Planet Waves Humidipak?

[dmbisone]

Hey All,

I checked this thing out at NAMM and it seems like an awesome idea but I haven't seen any posts yet. Basically there is a saline solution sealed in a these packets that have a "smart membrane" on them and they can make the solution so that it maintains 45% humidity. If there relative humidity in your case is under 45%, it releases humidity and if it's over 45%, it absorbs humidity. They had a huge thing in their booth showing the product off with a Taylor Guitar giveaway - their rep told me Taylor is really into this product because they beta tested it for PW and are convinced it works. The PW press release has more info and some bold comments from Bob Taylor...
http://planetwaves.com/NewsDetails.aspx?ParID=7253

Not sure if they're shipping yet but did anyone get a sample or anything at the show? If so I'd love to get your thoughts on it before I go calling around. thanks

[dmbisone]

well i guess no one has tried it yet but I got one off the PW site and it actually shipped from one of my local retailers, gotta love that (i shop online a bit but prefer to support local biz when i can). so far so good, my radio shack hygrometer reads 42%, pretty darn good for a dry winter (and in the attic), thumbs up from me. my fretboard is definitely a better as well, it tends to get pretty dry in the winter and i lose a bit of sustain. i'm diggin it!

[eissmann]

Sounds like a great device if it does what they say. I know what you mean about the dry winters. Around here the humidity averages 27% or less all winter. None of the distributors around here even know what I am talking about when I mention them, so I'll have to take a look at the website.

[BarGins]

I have read about the new Planet Waves Humidipak. As a "nut" who obsesses about humidity control, I am intrigued. However, I have found no information on how often the paks (which go for about 9 bucks each) can be expected to last. The answer to that question will determine the real cost of using this neat seeming device.

[surfcat]

I'm in if it works-too hard to keep up with my acoustic's humidity.

[imschur]

I just got one in. I ordered it from the Planet Waves online store. Im gonna open the box now and report back

[paganskins]

There's a video on the Planet Waves website, they last only a matter of months!
Here's the main product page with links to the video and prodcut details:
http://www.planetwaves.com/pwhumidity.aspx

[imschur]

There's a video on the Planet Waves website, they last only a matter of months!
Here's the main product page with links to the video and prodcut details:
http://www.planetwaves.com/pwhumidity.aspx

Heres what I just wrote at another site (http://www.gearpedia.net/index.php/topic,2002.0.html)

it cost $28. The kit arrived in about 3 days. It was shipped from a local music store.

The kit consists of 3 foil envelopes and 2 black mesh pockets. 1 pocket holds a single humidpak for the headstock area of the case while the other holds 2 is placed over a couple of guitar strings like a saddle. Its a pretty simple to setup.
1. Tear open the foil envelopes and remove the humidpaks.
2. Place the humidpaks in the pockets
3. Then place one at the headstock in the guitar case and the other over a couple of strings to hang into the sound hole. Thats it.

The contents of the foil envelopes (Humidpaks) are some sort of liquid enclosed in a pretty heavy paper type envelope.

The box states the the kit will last 2-4 months and maintain a relative humidity of 45 %. The humidpaks have the potential to provide 27 grams of water and remove 11 grams per humidpak (x3)

Next step ill get a Hygrometer and verify it works as promised

[surfcat]

What happens after 2-4 months? Buy another pack?

[imschur]

Yes you will need to replace them as needed. Hopefully if they work as promised the price will come down as more are sold.

[dmbisone]

it depends on your climate conditions. if you live in florida or hawaii or somewhere like that you'll probably get a good 6 months out of the packets. I figure it's a $50-$60 a year investment and while that's more than I'm used to spending, this thing is clearly unique and there is nothing like it on the market so it's going to cost a little more. but hey, time is money and not having to constantly check "refillable" humidifiers is really nice, i'm quite happy with the product myself. I doubt the price will come down, it has no direct competition and it's patented.

[imschur]

Well Ive had the humidpaks in the case since the 21'st. I placed the planet waves hygrometer in the case yesterday 26 hours ago. The relative humidity was 31% at that time today 26 hours later its 33% inside the case. Hmm not sure what to think at this time.