You spent several hundreds of dollars buying your cello. So the least you can do is ensure that you’re keeping it in pristine condition. One thing you’ll want to be mindful of when it comes to storage is cello humidity.
Since cellos are made primarily of wood, they may start to crack if the air becomes too dry. To avoid this, consider buying the best cello humidifiers and dampits.
These are typically inserted inside cello cases to amp up the moisture levels. Here’s a quick overview of the top-rated cello dampits and humidifiers on the market.
Reviews of the Best Cello Humidifiers and Dampits
1. Dampit 1091D Cello Humidifier
If you’re searching for the best cello humidifier, you can’t go wrong with the Dampit 1091D model. Aptly named, this accessory ensures that your cello is shielded from extremely low humidity levels.
Some dampits have a tendency of slipping out of position. Luckily, the 1091D humidifier constitutes a rubber collar, which steadies it. It ensures that the dampit doesn’t fall through the big f-holes of your instrument.
Another thing I like about the Dampit 1091D Humidifier is that it’s easy to use. It’s shipped with a white card that has three indicator colors. Once installed in the instrument, it changes color to let you know the humidity level.
Pros
Cons
Are you a veteran cellist? If you are, then you know that the cost of buying cello accessories can add up pretty quickly.
This is particularly the case if you’re planning to buy other items such as the best cello rosins and cello cases. MusicNomad understands this, which is why they price their products very fairly. You get a quality humidifier that protects your cello from dry conditions at an affordable price point.
And the best thing is that it doesn’t compromise on performance. The humidifier comes packaged in a small case, equipped with a holster. The holster contains a strong adhesive to ensure that it doesn’t slip from where it’s placed.
Better yet, the lid of the humidifier case has a flip design. This allows you to flip it open so you can check whether the sponge is wet or dry.
Pros
Cons
Compared to the violin and viola, the cello is a much bigger string instrument. As such, you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting a humidifier that works for large-sized instruments.
Thankfully, the Stretto Humidifier is designed with instruments like cellos in mind. Measuring 4” by 3”, it comes in a pretty generous size.
That said, this humidifier is on the higher side of the price spectrum. But considering how effective it is at increasing moisture, it’s well worth it.
It’s one of the easiest cello humidifiers to use. It comes with a case for optimal protection; and two humidifying bags. According to the manufacturer, these can last for at least two weeks.
Pros
Cons
This is another affordable cello humidifier. So if you’re working with a shoestring budget, the Humidi-Guard is a safe bet.
Like the Dampit 1091D, this accessory comes shaped like a tube. It works in a fairly similar manner too, meaning it has to be soaked in water before being inserted in the cello. Soaking the tube doesn’t take a lot of time, and the humidifier releases moisture effectively once installed.
Unfortunately, the Humidi-Guard isn’t compatible with all the best cellos. The tube has a maximum thickness of 15.5 mm so it might not fit in some fractional cellos. If it does, you’ll find it easy to use thanks to the included humidity indicator card.
Pros
Cons
If the Humidi-Guard model falls short of your expectations, the RDM 1300CH is an excellent alternative. It’s equally affordable and works in the exact same way.
So what sets the RDM model apart? Unlike other cello humidifiers that are made of flimsy materials, this one is made of non-allergenic resin. This aspect makes it a great buy for cellists allergic to this material. Better yet, it’s designed to clip easily to the f-hole of your cello, providing a seamless installation.
Pros
Cons
What Are Cello Dampits and Humidifier
Like their siblings the violins, cellos are predominantly wooden (see more differences and similarities in violins vs cellos guide). Unfortunately, wood is the kind of material that’s vulnerable to fluctuations in humidity levels. If the air around a cello is excessively dry, the wood can start to crack.
This is where a cello dampit or humidifier comes in handy. This device is designed to release moisture gradually. This, in turn, minimizes the risk of the cello’s wooden parts cracking and warping.
Humidifiers will help prolong the life a cello. Keeping your wooden instrument in good condition will also help with re-sale value should you wish to ever sell the cello. Dampits and humidifiers also make for a great practical gift idea for cellists.
How to Choose the Right Cello Humidifier / Dampit
There are a few points that you should consider when buying a dampit or humidifier for your cello. They include:
Type
Cello humidifiers are packaged in one of two ways: a sponge that’s encased in a tube or a humidifier packet.
The sponge humidifier is meant to be soaked in water to get it wet. It’s then wiped clean and inserted in a cello case where it releases moisture gradually. After every 10 days or less, you’re required to re-wet the sponge to keep up with the humidification.
What I like about sponge humidifiers is that they’re very affordable. However, they’re not very accurate. As such, you have to be careful lest you end up adding too much or too little moisture.
A humidifier packet looks identical to the silica bags that are inserted in shoes, clothes and other new items. Where these cello humidifiers shine is in their ease of use.
They’re designed to be disposable so all you have to do is replace the old one with the new. However, they cost more than sponge humidifiers.
Ability to Regulate Moisture
The best dampit/humidifier is one that’s able to balance the moisture levels in your cello case.
This is why the majority work by releasing just tiny amounts of moisture at a time. This keeps your instrument protected from dry conditions while also preventing over-humidification.
Cost
One other factor that you shouldn’t overlook is the price. If you live in an area that experiences very dry conditions, then you’ll likely have to buy the cello humidifier regularly. Also consider if you travel with your cello to dry locations regularly.
For this reason, you’ll want to look for one that’s affordable. This also applies to cello instructors or parents looking to buy humidifiers for a group of students or kids. Thankfully, most cello dampits are affordable with prices ranging between $10 and $50.
Ease of Installing
One factor that a lot of cellists overlook is the ease of mounting the humidifier/dampit. But, this should not be the case.
The best humidifier is one that’s easy to install, and this depends partly on its size. A small and compact dampit will be easier to install than a large one.
Similarly, look for dampits that don’t require you to drill extra holes in your cello. This can damage the aesthetic look of your instrument. Plus, you’ll be forced to buy that particular humidifier each time since you already drilled holes in your cello.
Rather, you should look for models that have either distinct pouches or clips. Those packed in pouches have a strong adhesive that enables them to remain firmly planted inside your case.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cello Humidifiers
Do cellos need humidifiers?
Yes, you should consider buying a cello humidifier. However, this doesn’t mean that you’ll need to use it throughout; only under certain conditions. Specifically, you should install a humidifier or dampit in your cello case if the air gets too dry.
What humidity level should a cello be kept at?
For most string instruments, the recommended humidity level is between 40% and 60%. If your cello case comes with a hygrometer, use it to monitor moisture levels. And if it didn’t come with one, consider investing in a stand-alone hygrometer.
Conclusion
Before you rush to buy the best cello humidifiers and dampits, consider their design, price and capacity to regulate moisture.
One cello humidifier that checks most of these boxes is the Dampit 1091D. It’s designed as a soft rubber sleeve which encases the sponge-like substance that adds moisture.
