The Guaranteed Seal System is the patented climate control that Acoustic Remedy employs across our entire line of humidors. It all starts with the neoprene gasket running the entire perimeter of the instrument storage area. Next, we employ a method to pull the door tight to the gasket and create a micro-climate. On the ClimaCase and the ClimaStand, the method is extremely durable spring loaded latches. On the ClimaCab, the method is incredibly strong neodymium magnets.
We light test every single humidor leaving our shop. If no light can escape, no air can either. Since we hold a patent on this concept, we are the only humidor manufacturer allowed to do this. Discover the difference the Guaranteed Seal System can make and you'll wonder how you ever got by without it.
Although all instruments are affected by improper climate conditions, both temperature and humidity, acoustic instruments tend to be prone to the most significant damage. Electric solid body instruments are also affected, so it's important to properly humidify them as well.
Most regions worldwide require one or the other while some are lucky to have ideal humidity levels year round, such as Santa Cruz, CA, home of Santa Cruz Guitar Co. We typically break this down to two factors - geographical and seasonal.
For example, in Wisconsin, where Acoustic Remedy is headquartered, the humidity can fluctuate significantly from low teens in the winter to low 90s in the summer. Any location similar to this actually needs both humidification and de-humidification. Rocky Mountain and desert regions tend to be very dry year round while locations such as Florida or the sub-trophics are very moist year round.
Acoustic Remedy utilizes three systems to either humidify or de-humidify our humidors. The first system is the world's simplest and is produced by Boveda. The 2-Way Humidifcation packets either absorb or emit moisture to keep the interior levels between 40-50% RH. The second system is the Vigilant humidifiers which are factory calibrated at 50% and the third system is the de-humidification unit produced by Vigilant. All ClimaStands & ClimaCases use the Boveda packets only, while our ClimaCabs utilize the Vigilant products as the primary source and Boveda as a secondary/redundant source.
Whole home humidification is definitely better than none; however, there are many implications of relying on this for instruments. First of all, in the winter months you may have to turn up the humidity so high that condensation, molding, and other unwanted side effects start appearing. By utilizing our products, you've isolated the instruments and have a much smaller space to condition.
Typically the packets will last around 2-3 months in the winter months and 4-6 over the summer. This is dependent on many factors including the starting RH of the instrument, how many times the air is exchanged, and diligence latching the door shut after removing or replacing your instrument.
For our humidifiers, the water needs replacing about once every 10-12 weeks due to the hermetically sealed interior and the efficiency of the unit.
For the powered humidifiers, distilled water should be used to prevent lime and scale build up in the reservoir. In addition, we recommend including a few drops of bacteriostat into the reservoir each time you refill. We offer this for sale here.
Routine maintenance includes changing of the wick every 6-8 months. Replacement wicks for all sizes of ClimaCabs can be found here.
If your guitar has not been previously humidified and/or is showing signs of lack of humidity, the packets will dispense at an increased rate due to the fact that the instrument is in a dry condition and will soak up the moisture it desperately needs to reach equilibrium. Similarly, the reservoir in the humidifier will deplete quickly.
Research has shown that a properly humidified acoustic guitar holds about 8-10 grams of water. To restore a dry guitar to the proper level can take 30-60 grams of water/vapor. The wood and interior of the humidor may also need to be “seasoned”. This can be accomplished by purchasing some of the Boveda 72% packets, which can also may be used to fast track your instrument's humidity levels as well. Once everything has reached equilibrium, within 1-2 days, the humidors do an incredible job of keeping all internal spaces (guitar included) at the recommended 40-50% relative humidity (RH).
The Boveda packets are stored in Boveda Packet Holders, which come in one or two packet versions in either Cedar or brushed aluminum. You simply remove the packets from the packaging, place them into the packet holders and place in the lower corners of the ClimaStand/ClimaCase with the slotted side up or on the magnetic mounting plates in the ClimaCab. Each ClimaStand/ClimaCase ships with a pair of two packet holders and optional magnetic/velcro mounting plates with 3M adhesive backing. We highly recommend putting them in the lower corners, however with the mounting plates you can place them anywhere you want within, such as the sides. Please be cautious in doing so because the adhesive strength and guarantee that it won't let loose are not backed by Acoustic Remedy and by using you are doing so at your own risk.
Once the packets are in the humidor, they go to work either absorbing or releasing moisture with no effort from you. Automatic humidity control at it's finest!
On average, the Boveda packets have a lifespan of 2-4 months depending on several variables listed below. As long as you are cognizant of these factors, we anticipate your packets will last the average lifespan.
You may experience months where the packets last longer or shorter based on these variables:
Boveda formulas are a saturated salt solution which means an excess amount of blended salts are mixed with water and dispensed into the pouches you receive. From time to time some crystals form during the blending and filling process. This is normal and inherent of salts physical structure but also unavoidable. Although crystals will form, they do not impact the performance of Boveda and are completely safe to use. If the crystals have become too sharp, and in the rare instance puncture the pouch, please notify Boveda and they will replace them at no cost.
Absolutely, we have many combinations of how this can be accomplished. We have customers who've purchased up to fifteen ClimaCases and ClimaStands. Others have combined those products with our ClimaCab and another option is to utilize our ClimaCab Combo, which allows you to mix and match sizes of the Petite, Traditional, Grand, and Grand Plus to have a truly customized ClimaCab.
Big to small and everything in between. We've made humidors for cellos, mandolins, violins, ukuleles, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, jazz arch tops, parlor to jumbo sized guitars, banjos, and many custom sizes for customers.
If you cannot find your instrument type in the product menu, please contact us to discuss the type of instrument you'd like a humidor for.
All String Swing items have been rigorously tested and proven safe for all instrument surfaces. In addition, the cork used in the bumper pads in the ClimaStands and ClimaCases and the bout/neck rest system in the ClimaCabs are proven safe for finishes as well.
One of the many benefits of the Guaranteed Seal System is that once the instrument and interior wood have come to equilibrium, it will stay there almost indefinitely. We have many customers in upstate New York who head for the Florida beaches and come home to a perfectly humidified instrument months later.
We offer a wide range of customization options. From inlays to custom sizes to exotic woods to design changes, we've done it all. We include all modest design consultation fees into the final price of the product.
We invite you to explore our Custom Shop page for more information and examples of past projects.
We can generally ship all ClimaStands and ClimaCases from our builder's workshop (where inventory is stored) within 5-10 business days if the wood type and style is in stock. Our inventory can vary depending on sales volume and promotional activities, so although we try to keep the correct amount in stock based on past sales history, there are times when we run out. If this situation occurs with your order, we will contact you will updated delivery times based on build schedules and other factors.
For exotic woods, non-stock items, and custom builds, additional wait time is expected and depends on several variables. Most likely we will be able to source the wood you are interested in, but availability of lumber and delivery time from the mill is probably one of the greatest factors contributing to varying wait times. It's always best for us to quote your custom item and then give you an idea of timing once all the pieces come together.
ClimaCabs are ranging from six months minimum to up to twelve months depending on the complexities of the order, current production schedules, and several other factors. We will communicate with you throughout the process and update you accordingly to assist you in planning for delivery.
How much is shipping?
United States of America (Lower 48):
For both triangle and rectangle ClimaCases, we ship the humidor in one large box. For ClimaStands, which share the same triangle case portion as the ClimaCase, we ship it two boxes - one large box for the humidor and one smaller box for the base unit. These products ship via FedEx, with automated tracking information upon generation of the shipping label.
We protect them to the best extent possible with custom foam packaging that float the humidor inside the box and rigid foam on the top, bottom, and sides to protect from crushing or puncture. All products are insured in the event damages should occur, we will send a like replacement as soon as practical and file a claim which will initiate the return of the damaged item.
Most other smaller products, such as Pedal Boards, String Racks, and other accessories we use a combination of boxes required and will ship either FedEx or USPS.
The ClimaCabs all ship via freight and the process involves obtaining dimensions and quoting the shipment via a network of freight providers. We will communicate this process in more detail with each customer individually.
In addition to using the Boveda packets, you should also consider the following:
There are several factors to consider if you want to cancel your order after payment.
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