Has anyone used the 2 way humidity control gel packs that they sell at cigar shops to humidify their flute? I wonder if they are safe.
Janmarie
They have a different humidity requirement. Many of their humidifier/dessicant packs try for 60-70% humidity. A guitar pack might be closer - I think they aim for 40-50%.
I use drymistat cigar humidifiers to regulate the humidity of my flute storage. They say that it keeps the humidity at 70%, which is a bit too high for flutes, but that level assumes that you are using them in a humidor of a specific size (such humidors are quite small, have vapor barriers and seal quite tightly). The actual humidity maintained in a flute container will depend on a number of factors, such as the volume of the container, how well air can travel between the inside and outside of the case (through gaps, or through the material the case is made of), and the humidity level of the external air. In my environment they keep the humidity level close to 60%, sometimes a little lower, sometimes a little higher, depending on external conditions. This has been a good level for my flutes, which have had no problems with cracking or mould.
I have a collection of antique flutes that live in a variety of containers, often with more than one flute in a box. Depending on the size of the box I may use one, two, or more of the drymistat tubes. The reason I like them is because they are inexpensive, you can refill them easily, and at no cost, they maintain the right humidity level for several months between refills (in my environment in Oregon), they are clean, don’t leak, and are safe for flutes, and, well, they work. On the issue of safety, the only risk factor I can think of is that if you over fill them, so that the gel can not absorb all of the water, and then place them on their side right next to your flute, with the vent holes down, it is possible for moisture to leak out and contact the flute. But this problem is easy to avoid: don’t over fill them! If you don’t overfill them there is no free liquid, its all absorbed inside the gel, so there is nothing to spill.
I have kept my flutes in a cigar humidor with the gel units you mentioned for many years now. Works very well.
Thank you. I’m using a tupperware type container and took a couple days for my flute to begin absorbing the moisture. And thank you for the detail paddler. Not worried now.
janmarie
I use 2 apple quarters. Keeps things about 60%, smells nice.
I keep mine in a tackle box something like this one. You can adjust the dividers and there is room for a humidity monitor (mine is usually around 65%) and a DampIt (guitar humidifier thingee). I lined mine with felt.
Pat
When reading threads on humidification for wooden flutes (and it is a topic that comes up a lot) I find myself wondering whether this is an issue solely for people who live in territories that experience climatic extremes. Should those of us who dwell in maritime countries - i.e. damp and rarely very hot or very cold - agonise over which gizmo to put in our cases, or whether to keep our flutes in plastic bags or sealed containers? I don’t want to be complacent…
No, we’re by and large OK. Do beware of sudden fluctuations (both in humidity and temperature) and the drying effects of environments heated by central heating or woodstoves during winter.
As for myself: I run a dehumidifier for a few hours every day. But YMMV.
