Humidity is Scary Here!

[PocketGroove82]

Well,
Monsoon season is nearly over but the humidity here is 75%-100% and the heat is in the 90s. So, I'm finding that my stingrays are acting a lot like my glasses.
I'm sure you guys have experienced the feeling when you step out of an air conditioned building into a hot afternoon and your glasses fog up. Well, this is happening to my EBMMs and I don't like it!
I've never seen a bass literally sweat when I take it out of the case or out of a building and I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this phenomenon.

It's not caused any problems, but I'm wondering if anyone might have any suggestions or comments about this. Thanks,

Matt

 

[GassieBall]

That can't be good. My basement, where all the band stuff is, can get very humid (but not hot). But my dehumidifier works wonders. Perhaps you can get some of those silicon desicant packages and throw the in your case? I don't know if they saturate, though.

 

[AnthonyD]

Wow! Sounds like there's not much you can do if your playing out-of-doors. The silicon desicant packages should help a little but it sounds like a losing battle with the climate of the area.

Solution is to find a rock-solid, stable bass that responds easily and quickly to a convenient adjustment mechanism...

 

[silverburst]

Solution is to find a rock-solid, stable bass that responds easily and quickly to a convenient adjustment mechanism...

I think I know just the bass to look for.

 

[dlloyd]

Well,
Monsoon season is nearly over but the humidity here is 75%-100% and the heat is in the 90s. So, I'm finding that my stingrays are acting a lot like my glasses.
I'm sure you guys have experienced the feeling when you step out of an air conditioned building into a hot afternoon and your glasses fog up. Well, this is happening to my EBMMs and I don't like it!
I've never seen a bass literally sweat when I take it out of the case or out of a building and I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this phenomenon.

It's not caused any problems, but I'm wondering if anyone might have any suggestions or comments about this. Thanks,

Matt

Don't take a bass directly from a cold area to a hot, humid one.

If you're carrying a bass between the two areas, give your bass some time in the case to come up to ambient temperature before getting it out.

The humidity is not a problem. The problem is that you're providing a colder surface for the water vapour to condense on.

 

[PocketGroove82]

ahhh, dlloyd. thank you for clarifying this.

I was under the impression that the moisture in the wood was working it's way out, in the same way that a person sweats to keep cool. But it seems like the outside water vapor condensing on the surface of the cooler bass, makes more sense than what I proposed.

I just hope I can find a way to moderately expose the instruments to this climate, rather than taking them straight out into it.

In the long run, I don't think it can hurt them. But I do like to baby the best basses I own!

thanks

 

[SLUGGO]

Try this....
As you are unpacking your gear, leave the bass in the case in the humid atmosphere for 5 minutes. Then prop the case openabout 1-2 inches wide for another 5 minutes. This allows the temp to even out over time and the condendation will not form on the guitar. It might seem like a long time, but If you pull the case out first, set up your amp, prop open the case, set out your pedals, stands, etc...it is usually ok by that point. At least this works for me in the Florida humidity.

 

[Jodizzle]

I was under the impression that the moisture in the wood was working it's way out, in the same way that a person sweats to keep cool.

Schwetty Balls

horrible, sorry .. couldn't resist!

 

[Dr. Nick]

Try this....
As you are unpacking your gear, leave the bass in the case in the humid atmosphere for 5 minutes. Then prop the case openabout 1-2 inches wide for another 5 minutes. This allows the temp to even out over time and the condendation will not form on the guitar. It might seem like a long time, but If you pull the case out first, set up your amp, prop open the case, set out your pedals, stands, etc...it is usually ok by that point. At least this works for me in the Florida humidity.

+1

I've actually had more problems here in Florida when it gets cold (40-60 degrees F)

 

[PocketGroove82]

Thanks for the tips everyone!
I'll be trying to make the transition a little slower between AC'd buildings and outdoors. Or I'll just take out one of the army's acme basses when I gotta play outside....blah!

 

[HunterSThompson]

Well,
Monsoon season is nearly over but the humidity here is 75%-100% and the heat is in the 90s. So, I'm finding that my stingrays are acting a lot like my glasses.
I'm sure you guys have experienced the feeling when you step out of an air conditioned building into a hot afternoon and your glasses fog up. Well, this is happening to my EBMMs and I don't like it!
I've never seen a bass literally sweat when I take it out of the case or out of a building and I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this phenomenon.

It's not caused any problems, but I'm wondering if anyone might have any suggestions or comments about this. Thanks,

Matt

Make friends with someone on a U.S Air Force base..Those guys always have AC .I went to Saudi with the 82nd. for security after the Khobar Towers got hit...and lived in tents for months..while Air Force lived in AC supplied Honeywagons/construction trailers....

 

[PocketGroove82]

lol, I believe it Hunter.
In general the USAF and Navy bands were getting so lazy, not doing military stuff like deploying to support the troops, while ignoring their ringing phones that the military cut many, many of their job slots. They laid off people left and right.
Meanwhile the Army has picked up all those slots to bring in more bassists, guitarist, drummers, and pianists because Army bands don't mind getting a little sand in their boots.
In fact, I'll be deploying for two months next February to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan to supply those hard working soldiers with some much needed R&R&R.
Rest, Relaxation, and ROCK!

I can't wait!

I guess I won't have to worry to much about humidity in the desert..just getting sand in the pickups.