. Heck, even a veteran making their first expensive guitar purchase is sure to be a little shaken up about maintenance.

There’s nothing worse than a guitar developing issues that cannot be fixed, but that could have been prevented. Ensuring that your guitar has proper humidity is one of the best things you can do to maintain its quality. 

To understand what to look for in a guitar humidifier, it’s best to understand the intended goal. That way, you can ensure that the humidifier you purchase is properly aligned with your own specific needs. 

The following information will give you a foundational understanding of how humidifiers work and why they’re important. You’ll be able to take this foundational information and apply it to your own research when buying a guitar humidifier. 

What Is The Ideal Moisture Level For Guitars?

When buying a guitar humidifier, make sure that is designed to maintain a humidity level of 45 to 50%. This is considered the goldilocks zone of moisture in relation to the wood found in a guitar. 

Not enough moisture will cause the wood to actually shrink as it dries up. This, in turn, causes quite a number of different issues that could render the guitar unplayable. 

One of the most common things seen with too little humidity is that the fret ends will stick further out. As the fretboard width shrinks, the ends of the frets become more apparent.

Fortunately, this isn't necessarily too serious as a luthier could easily file down the fret ends. However, if you’re not careful, you could find yourself getting cut while playing (though it’d have to be seriously damaged). 

Something else that is commonly seen on acoustic guitars is that the top will often dip into itself. Interestingly enough, this very same thing can happen with too much moisture.

Another top-related area of damage can usually be seen around the guitar’s bridge. On dry guitars, there can often be seen a crack running from the bridge to the guitar’s strap button. 

As mentioned earlier, too much humidity can pose just as much of a threat to damaging the guitar. Aiming for 45 to 50% humidity is ideal, though levels around 40% can be more than suitable. 

Fortunately, most humidifiers made for the guitar aim to achieve this desired level of humidity. As long as you follow the instructions, you should be fine, more often than not. 

Modern guitars lack the luxury of being produced with older wood that has properly dried out over time. Because of this, modern guitars will experience some changes as the new, wet wood inevitably dries out.

Ensuring the proper humidity levels for a newer guitar helps to mitigate any drastic changes related to this. Instead, it will foster an environment that allows for gradual changes that are more natural and able to maintain. 

Are Humidifiers Usable With Both Acoustic And Electric Guitars?

For the most part, the majority of the guitar humidifiers on the market are designed for acoustic guitars. You’ll notice this by the way the humidifier’s construction is designed.

The reason for this is that the wood on acoustic guitars is much more vulnerable to being affected by moisture. Any solid electric guitar is made of one, solid piece of wood.

As such, these solid-bodied electric guitars are more often than not protected by the applied finish. The same vulnerability simply doesn’t exist here.

Acoustic guitars, on the other hand, are vulnerable both on the inside and the outside of the guitar. The wood used in the body is often relatively thin, so a multi-directional moisture attack is sure to wreak havoc. 

With that being said, you’re more than free to use humidifiers with solidbody electric guitars. It likely won’t hurt things, but it isn’t exactly the biggest necessity, either.

Any electric guitar with a semi-hollow or hollowbody construction should have some form of a humidifier in its case. These types of electric guitars share similarities with acoustics in that the wood is extremely vulnerable and thin.

What Is The Ideal Humidifier Construction?

As you’ve seen with the humidifiers mentioned in this article, there are some different designs available, with some similarities, too. Much of what you opt for will depend on your own situation and what you deem necessary for maintenance. 

You will first want to decide on the actual physical construction of the guitar humidifier. From there, you can then decide upon the finer aspects of the methodology of application you wish to use. 

The most common design does seem to involve dangling the humidifier into the guitar’s soundhole. This style has some variations, but for the most part, relies on the middle strings as a point of stability. 

To use these, you’ll simply place the humidifier between the 3rd and 4th strings in the middle of the soundhole. More often than not, a lip will catch the strings to prevent the humidifier from dropping into the guitar. 

There are other humidifiers that completely seal the guitar’s soundhole entirely to isolate the humidity. These types are especially ideal if you do not have a case or a gig bag for storage.

Do keep in mind, however, that these types of humidifiers could wreak their own form of havoc. Having vastly different moisture levels on either side of the guitar’s wood isn’t exactly the most ideal situation. 

Plus, this isolation-type of soundhole humidifier only works for the inside of the guitar. Your guitar’s neck will receive no such benefits and could shrink due to drying out. 

Another type you’ll find is simply meant to be placed within the guitar case or gig bag. These work to provide ample moisture to the entire case as opposed to one specific area.

More often than not, you’ll commonly find either the dangling variety or a combination of the different types used together.

Once you have an idea of the style, it’s time to decide on the actual mechanism that holds moisture. Most commonly, you'll find a sponge-related material in use, as well as some clays, and proprietary hybrid sponge materials. 

Some will require you to get the humidifier wet, and others require no activation. Read the instructions to make sure you get this critical step correct. 

Methods requiring manual hydration will typically need to be rehydrated within a couple of weeks. 

What Kind Of Water Should I Use With A Guitar Humidifier?

If you have to add water to the guitar’s humidifier sponge packet, always use distilled water. Municipal water sources will typically be riddled with minerals and chemicals that could damage your guitar. 

Can I Make My Own Humidifier?

Considering the construction, you probably wonder whether you can make your own humidifier. After all, you only need a sponge and a case/holder with plenty of ventilation, right? 

Resist the urge to cheap out and make your own humidifier. If your guitar is important to you, leave the guesswork out of this critical piece of maintenance.

You will not feel so great if you wreck your guitar’s condition because you made your own humidifiers. Seriously, just a few dollars spent on a humidifier will be better than anything you can make at home. 

Budget & Features

Like anything maintenance-related, you’re going to have to spend a little money to maintain your guitar’s humidity. The first purchase is going to be related to the actual humidifier itself.

Once you have a humidifier, you will have to continually ensure that the internal sponge method is still usable. Regardless, after some time, you will need to purchase replacement parts to ensure proper moisture levels are consistent over time. 

Fortunately, replacement sponges and the like aren’t usually that much money. Humidifiers in general aren’t too crazily expensive either unless you opt for a bundle with some excessive features. 

Most average guitar humidifiers are priced around $15 to $20. Anything above that will usually have an additional feature or two added in to make things more concise. 

One of the additional features you will commonly find is a hygrometer. These measure humidity and temperature and should be a necessity for anyone maintaining their guitar’s moisture levels.

Are Guitar Humidifiers Necessary?

You might be wondering whether maintaining your guitar’s humidity level is totally necessary. To be fair, it isn’t exactly something every guitarist is taught to do when they buy their first guitar. 

In fact, even my own personal experiences have found that a guitar humidifier isn’t exactly always necessary. The first acoustic guitar I bought almost 20 years ago has never had a humidifier and is still fine today. 

If I’m to be honest, that guitar has been through just about everything you wouldn’t want a guitar to experience. And yet, it still plays as it did the day I got it, minus a few dings accumulated over the years.

Does that mean that you can get by without using a humidifier? Not at all.

In fact, I would venture to say that I’ve been rather lucky, knowing my ignorance of such maintenance. But, I do live in an area that experiences levels of both high humidity and dry air. 

It’s best not to gamble with such matters, especially on a guitar that cost you a significant amount of money. As the saying goes: it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

It matters not what season it is. Air conditioners and heaters can play their own role in damaging a guitar. 

With that being said, always rely on your hygrometer to ensure that you actually need to be using a humidifier. 

Best Brands For Guitar Humidifiers

Not sure which brand is worth your time when it comes to guitar humidifiers? You’d do well to check out products made by the following reputable companies.

Boveda

If you know anything about cigars, it’s likely that they need to be stored properly with proper levels of humidity. Boveda is the company that many trust to maintain their humidors.

It’s only logical for Boveda to make humidifiers for acoustic instruments made of wood. Boveda’s innovative technology has been proving time and again why they are the biggest name in their respective niche. 

D’Addario

D’Addario is one of the biggest names in the industry with regard to guitar strings and accessories. The company has been one of the most progressive in finding new ways of guitar string construction. 

Because of the company’s constant presence in the industry, the name has become trusted over time. Any humidifier manufactured by D’Addario is sure to be crafted specifically to maintain ideal moisture levels. 

MusicNomad

MusicNomad is one of those companies that you’re either familiar with or completely unaware of. The company got its official start in 2008, using a background in car detailing as inspiration for its products. 

Today, MusicNomad is one of the most trustworthy companies when any maintenance accessory is needed. Guitar cleaners, tools, and humidifiers are all things with which MusicNomad has a healthy reputation. 

Top Guitar Humidifiers, Final Thoughts

Humidity is something that needs to be taken seriously when it comes to your guitar collection. Moisture happens to be one of those things where the effects sometimes aren’t noticed until it’s too late. 

It’s almost ironic that, while water is necessary for life, it also has its share of destructive properties. Getting even the simplest of guitar humidifiers will help to give your instrument a line of defense against moisture.