quote:

Originally posted by ledmandlin:
Speaking of DEhumidifiers, I'm interested in what people are using? Is anybody happy with one s/he's found for under $100 (room size)?

Thanks,
Bruce

I have a Whirlpool model AD35USS1 35 quart that I got from abtelectronics.com for $142 (including shipping). It does well for my guitar room, which is about 10' X 8'. Not sure that I'd want it in my bedroom (about as loud as your average window-unit air conditioner), but it easily keeps up with the 93% humidity that we've been having for weeks now in FL. It's also Energy Star rated and has a water collection container that's very easy to empty--you just pull it out from the front of the unit. Some of the cheaper dehumidifiers that you see at WalMart etc. have crazy designs where you have to almost disassemble the unit or wheel the whole machine outside if you're not connecting a drainage hose.

I would get a unit a little bigger than the guides say you need: a 25 quart unit is supposed to be OK for a room the size of my guitar room, but I'm glad I have some extra oomph for those really dank days. $142 was more money than I was expecting to spend, but buying new Martins, Taylors, and Collings to replace damaged 'wet' guitars is a lot more! Better $42 extra than thousands.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sceimhlitheoir,

My dealer and luthier have both told me that Collings sound better at about 35% humidity. I would also agree.

Also test your hygrometer. Most of them are not accurate. There are plenty of detailed descriptions on how to test if you Google it.

Thats really hard to find in Florida, especially when you leave your own place. True that the guitars sound alive when lower humidity.