There are a number of excellent reasons: Unlike any others you can buy, HUMISTAT®-brand humidifiers are adjustable. They contain no sponges, hoses, or tubes. They are designed to preclude any leaks—especially important if it’s a device meant to be placed inside your instrument (e.g., the sound hole of a guitar). They are clear, meaning you can see exactly how much water remains, so there’s no guessing when to add more. They’re literally a snap to refill, and, once you buy a HUMISTAT®-brand humidifier, you never have to buy refills of any kind.

Plus, HUMISTAT®-brand humidifiers are manufactured with the finest materials, including a high-impact-resistant polycarbonate used to make helmets for construction workers and athletes. In short, their unique, patented design and performance are unrivaled.

Unlike other instrument humidifiers, which require you to buy replacement filters, chemicals, or other items, all you need to keep on hand is a bottle of distilled water that costs less than a dollar and will be enough to refill your HUMISTAT humidifier for months.

Absolutely not. We’ve spent more than three decades building the trust and loyalty of hundreds of thousands of musicians like you. We value our reputation and that’s why we have registered the word “HUMISTAT” with the U.S. Patent and Trademarks office. It cannot be used—legally—in connection with any product that in any way can be mistaken for ours. In fact, that’s why we usually add the word “brand” to our name so there won’t be any confusion. If you come across such use, we would be grateful if you let us know about it by clicking here.

Hold the unit vertically with the adjustable SLEEVE on top. Gently turn the SLEEVE (which is either tan or brown, depending on the color you purchased) counter-clockwise until it stops. You should see 4 to 5 small openings (the CONTROL VENTS). Turn the unit upside-down and stand it on a flat surface. Remove the cap (the CLOSURE), then remove the instruction sheet and fill the unit with DISTILLEDwater. It’s perfectly normal for a small amount of water to emerge from the CONTROL VENTS. Firmly re-insert the CLOSURE, which then creates a type of vacuum that prevents leakage.

Dry off the outside of the unit and adjust the SLEEVE so that 1 to 5 CONTROL VENTS are visible. You are now ready to use your HUMISTAT®-brand humidifier.

(Want to know if you’re releasing enough moisture? Consider buying a HUMISTAT® Hygrometer. It will tell you how much humidity is being released into your instrument case and take the guesswork out of increasing or decreasing the percentage. Add it to your order.)

To open Model #1 for filling, remove the COLORED cap from one end. Just put your thumb under the edge of the cap to flip it off, or hold the cap from the top and pull it off. (It does not unscrew.)

Adjust the SLEEVE until all 12 CONTROL VENTS are completely uncovered. Remove the CLOSURE and fill the humidifier. It is perfectly normal if water emerges from the CONTROL VENTS. Firmly reinsert the CLOSURE and wipe the entire humidifier dry. Make sure the CONTROL VENTS remain uncovered. Because of the special, high-quality material used to absorb and hold water in the humidifier, the FIRST time you use it, place it on a flat surface for at least 60 minutes, then place it on its edge for 15 minutes with one set of CONTROL VENTS touching the flat surface.

Reverse the procedure so that the other set of CONTROL VENTS touches the flat surface for 15 minutes. If any water emerges, add more water and wipe dry. Your HUMISTAT®-brand humidifier is now fully seasoned, ready for years of outstanding performance.

(In the highly unlikely event that, once you start using your humidifier, it does not release sufficient humidity, refill it once with warm—not hot—water and repeat the above series of steps.)

To open Model #3 for filling, remove the COLORED cap. Just put your thumb under the edge of the cap to flip it off, or hold the cap from the top and pull it off. (It does not unscrew.)

As with the humidifiers, there’s absolutely no difference other than the color. Pick the color(s) that fits your mood, the inside of your case, or both.

1-3/4″ Across by 5/8″ Deep

You certainly can. In the unlikely event that the hygrometer is dropped or heavily jarred and the needle jumps to a noticeably higher or lower reading, you can adjust it by using a small flathead screwdriver to turn the screw in the center of the back side. With the back facing you, turn the screw counter-clockwise to raise the reading and clockwise to lower it. Set it to a reading anywhere around 40 percent

Because the needle and the spring inside are sensitive, turn the screw as little as you can once you feel resistance and then check the reading. If a further adjustment is needed, repeat the procedure. Then place the hygrometer back in your case and leave it overnight so it has time to readjust to the humidity in the case.

In general, using the two-sided tape on the back of the hygrometer, place it anywhere it fits so that (1) the open horizontal slots around the hygrometer—located between the gold or silver section and the dark base—are not covered, and (2) there is sufficient room for air flow when the case is closed.

No matter how well-made your instrument may be, if it’s wood it’s susceptible to the slow, but relentless ravages of dry air–whether from the environment in the area in which you live, from heat (whether from the sun or indoor heating) or from air-conditioning. They each can cause your instrument’s body to dry out to the point that the wood contracts and warps, affecting it’s sound and making it increasingly difficult to tune.

It may start to splinter, developing thin separations that stretch into bigger ones, and the adhesive that holds parts together may dry and lose its gripping power–a problem not unfamiliar to anyone who plays a woodwind or brass instrument that has pads that cover and uncover its keyholes.

Worst of all, the wood may crack, causing critical, if not fatal damage.

Deteriorating “sound” and “feel”—two features that helped convince you to buy your instrument—will be the first signs that you may have waited too long to provide it with adequate protection. And by then you’ll be faced with costly repairs or have no choice but to toss it in the trash and buy a replacement.

As with the hygrometers (which are available in Silver or Gold), the color makes absolutely no difference. We just thought you’d like a choice.

Ideally, the water that we each get from the kitchen or bathroom sink should be cleansed by our municipality before it is made available to us. But, often it is not. It may be cleansed sufficiently so that it will not make us sick, but it can still retain minerals and impurities, such as mold spores, that we can neither smell nor taste.

The problem is, none of us know if the water we use has been completely cleansed of these ingredients. For that reason, distilled water—which does not contain any contaminants—is the best protection against the formation of mold.

You can use bottled water—but we strongly recommend only using DISTILLED WATER. The major difference is, while water that has been distilled never contains any impurities that could create a mold problem, the method—and results–by which individual bottling companies create purified water can vary.

No. Please understand that anything other than distilled water can introduce impurities that will ultimately—if not immediately—ruin the humidifier and void our guarantee. We have heard from customers who wanted to add (or already had added) liquor or perfume to provide a “nice aroma,” or food coloring so that the water would match the inside lining of their instrument case. You cannot do that and expect the humidifier to work for you.

Well, that depends on the humidity of your surroundings (also called the ambient environment). The outdoor weather (for example, dry and hot, or dry and cold) plays a role, but your instrument is more likely to be nestled in its carrying case indoors where it can be harmed by the humidity-lowering effect of air conditioning and heating systems.

For the first few weeks, check the water level every two or three days. If you have a hygrometer, you’ll want to check that, too. Pretty soon you’ll get to know how often you need to check. Keep in mind that every time you open your case, the air inside it will mingle with the air outside of it. Once you put your instrument away and close its case, the humidity inside will need a while to adjust.

If the water in your humidifier evaporates completely, you will lose the protection that it is designed to provide. On the other hand, you don’t want to let the humidity get too high. If you don’t open your case for an extended period of time, there is a risk that mold could begin to form. It’s highly unlikely, but why take chances?

Each humidifier comes with a piece of Velcro, which consists of two separate sections. First, decide where in your case you want to place your humidifier. Where you place it depends on the instrument and the case configuration. For many string instruments—guitars and ukuleles for example—an ideal position is on the inside bottom of the neck area where the humidity can be released but the humidifier does not touch the instrument.

Separate the two pieces by pulling them apart. Then, take one half and carefully peel off the shiny paper. That will expose the glue. If you have our Model No. 1, stick that half onto the clear barrel. If you have our Model No.3, stick that half onto the middle of the bottom.

Then, take the other section, peel off the shiny paper, and place the Velcro on the inside floor, side or top of your case. If you prefer, we can provide you with a black vinyl clip that can be affixed to the inside of your instrument case with a small screw or nail, or even a hatpin.

If you want a clip, please make that request in the Comments/Special Delivery Instructions box just before you complete your on-line order.)

In general, the desired range is between 40 percent and 55 percent. But you’ll want to narrow that range to suit your instrument and the tone you want to get from it. Since this involves personal preference, we suggest you ask a professional musician or teacher, or do a bit of research on the Internet. There are usually many sites that provide guidance for a particular instrument.

Sure, but providing the specially formulated felt material in each humidifier with a constant supply of water is the best way to keep it in top form. If you let it dry, try to keep it in an environment free from dust and mold spores.

Very often, your case will give you the answer. In a guitar case, there’s usually a nice rectangular space under the neck where you can affix Model No.3. In general, anywhere that it fits, as long as the end with the CONTROL VENTS is not covered.

Not at all. Both models are designed so that the vacuum created when used properly will only allow humidity—and not liquid—to be released regardless of their position. Depending on the situation, most cases are propped up vertically, at an angle, or horizontally, and the majority are swung back and forth when carried. Your case’s position will not affect the humidifier.

That depends on the type of instrument—its size and how it rests in its case. Model No. 3 holds more water and, for most instruments, can usually do its job from one location in your case. Some musicians prefer to get a pair of Model No.1’s so they can place them in different sections.

Don’t Worry. That’s perfectly normal. As soon as you have refilled the humidifier, replace the cap as quickly and as firmly as you can. Once you do that, a vacuum of sorts is created that will prevent water from emerging. The water that comes out before the cap is replaced can be dried off with a paper or cloth towel.

Start with 2 to 3 exposed on MODEL No. 1, and 1 or 2 (on each side) on MODEL No. 3. Over the next few days, check whether your instrument is receiving enough, too little, or too much humidity. You can then adjust the rings so that more or fewer CONTROL VENTS are exposed. You’ll soon reach a level of humidification your instrument needs. (To be certain you’ve established the desired humidity level, consider adding a HUMISTAT® Hygrometer to your order.It will tell you how much humidity is being released into your instrument case and take the guesswork out of increasing or decreasing the percentage.)

Ordinarily, you should have no reason to change the number—other than to make small adjustments in the amount of humidity your instrument receives. Of course, during the change of seasons, or when you travel to a different climate, or your instrument case is moved to or from an indoor environment where the humidity is different (e.g., heated or air-conditioned rooms), you may want to make adjustments to compensate for either a drier or moister environment.

Let’s find out. Tell us where you live and we’ll check to see if there is a retailer near you. If you know of music stores that don’t carry our products, we’d love to know their names and contact information (e.g., a website, an email address) so we can contact them. And, of course, we’ll appreciate it very much if you suggest to them that they carry HUMISTAT®-brand products.

We’re sorry you didn’t hear about us before, but glad to introduce and welcome you now. Our family-owned company was founded more than 40 years ago by Martin Berliner (see photo, circa 1970’s) , an electrical and mechanical engineer, who invented our innovative humidifiers (which continue to set the standard for quality, effectiveness and features.) It was later run by Martin’s wife, Miriam, and these days by David Berliner, their son.

Until recently, our humidifiers were sold primarily to instrument and case makers. We’re in the process of spreading the word to retailers and the music-playing public in the U.S. and abroad.

Absolutely. We offer coupon codes for discounts throughout the year. Keep checking back to our website and, if you use Facebook, log into our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/humistat and  “Like” us. That way you’ll be sure to be among the very first to know about a sale.

Here’s how Facebook explains how to “Like” a page (focusing on ours, of course):

“You can click Like to add that Page to your News Feed and the About section of your profile. To like a Page:

• From the HUMISTAT Page: Click Like on the Page’s cover photo.
• From a News Feed story or an ad: Click Like or Like Page in the story or ad.
• From search: Type a topic or name you’re interested in and click to select a Page from the results. Once you’re on the Page, click Like on the Page’s cover photo.
• From the About section of someone’s profile: Scroll down to the Likes section, hover over a Page that you’re interested in and click Like.

For credit card orders (Amex, Discover, Mastercard, Visa), as well as for PayPal, simply go to the page of the model you want to order. Select a color, check the box if you want gift wrapping, and then click how many of that item you want to add to your Shopping Cart. Once that item is in your Cart, you can either click on Continue Shopping or Checkout.

For orders paid with a cashier’s check or money order, call (574) 387-6233 (574-3-USMADE). You can also pay by company or personal check. If you’ll be ordering in quantity on a regular basis, we’ll be happy to set up an account for you with appropriate payment terms.

Check price breaks on the pages for Model No. 1, Model No. 3, our Hygrometer, and Combination Orders.  For orders of 12 or more of any item, write to us at [email protected] or call 574-387-6233 (574-3-USMADE).

As you’ll see on our Product pages, purchasing 6 to 11 of any item will give you a special discount. You’ll get an even higher discount if you order 12 or more of any one item.

To order 12 or more of any item, write to [email protected] or call 574-387-6233 (574-3-USMADE).

Absolutely. We offer special discounts for schools and many other non-profit organizations who buy more than a dozen of any of our products.. We can be reached by writing by writing to [email protected] or calling 574-387-6233 (574-3-USMADE).

Simply contact us by writing by writing to [email protected] or calling 574-387-6233 (574-3-USMADE). We’ll be happy to discuss working with you.

If you pay for your order by credit card or PayPal, it will be sent out within three business days. If you are a new customer and pay by check, it may take a few days more.

We’d really appreciate it if you told us the name and location of the store and, if possible, the name of the owner or manager. We’ll get in touch with them and introduce them to HUMISTAT products. And we’ll owe you a big THANKS!

We sure are. We’re just starting to build it up and make it fun and interesting, and we hope you’ll add your comments, stories and pictures relating to instrument care and music in general. It’s also where we’ll let you know about special discount coupons throughout the year. Make sure to “Like” it.

Here’s how Facebook explains how to “Like” a page (focusing on ours, of course):

“You can click Like to add that Page to your News Feed and the About section of your profile. To like a Page:

• From the HUMISTAT Page: Click Like on the Page’s cover photo.
• From a News Feed story or an ad: Click Like or Like Page in the story or ad.
• From search: Type a topic or name you’re interested in and click to select a Page from the results. Once you’re on the Page, click Like on the Page’s cover photo.
• From the About section of someone’s profile: Scroll down to the Likes section, hover over a Page that you’re interested in and click Like.

That’s easy. Simply go to our CONTACT page, type in your question, and click SEND. We’ll do our very best to get an answer to you as quickly as possible.

Get in touch with us via our Contact Page.  We look forward to talking with you.