Dampit Question

[L20A]

I used a Dampit to humidify my Yamaha L20A and it left a dark mark in the finish of the guitar, where the material [rubber?] touched the sound hole of the guitar.

I also had the same reaction darken the headstock from using a Kyser Capo.
I think that the Yamaha has a nitro/ lacquer finish.

My question is this.
Has anyone else had this same thing happen to your guitar?

I was cliping the Dampit to the strings and not using the plastic cover that has the gauge in it.
I was afraid that the plastic cover would scratch the guitar.

Taylor Guitar recommends the use of Dampits but I don't think that they use nitro/lacquer on their guitars.

Thanks for your help and suggestions,
L20A.

[L20A]

I guess that I'm the only one that has had a Dampit react with a guitar?

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by L20A

I used a Dampit to humidify my Yamaha L20A and it left a dark mark in the finish of the guitar, where the material [rubber?] touched the sound hole of the guitar.

I also had the same reaction darken the headstock from using a Kyser Capo.
I think that the Yamaha has a nitro/ lacquer finish.

My question is this.
Has anyone else had this same thing happen to your guitar?

I was cliping the Dampit to the strings and not using the plastic cover that has the gauge in it.
I was afraid that the plastic cover would scratch the guitar.

Taylor Guitar recommends the use of Dampits but I don't think that they use nitro/lacquer on their guitars.

Thanks for your help and suggestions,
L20A.

Hi L20A...
Probably not. Rubber reacts with finishes on guitars.

I'd suggest getting either a Kyser Lifeguard, or building your own out of sponge-in-a-ziplock.

Here's a video I did for friends and students on building your own for pennies...more effective than dampits as there is more surface area than a dampit provides.

Build a humidifier cheaply and quickly-click

[Misty44]

That nitrocellulose finish is prone to damage from prolonged contact with:

• rubber (as Larry noted)
• leather (as in straps and strap holders)
• vinyl (as in strap backings)
• capos (regardless of the protective material)
• clip-on tuners (ditto)
• DEET and/or other insect repellents (make that instant, immediate contact)
• guitar stands (unless protected by a cotton or microfiber cloth where the wood meets the stand)

Longterm contact with these items will most likely damage the finish.

As for in-case humdification, use one of Larry's homemade beauties or try the Oasis humidifiers, but always use as directed.

[L20A]

Thanks for the responses.
I normally don't use a Dampit any more.
I did add one to the soap dish humidifier though to get the humidity up faster on a guitar that I just purchased.
It was in bad need of humidification.

I do make my own soap dish humidifiers.
I use oasis floral foam instead of spunge though.
It holds a lot of water and lasts for well over a week before I have to add water.

I also put a small hygrometer inside the cases to monitor the humidity.
The soap dish humidifier keeps my guitar at 45% here in Utah.