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Keeping your guitar in shape means more than just cleaning it regularly and tuning it before a session. Repair shops are filled with hundreds of damaged guitars every year, and the main cause of that damage is dry air. By choosing to get a humidifier for your guitar room, you can get the right humidity levels to avoid shrinking fret boards, sinking tops, and cracked bridges.
To help you choose the best humidifier for guitar room, we reviewed 26 humidifiers and concluded that the Air Innovations MH-505 is the best choice out there. This humidifier is the best value for money, comes with a full range of features, and is powerful enough for average-sized rooms of up to 400 square feet. It doesn’t take much space, so you’ll hardly know it’s there. It’s also very easy to use and ultra-quiet because it uses ultrasonic technology. We also added five more humidifiers for a guitar room, all of them featuring advantages that meet the needs of different guitar players.
When reviewing humidifiers, we considered their type of mist (cool or warm) because this is one of the most important features to take into account. We also looked at the area it can cover, the ability to show humidity levels and whether the device is programmable. All the information we gathered is condensed in the comparison table below, followed by in-depth reviews of each of the humidifiers. In the end, you will also find a buying guide that can help you choose the best humidifier for guitar room to keep your instrument in tip-top condition.
"The ultrasonic Elechomes SH8820 Humidifier is perfect for light sleepers and young children’s rooms as it features soft night light and quiet operation."
More features: permanent ceramic filter; 4 mist settings; aromatherapy feature
Our editor’s choice is the Air Innovations MH-505, which offers excellent value for money because it comes with a full range of features that you might expect from a cool mist humidifier for guitar room. This is a midsize humidifier that would work well for the vast majority of homes and can provide you with up to 60 hours of runtime on the lowest setting. You can customise the mist with the four settings included and use the fully digital timer to program the machine to meet your specific needs.
What we like about the Air Innovations MH-505 is the fact that the mist nozzle rotates so you can get a good degree of directional flow for highly customisable results. Many of the users contested this humidifier for guitar room like the fact that you can use it if you have allergies or congestion, or you’re struggling to sleep through the night. This humidifier comes complete with an aromatherapy feature and a permanent ceramic filter. It has a built-in humidistat and a total water tank capacity of 1.37 gallons, which we found to be one of the largest of the humidifiers we reviewed. The humidifier is available in a selection of colours and has an antimicrobial tank and base to prevent bacteria from growing inside the tank. This Air Innovations humidifier features a digital LED display and an auto shut-off function for extra safety.
More features: produces barely 20-32 dB of noise, screen-off setting, top fill design
Boasting a full gamut of features, this ultrasonic humidifier exudes an excellent value with its superb design and accurate hygrometer. The Elechomes SH8820 is fitted with a perfect tank that never leaks or stresses you with the need to disassemble. With an ergonomic and convenient design, you can easily fill the ample 5.5-liter water tank. In fact, you won’t have to keep filling the water tank frequently because of its large size, and this humidifier can’t be restricted by its diminutive size for it’s fit to take care of large rooms. A peaceful night’s sleep is guaranteed with this humidifier because of its screen-off setting and the 20-32 dB of noise it generates. Besides the whisper sleep mode, the Elechomes SH8820 will always come to save the day whether it’s hot or cold because it has settings for both cool and warm mist mode to keep you comfortable. Another thing we found impressive about this humidifier is its available and affordable replacement filters, and of course, the availability of a remote control is a bonus to improve your comfort level.
The Elechomes SH8820 is considered to be one of the most popular humidifiers in the United States, and several experts have recommended it as a very valuable option for large rooms that need unfailing humidity supply, supermarkets, and factories. It’s no surprise why it’s nicknamed “small wonder” by a couple of happy users. It’s also quite interesting that the Elechomes SH8820 is an upgraded version of its predecessor and this version has been carefully designed to refill without detachment and it offers zero leakage, which is something its predecessor failed at. The noise has also been improved and it’s been made more bearable to give peaceful moments. This humidifier is an excellent choice for light sleepers and parents who want their children to have a very good night rest.
More features: remote control and clear LED display; 3 mist settings; 34 dB noise level; aromatherapy feature
Featuring an intelligent design that truly stands out from the crowd, the Elechomes UC5501 is an extra-large capacity humidifier with a 1.6-gallon tank capacity that offers complete coverage for rooms of up to 750 square feet. While the design is indeed very attractive, this doesn’t mean that this humidifier skimps on function. The sleek black exterior sports six buttons and a blue LED information screen that is large enough to see from across the room.
You’ll notice two adjustable nozzles that sit on top of the humidifier, which can be rotated independently by 360 degrees. This feature comes in handy for those who want to be able to use the humidifier in any part of the room. An infrared remote with a 15 feet range allows you to control the humidifier from the couch or your bed.
What we like most about the Elechomes UC5501 is the fact that cleaning is a breeze because the tank pops out and you can also easily unscrew the cap. According to many of the users who tested and reviewed this humidifier for guitar room, the three preset levels of spray work great and you can expect the humidifier to run up to 40 hours continually on a single charge. You can also set up a timer to schedule the humidifier to start between an hour and 12 hours of use, and you also get an auto-humidity feature, that turns the device on and off automatically to reach the level of humidity you have chosen for your room.
More features: 4 mist levels; essential oils compatible; 28 dB noise level
This affordable humidifier for guitar room offers above-average humidifying power at a budget-friendly price. It comes with a relatively large tank of 1.1 gallons that means you don’t have to fill it up multiple times a day. The Levoit LV455CH is a cool mist humidifier powered by ultrasonic technology and offers four mist levels. It is a good choice for those looking for a nice and quiet humidifier that is also efficient.
You can expect to run the Levoit LV455CH for about 20 to 40 hours on a single filling, depending on the humidity levels you choose. We like that the machine can be used with essential oils for aromatherapy and that it is rather quiet at 28 dB. This makes it a good choice for those who are sensitive to sound and wants to be able to run the machine when they sleep.
The Levoit LV455CH features an LED screen on the front that lets you know the humidity level in the room and all the other changes you have made in settings. A blue strip above the LED screen can be used as the nightlight, which makes this humidifier an excellent option for those who want a machine they can use for their guitar room but also in a baby’s room. A water level indicator is available on the side of the machine and the auto-shut off function comes in handy when the water is low.
More features: Wi-Fi compatible with the App; HEPA filter element built-in; Negative ion bacteriostatic function; 7 mist settings
The Proscenic 807C is the best choice on the market for those who are looking for a warm/cool humidifier. This unit offers both options and comes complete with an app and a touch control LED display so you can easily program it to suit your needs. The app that is available for smartphones allows you to control the mist volume, humidity levels and other functions. We liked that the app also works via voice control through Alexa app.
Users who tested this humidifier praised its ability to convert from cool to warm mist quickly, while also offering seven different speeds to control the vapor volume. The Proscenic 807C has a HEPA air filter, which makes the unit ideal for people who suffer from allergies. However, because it requires filters, it may add extra costs for maintenance. The touch control LED display has a dimmer for nighttime and the unit also features a baby mode that you can use to improve the quality of a baby’s sleep by keeping the room at the right humidity level.
The Proscenic 807C allows you to schedule humidification times and modes via the app, and the unit also comes with an auto shut-off function when the water level is low. Besides using this humidifier to ban dry air from a guitar room, you can also use it for aromatherapy purposes because it comes with an aroma container for essential oils.
More features: less than 38 dB(A) noise level; 2 mist settings; sleep and night light modes
Our budget choice is the TaoTronics TT-AH001, a powerful humidifier that offers all the basic features you could expect in this type of unit, all at a budget-friendly price. In fact, this humidifier offers some features that are rarely present on budget models, including a very accurate humidistat and lots of power. Of course, there are a couple of downsides with this unit, such as being rather difficult to clean, but overall, it’s a good choice for those who don’t want to spend too much for their humidifier for guitar room.
The TaoTronics TT-AH001 is a powerful unit and can get an average-sized room up to 50 percent humidity in less than 20 minutes. An accurate humidistat is present so you can easily see whether a room is properly humidified. The interface is intuitive and simple to use, as you can easily select you desired humidity level, adjust mist settings, and turn the night light on or off. The TaoTronics TT-AH001 doesn’t come with a remote control, but most reviewers found it very easy to use.
With a runtime of up to 30 hours, the TaoTronics TT-AH001is excellent for people who don’t want to have to refill the tank multiple times a day. Because you need to place the unit on a hard surface, according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer, the humidifier is not ideal for carpeted bedrooms.
More features: 3 mist settings; 33-feet range remote control
This highly reliable humidifier for guitar room is operated by remote control for extra convenience, so you can have control over the settings without having to get up. The VAVA VA-AH015 has a large tank that can hold up to 1.32 gallons of water, so you don’t have to refill it constantly. Its compact size is designed to save space, making this humidifier an excellent choice for those who don’t have enough space in their room for a larger model. The LED display received lots of praise from users because it allows you to view only information you may need easily. Some of the info you get when glancing at the display includes the temperature of the space, the level of humidity, the timer and the mode of the mist.
The built-in filter of the VAVA VA-AH015 means that you don’t have to use replacement filters with this model. However, you must keep in mind that this type of filter requires regular cleaning to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold over time.
We like that the VAVA VA-AH015 is very quiet, which means that you can even use it in a room with a sleeping baby. You can expect this humidifier to provide mist for up to 30 hours on a single filling. Besides keeping your guitar in good shape, this humidifier is also a good choice for those who are looking to prevent dry eyes, skin irritations, stuffy noses and coughs caused by dry air, especially in the winter.
Why did it make our list?
Very quiet
LED display
Remote control
What is not ideal about it?
Customer support not very responsive
Things to Consider
Humidity issues are some of the most common reasons behind a bad tone in an acoustic guitar. If you’re wondering what happened to your beloved instrument that used to sound amazing, the answer may lie with temperature and moisture changes. Because guitars are manufactured in regulated environments, they might be affected by humidity levels the moment they leave the workshop. To keep your guitar in good shape, you need a quality humidifier for your guitar room. The following buying guide will help you choose the right one for your instrument.
Why do you need a humidifier for your guitar room?
The purpose of a humidifier is to regulate the level of humidity in a room in order to provide optimum storage conditions for your guitar. While occasional or light humidity issues might not cause too much damage to your instrument, irreversible damage might occur if you don’t address those problems promptly. Damage to the guitar may include warped necks, sharp fret edges, separating glue, loose bridges and more. It thus makes sense to buy a humidifier to control the humidity in the room and protect your instrument.
Features to consider while choosing a humidifier
When selecting a humidifier for a guitar room, first consider whether you want a cool or warm mist model. Then think about the size of the room you intend to use it in, as well as the runtime, water tank capacity, and noise level.
Type
There are multiple types of humidifiers available on the market, but the main choice is between cool and warm mist models. Both types have their advantages, with warm mist models offering the highest level of moisture while also doing a good job at killing bacteria. Cold mist humidifiers, on the other hand, are quieter and remove impurities with the help of filters. You can also choose a model that can transition from cold to warm mist, such as the Proscenic 807C, for example.
Room size
The room size is generally displayed in square footage and you should be sure the room you intend to use the humidifier in is smaller or equal to the size recommended by the manufacturer.
If you use a humidifier in a room that’s too big for it, you may not get the best results in the entire room, and that may affect your guitar.
Water tank capacity
Look for a model with a larger tank capacity, such as our Editor’s Choice, the Air Innovations MH-505, which comes with 1.37-gallon water tank. That way, you won’t have to refill the tank multiple times a day.
Runtime
This feature is related to the water tank capacity. The larger the tank, the more water it is going to be able to disperse into the room. If you want to avoid having to refill it often, look for a model that offers a runtime of up to 70 hours, like the Air Innovations MH-505.
Built-in humidistat
A built-in humidistat comes in handy when you want to know exactly the level of humidity in the room. All the models we reviewed come with this feature.
Noise level
The level of noise a humidifier makes is an essential feature to consider when you place it in a room someone sleeps in. Most manufacturers pay close attention to this aspect, so most of the humidifiers we reviewed are quiet enough not to disturb your sleep.
Dimensions and weight
Look for a small and lightweight humidifier if you don’t have much space in your room or if you want to be able to take them from one room to another with ease.
Warranty
Most humidifiers come with a least one-year of warranty that covers manufacturing defects and parts in case something goes wrong with the machine.
Extra features
While most people looking for a humidifier for guitar room are interested in the humidifying function, many models come with extra features, which are useful if you want the unit to double as a humidifier for a baby’s room or an aromatherapy machine. Some of the extra features you may find on the models we reviewed include the auto shut-off function for safety, night lights, LED displays and oil diffusers.
Tips to clean your humidifier
To clean your humidifier, make sure you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Models with a filter generally require rinsing with cold water. You should also scrub the tank carefully on a regular basis to remove built-up grime and change the water every day to avoid the formation of mineral deposits.
The safe humidity levels for a guitar vary between 40 to 55%, but this may differ from one manufacturer to another. Make sure you always store the guitar away from a heater or a window.
The best way to measure humidity in a guitar room is to use a humidifier that has a built-in humidistat. Most of the models we reviewed come with one included.
While dampness is surely not the friend of an acoustic guitar, a dry can also be detrimental to the tone. Besides, humidity below 40% may dry out the wood to the point it starts to shrink, and that affects the tone negatively.
Our Verdict
We concluded that the Air Innovations MH-505 is the best humidifier for a guitar room on the market because it offers excellent value for money while offering a plethora of features you would expect from a high-end humidifier. It is a stylish unit that is easy to use and comes with a large tank and a runtime of up to 70 hours.
We are very pleased with the performance of the Elechomes SH8820 Humidifier and we happily recommend it to anyone who seeks an excellent humidifier with a decent look, reasonable price, and exceptional efficiency. The Elechomes SH8820 will serve you effectively during both summer and winter and it’s also quite interesting that you can easily purchase its replacement parts; should there be a need for repair.
Finally, those who are looking for a very sleek humidifier with LED display should consider the Elechomes UC5501, which sports a futuristic design and multiple mist settings. It also works for aromatherapy and is very intuitive to use.
Type
Look for a small and lightweight humidifier if you don’t have much space in your room or if you want to be able to take them from one room to another with ease.
