11 Best Guitar Humidifiers on Any Budget 2023

When it comes to guitar accessories, D’Addario has been delivering state-of-the-art products since the early 70s

The brand specializes in accessories that every guitar player can make use of, including straps, quarter-inch cables, kapos, tuners, humidifiers, and care and maintenance products like polishes, microfiber cloths, string-changing tools, and guitar supports.

The GH series of humidifiers from D’Addario offers a regular guitar humidifier and a pro version. Both models are somewhat similar in design, although the pro version uses slightly better materials. However, the sponges of both variants set them apart from each other.

Key Features:

Design
The humidifier has a T-shaped plastic exterior made of two parts. The body has a flat and elongated hollow chamber which is capped off by a flat lid that extends beyond the edge of the casing on both sides. The lid clips onto the body of the sponge casing and can be detached by squeezing the plastic mechanism on the top. The D’Addario GH Humidifier makes use of an open cell sponge which is placed inside the chamber. The chamber has a perforated design to release moisture within and around the instrument.
Usage
The product has a simple mechanism. All you need to do is wet the sponge adequately under some tap water and squeeze it, to remove access water from it, so it doesn’t drip onto your instrument. All you’ll need to do next is to place the humidifier between the D and G strings so that it hangs within the sound hole.

Pros:

The D’Addario GH Humidifying system is easy to use and takes two simple steps to set up. The sponge works well in keeping the tonewood of your guitar moist, preventing any de-shaping and cracking as the humidity keeps the surface of the wood nice and healthy.

Cons:

Although the humidifier does a decent job of doing what it’s supposed to, you’ll need to keep checking it depending on your guitar’s condition and the environment in which the guitar is kept. However, the D’Addario GH Humidifier pro would be a better alternative if it has an upgraded sponge that holds ten times the water and thus takes longer to dry out.

2. D’Addario PW-HPK-01

D’Addario has a unique approach when it comes to humidifiers.

The company offers a variety of different humidifying systems, each of which is designed differently and has different applications and advantages. Coming at very affordable prices, these humidifiers are simple to use and capable of extending the life of your instrument.

The “Humidipak” technology from D’Addario is special. The usage is slightly easier and much different from some of the sponge humidifiers you may be familiar with. In addition, D’Addario claims that the Humidipak system is able to keep the instrument between 45% & 55% relative humidity.

Key Features:

What’s in the box
The D’Addario Humidipak comes with a dual, saddle-style sound hole pouch and a single pouch for the headstock. Also included in the box are three humidity packs. The usage is quite simple. The saddle pouch is loaded with two humidity packs (one in each pocket) and draped over the D and G strings. The third humidity pack is inserted inside the single pouch and placed below the headstock in your guitar case.
What it does
Too much or a lack of humidity can be dangerous for acoustic instruments. The Humidity packs by D’Addario are designed to intelligently provide humidity and moisture to instruments with depleted humidity levels and remove excess moisture if your guitar is already in a humid environment. This way, your acoustic guitars will remain adequately humid around the ideal 45% relative humidity mark. Furthermore, you don’t need to fill the humidipaks with water which can be messy and put the instrument at risk of getting dripped on if not done correctly.

Pros:

D’Addario’s Humidipak is much more reliable than sponge humidifiers because it has a two-way system. As a result, it controls elevated humidity levels and enhances the humidity of the instrument’s wood where required, maintaining a 45% relative humidity level. Also, the Humidipak has a longer life and doesn’t need to be refilled frequently.

Cons:

The humidifying system although easy on the pocket, is much more expensive than standard sponge humidifiers. In addition, while more long-lasting, the Humidipaks become a lingering expense as you have to replace them with new ones after 4 to 6 months. A sponge humidifier is much easier in this regard as it can be refilled with water easily with no added expense.

3. Taylor Guitar Humidifier

Check on Amazon (2 pack bundle)

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Taylor specializes in acoustic instruments, which surely makes them an authority when it comes to humidifiers.

Taylor’s humidifier has a very innovative internal mechanism for ensuring that your instrument gets the humidity it needs to serve you for years to come. Labeled “Oasis,” the product has a sleek design and works with almost any acoustic guitar.

The Oasis isn’t your ordinary run-of-the-mill humidifier, as it employs smart technology that reduces maintenance compared to regular sponge humidifiers and lets the user know when the internal chamber of the humidifier needs to be refilled.

Key Features:

Appearance & Design
The humidifier by Taylor looks like a syringe at first glance. Ironically it also comes with a syringe which will be discussed in the usage section. The Oasis humidifier consists of a long tub-like container with a screw-on cap on it. It also comes with a stabilizing bar that is placed by unscrewing the top of the tube container, placing the bar on top, and then screwing the cap over it. The container holds humigel crystals inside it, which absorb water.
Usage
The device needs some preparation before it can be attached to the instrument. Firstly, you’ll need to fill the tub container with water. This can be done easily with the help of the needleless syringe that comes in the package. However, when filling the Oasis for the first time, you’ll need to put three syringes full of water in it. This may seem impossible as the container itself is almost the size of a single syringe. However, here is where the humigel crystals come in. Each crystal is about the size of a grain of sand but is capable of holding 500 times its weight in water. Once loaded with water, the crystals will form a gel and gently release moisture while preventing the water from dripping. To attach it to the guitar, you can simply let it slide between the middle strings, where the stabilizing bar will keep it in place and prevent it from falling through and touching the guitar’s surface.
Maintenance
Furthermore, the Oasis humidifier system has a unique way of letting the user know when it needs maintenance. The Oasis’s container will shrivel up to indicate that its internal water supply needs to be replenished. So after, every 10 days, the humidifier will need one syringe full of water to keep it going.

Pros:

The humidifier’s design is nice and compact and easily slides through without putting too much tension on the strings. The humigel crystals will keep the water safely in to protect your guitar from any unintentional dripping. Finally, the Oasis humidifier system eliminates guesswork by collapsing its form to indicate that more water needs to be added.

Cons:

The product from Taylor does a decent job but does require that you ensure the water supply is kept under check. Since it has a collapsible mechanism to indicate water shortage, if due attention is not given, the membrane inside can collapse and cause damage to the humidifier and attached to the instrument.

4. Grover Humidifier 7960

The Grover Humidifier 7960 looks very different from the humidifiers we’ve seen.

But as long as it does the job, who are we to complain, right? The product comes under a couple of different names, including Grover Humidifier 7960 and Dampit Guitar Humidifier, both of which are more or less the same thing and function in the same way.

You can also find the Grover Humidifier 7960 in a value-added 2-pack bundle which is great if you have a couple of guitars that you want to humidify simultaneously. Unfortunately, although it does what it’s supposed to, some aspects of the design are a bit awkward.

Key Features:

Appearance
The design has two components. First, the package includes a sound hole cover and an elongated tube. The tube can be attached to the cover with the help of a string. In addition, the tube is surrounded by small holes and houses a long sponge inside it. The package also includes a card that indicates the level of humidity.
Usage
The usage is very simple. First, the tube needs to be detached from the sound hole cover. Second, it needs to be dipped into a container with water and gently squeezed to let air bubbles escape so that water can enter the sponge. Next, the tube needs to be squeezed to let the excess water drip out and then dried with a piece of cloth so that it is nice and dry when inserted through the sound hole. Finally, the tube is attached to the cover and gently descended inside the sound chamber, resting on the guitar’s base while the cover sits on top of the sound hole.

Pros:

The humidifying device is easy to set up and easy to use. It also comes with a humidity indicator to give the user an idea of when to replenish the internal sponge. In addition, the cover does a good job of keeping the rubber tube within reach. Otherwise, it would go deeper into the sound hole and be difficult to retrieve.

Cons:

The humidity indicator card isn’t very accurate, and there’s no way to gauge when the apparatus requires refilling. Also, the humidifier’s sponge tube rests at the bottom of the sound chamber and comes in direct contact with the wood, which would make many guitarists uncomfortable. The Humidifier 7960 is a bit messy and impractical in its use.

5. Oasis HH Combo OH-30 Humidifier / Hygrometer

Here’s the second Oasis humidifier on today’s list, the first being the basic “humigel” model.

The Oasis HH Combo OH-30 is a more traditional-looking sponge humidifier but packs a few advanced features, making it worth the extra money. Not only that, but the external form of the product is also made of hard plastic, which makes it last longer.

In addition, there are a few other hidden goodies the Oasis HH Combo OH-30 ensures. For instance, the high-quality sponge inside the casing is a water hoarder and may last up to as many as 20 days before it needs to be filled with water again.

Key Features:

Design
The Oasis HH Combo OH-30 Humidifier has a solid construction and is made of hard plastic. The flat elongate body has a star-shaped pattern on both sides with four open slits to let the moisture out from within. The Humidifier holds a super absorbent, drip-resistant polyvinyl acetate sponge, capable of holding 10 to 12 times its dry weight in water or 40 ccs.
Hygrometer
The OH-30 has a multipurpose lid unlike any of the humidifiers we’ve talked about thus far. Gone are the days when you would need a separate device to show you the humidity level in and around your guitar, as the lid has a built-in hygrometer. The lid takes a CR2032 battery and shows the percentage humidity on its digital display and the ongoing temperature. You’ll also find controls to switch the display on/off and change the temperature units.
Usage
The product’s usage is much similar to any other sponge humidifier. However, since this humidifier holds a high-end sponge, it needs extra care when soaking. It may take up to 10 minutes for the polyvinyl acetate sponge to absorb water up to its full potential. First, you’ll need to check the surface of the sponge evenly to ensure that there are no hard spots, in which case it’ll be ready to be inserted into the sponge case after a gentle squeeze to avoid dripping. Once the sponge is loaded into the casing, the plastic clips on the sides of the case can be squeezed inwards to let the lid snap in place. To remove the lid, the same step needs to be followed.

Pros:

The humidifier from Oasis uses a high-quality drip-resistant polyvinyl acetate sponge that is highly absorbent, so the inner surface of your guitar remains dry and undamaged. In addition, the humidifier has a built-in thermometer and hygrometer, so you can decide in an instant if the sponge needs to be replenished, helping you stay on top of things.

Cons:

The quality of the Oasis product isn’t the best. For example, the battery compartment may loosen over time. Also, the contact points for the batteries tend to get affected over the years, which means you may have to adjust them now and then for the thermometer and hygrometer to work seamlessly. Finally, if you’re not careful, you can end up splashing the digital lid with water which may wreck it.

6. Herco Guardfather Humidifier HE360

Herco has labeled their Guardfather humidifier the “complete care system.”

This tiny tub-like product from Herco works quite differently, as you cannot categorize it as a sponge humidifier. However, it must do its job well, as the company claims it’s ideal for humidifying guitars and other wooden instruments like violins, cellos, and clarinets.

The HE360 has its positives and negatives and has received mixed reactions from users worldwide. Having said that, it’s priced below 5 dollars, so there’s no harm in getting a couple and testing them out with different instruments to see if it works for you. So what’s there to lose?

Key Features:

Appearance
This Herco product comes in unconventional packaging as humidifiers go, and you might mistake it for a skin care product. Nonetheless, it performs well and has multiple applications. Encased inside the small container is not a sponge but a form of clay that holds moisture and releases it like a sponge. The lid snaps shut but has a few holes on top for moisture release.
Usage
To use the Herco complete care system, you’ll need to pop it in a container for 5 minutes to let it soak up all the water it can. Once done, you’ll need to close the lid and let all the unwanted water out through the holes on the top. The last step is to wipe it clean and throw it in your guitar case.

Pros:

Because the Guardfather has clay inside instead of a sponge, it holds water for a longer period and keeps releasing it slowly for the best results. For this reason, the HE360 is such a low-maintenance product that you only need to replenish it with water a couple of times during a month, which reduces the hassle if you have multiple instruments.

Cons:

The process of preparing the clay is a bit messy. Unlike a sponge, you cannot wring it to let the excess water out, so you’ll need to carefully dry out the product before putting it near an acoustic instrument to avoid any potential problems. Also, there isn’t much of a clear indication of when more water should be added to the humidifier.

7. Martin Guitar Humidifier

The Martin Guitar Humidifier is similar in design to the Dampit/Grover humidifier discussed earlier.

An important thing to take note of is the fact that this Guitar Humidifier is made by RDM and doesn’t have a mention of the “Martin” name on its packaging, although it does show a Martin acoustic guitar on it may confuse people into believing that the device is from the acoustic guitar manufacturer which is untrue.

Having said that, if you’re looking for an affordable solution that humidifies your beloved acoustic guitar and gives it a longer life, the SDM humidifier could be the way to go. The product is as simple as it looks and does the job well.

Key Features:

Design
The elongated tube design is made of non-allergic and non-vinyl material. It measures 13 ¼ inches in length and has a half an inch diameter. You’ll see two rows of holes on both sides of the tube. The tube is sturdy and doesn’t bend easily when suspended. A sponge inside covers the whole length of the tube with no spaces or gaps on either side. The tube is sealed off from one side with a rounded piece of plastic. The other side has a slightly flattened piece of plastic with a groove for attaching it to the instrument.
Usage
The SDM humidifier’s usage is similar to the Grover product. First, you’ll be dipping the tube in water so let the internal sponge soak it in. Next, you’ll lightly squeeze the extra water out, so it doesn’t dip onto your instrument. Finally, you’ll need to dry the humidifier and insert it into the sound hole of your instrument, keeping it in place by pushing the cap down till the middle two strings get stuck in the groove.

Pros:

The product is extremely easy to use. In just a few steps, your guitar receives the humidity it needs to prevent the wood from getting damaged. If you’ve got multiple instruments, something as cheap as the SDM humidifier is a perfect choice, as it does what it’s supposed to and doesn’t cost anything to replenish.

Cons:

The lengthy form will be in contact with the instrument’s wood, which is not ideal, especially if the guitar is encased on a flat surface. Also, if you haven’t gotten rid of the excess liquid, the water will form a puddle on the base of the guitar. Finally, there’s no obvious way to tell when the sponge needs to be soaked with water again.

8. Daddario GHP Humidifier

Here’s another model from the GH series of humidifiers offered by D’Addario.

The series includes a standard and a “GHP” or “Pro” model, which offer the user control over the humidity of your acoustic instruments. The D’Addario GHP is a higher-end model with a few extra features compared to the standard version.

By and large, both are sponge-based humidifiers, so they work exactly the same way. An added advantage of the compact design is that both humidifiers are suspended mid-air within the sound hole and don’t come in contact with the instrument.

Key Features:

Design
The humidifier is made of sturdy, thick plastic. The sponge case has a perforated pattern on both sides for slow moisture release into the guitar’s internal chamber. The Pro version also comes with a snug pressure-fit lid wider than the case, so the humidifier stays in place and doesn’t fall through when used. However, the humidifier system’s most important feature is the sponge hidden inside. Made of upgraded materials compared to the standard version, the Pro model comes with a sponge that can soak in ten times more water.
Usage
The process of using the GHP humidifier is a simple one. First, you’ll need to take the snug-fit lid off to access the sponge inside. Next, the sponge must be soaked in water for a few minutes to avoid any dry patches. Then, once inspected properly, you’ll need to drain the extra water to ensure that the sponge is dry enough not to drip but still adequately wet for the instrument to get proper humidification. Finally, you’ll need to insert the sponge back into the case and pop the lid on. The humidifier will then be dropped over the D and G strings, where it stays suspended and does its job.

Pros:

The GH Pro humidifier uses a sponge that holds ten times more water than a regular sponge, so you won’t have to replenish the moisture as frequently as you may have with the lower-end model. The sponge also seals the water inside, not allowing it to drip on the instrument. The overall design doesn’t touch the instrument, so you’ll be at ease when using the GHP humidifier.

Cons:

You’ll be paying almost double for the GHP version compared to the standard humidifier. Some users may not think that the better-quality sponge is incentive enough to pay the extra money for the “Pro” version. Although the GHP doesn’t break the bank by any stretch of the imagination, if you have multiple instruments to cover, it’ll all add up.

9. Kyser Lifeguard Acoustic Guitar Humidifier

Kyser Lifeguard Acoustic Guitar Humidifier has a unique design compared to the rest.

Thus far, we’ve seen some humidifiers that go between the strings and are suspended in mid-air inside the sound hole as they gently release moisture into the instrument. Other products have an elongated tube-like design and rest inside the guitar’s body with one end attached to the strings.

Kyser has a much different approach than both of these designs. The aptly named Lifeguard humidifier extends the instrument’s life by covering the sound hold completely and locking moisture inside. Also, due to its compressed design, it can be used in different situations.

Key Features:

Design
Designed like a flat disk, Kyser’s humidifier is made of two components. A rubberized exterior and a sponge inside. The sponge casing is soft and bendable so that the sponge can be properly squeezed to drain the water out. The easy-to-bend design also comes in handy when the Lifeguard humidifier is placed on the guitar to humidify it. In addition, the top of the product has 6 holes for soaking the sponge and letting excess water out.
Usage
First, you’ll need to insert it into a bowl of water with the sponge side down for a few minutes so that the sponge is filled to its maximum capacity. Then you’ll need to bend the exterior enough so that the sponge is damp but not dripping wet. Finally, you’ll need a towel to remove all the moisture on the surface carefully so there’s no chance of any leakage inside the instrument. For the insertion, the humidifier needs to be slid below the strings onto the sound hole. The edges of the sound hole should be fixed between the grooves of the humidifier for an almost airtight seal. The Keyser Lifeguard humidifier is ideal for sound holes between 3 3/4 and 4 1/8 inches.

Pros:

The uniquely designed Kyser Lifeguard humidifier is easy to use in any situation as it attaches to the sound hole and stays in place regardless of if the guitar is in the case or hanging on a wall hanger. Also, since the humidifier forms a tight seal, it locks the moisture inside the sound chamber, letting the wood reap its benefits.

Cons:

Because of the way the humidifier is inserted into the sound hole, the Kyser Lifeguard may cause significant damage to the guitar with time. Also, since the humidifier is placed in the guitar’s sound hole upside down, you have no idea if it has dripped onto the bottom of the instrument during installation. In addition, its impractical design makes it difficult to monitor the inside with a hygrometer.

10. Guitto GHD-01

The multipurpose Guitto GHD-01 humidifier has a lot of good things going for it.

This particular product gives you the best of both worlds. It is a good source of humidity for your acoustic guitars, but you don’t need to invest in a hygrometer as the GHD-01 has one built in. Also included in the package is an easy-to-use apparatus that helps fill the sponge with water.

The GHD series from Guitto also has an alternate model, which has the same combination of a humidifier and hygrometer but attaches to the instrument a bit differently. It has two extensions on either side, connecting to the sound hole’s edges while the sponge is suspended through the strings into the sound chamber.

Key Features:

Design
The most distinct feature of this humidifier from Guitto is its aesthetically pleasing gold analog hygrometer. Made of good quality plastic, the GHD-01 has a number of strips on both sides to ensure that it lets enough moisture out to sufficiently humidify any instrument it is used with. The case doesn’t open and holds a high-quality sponge inside.
Hygrometer
The hygrometer has a sharp needle that moves between 0% to 100% to indicate what action needs to be taken and when. If the needle points towards anything below 40%, you’ll need to add water to the sponge. Anything above the 70% mark means that the instrument is too humid. The ideal range is between 40% to 70% and is marked “Normal” on the scale.
Usage
The GHD-01 has two openings flanking the analog hygrometer from which water can be squirted to dampen the sponge. Accompanying the humidifier is a small plastic squirt tube used for this purpose. However, you must ensure that you don’t put too much water in, as you cannot open the case and wring out the sponge. Once the sponge is dampened, the Guitto GHD-01 has a clamp that gently slides over the edge of the sound hole on either side of the strings.

Pros:

This particular offering from Guitto will save you the trouble and hassle of buying a separate hygrometer, as it already has one integrated with it. Furthermore, because of its design, the humidifier puts no stress on the guitar strings and gently slides onto the edge of the sound hole without putting too much stress on the guitar’s body. Finally, considering what it offers, the GHD-01 is very economically priced.

Cons:

The product has some design flaws. Firstly, the sponge case cannot be opened, so if you add extra water to the humidifier by mistake, you’ll either have to wait for it to dry out or poke it through the openings to let the additional water out. In addition, it would have been helpful if the squirt bottle had some sort of indication to help add just the right amount of water in the first place.

11. MusicNomad MN300