Musik Tent™ Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Question: Why do I need Musik Tent™?
Answer: There are numerous humidity solutions available, but most require leaving instruments in their cases and recharging the moisture source every few weeks. In our experience, instruments left in cases tend not to be played because "Out of Sight, Out of Mind," especially when pushed under a bed. Pouches last longer, but are expensive over time and can leak onto your instrument. We've also learned from a USA based, high-end, guitar manufacturer that cases made of wood may pull twice as much moisture from the environment as a guitar - and that if the case is allowed to dry out it may actually rob moisture from the guitar resulting in considerable damage to the instrument.

Room humidifiers generally require refilling every day, and leave a musty smell and white dust on surfaces over time. Home humidifiers are expensive to install and require maintenance. A humidity cabinet is ideal if you have the space, but they can be very expensive.

Musik Tent™ is essentially a humidity cabinet everyone can afford, and depending on model, stores 1 to 4 guitars. The patented moisture delivery system simply draws water from the reservoir through a filament and releases as water vapor inside the enclosure. Musik Tent™ maintains a very uniform humidity, with no devices touching the instruments, refills needed only once or twice per year, while keeping instruments visible and quickly accessible. By hanging Musik Tent™, floor space is freed up for important uses, like amplifiers. Instruments can be displayed most anywhere by mounting a Musik Tent™ from a door, wall or ceiling - or placing into a closet away from prying eyes, kids, pets and sunlight.  You may not even need a case.   

Musik Tent in Open Closet

Musik Tent in Closed Closet

Jumbo Musik Tent possible air leak locations

Question: Why is the Musik Tent™ humidity not reaching set point?
Answers:

• Confirm zipper is closed completely and check for any holes in the enclosure. ​ The Jumbo Musik Tent™ may have gaps where the velcro seals or around the openings where the rod passes through the enclosure due to variations in rod sizes and the opening seam (see photo). To increase the humidity inside the enclosure, we recommend taping the white plastic ring to the inside of the enclosure and then taping the seam and any gaps around the rod from the outside of the enclosure, using clear packing tape. It may be helpful to also tape over the velcro seam if necessary.  
• Dry instruments may be pulling moisture from the air too rapidly (we've observed >10% reduction in the RH due to a single dry guitar). To determine instrument dryness, remove instrument(s), observe the increase in humidity over next 6-12 hours, reinsert instrument(s), and observe the decrease in humidity over next 6-12 hours. If a dry instrument is observed, position filaments on highest setting and leave instrument(s) inside when not in use. It may take one or more months of slow and steady re-hydration before the RH rises to target inside the chamber.  A wetted sponge may be placed in the bottom of the enclosure to accelerate re-humidification of dry instruments.
• Filament may not be working properly - usually the result of drying out.  Once a wetted filament is allowed to dry out, it will not transfer moisture properly and should be replaced.
  • Confirm the exposed ends of the filament are below the water line. The lower the water level in the reservoir, the more likely the filament is to dry out, so keep topped off with water whenever possible. For extended away periods, it's expected the water level will not be topped off, which is generally not an issue if the enclosure remains zipped closed and undisturbed.
  • Check the amount of the looped end extending above the reservoir. We recommend no more than 4" of loop be exposed. To determine if the filament is working properly, it should be moist to the touch. If unsure, place a tissue over the filament loop and pinch for 15 seconds. The tissue point making contact with the filament should be noticeably wet. If filament is dry, replace with new filament. While some customers may get 6 to 12 or more months per filament, we recommend replacing the filament with each refill of the reservoir. We offer 2 filaments for $20 with free shipping, which generally translates to Musik Tent costing about $2 per month including distilled water. 
  • Ensure the enclosure remains zipped closed, except when inserting or removing instruments, as this may dry of the filament. prematurely.​ 
    
  • Adding a second reservoir may increase the humidity level and extend the time between refills.  

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Question: How can the ambient humidity be so low (as reported on the blog page) when it's so humid outside?
Answer: Relative humidity is essentially the moisture content of the air relative to the temperature. Even if it's 90% RH outside, the humidity inside may be much lower due to air conditioning. Generally, the cooler the room, the lower the humidity. For our testing, we tend to maintain around 74 to 75 deg F in warmer months, so you'll see that the ambient (room) humidity hasn't exceeded 45% yet.  We even have customers in moist environments, such as Florida, where the constant air conditioning dries out their instruments. 

Question: Why does my 2-guitar Musik Tent seems to be arching excessively from the instrument weight and the outer clamps coming lose?
Answer: The upper support frame may not be oriented properly. The high points where the clamps make contact should be higher than the centerline of the rod. See photos.

Question: What if the hygrometer provided with Musik Tent™ doesn't agree with another hygrometer I've been using?
Answer: The hygrometers provided for Musik Tent are inexpensive devices to keep costs low, but are relatively accurate. They also have no option for calibration, and tend to measure 5% or more above the 75% relative humidity range when salt tested. To improve accuracy, we advise adjusting the setpoint inside Musik Tent accordingly. Example: if the desired humidity is 48% RH, setting filament so hygrometer reads 53% RH or higher.  If a customer has their own hygrometers measuring differently, we recommend using the salt test (explained at https://www.cheaphumidors.com/resources/hygrometer-salt-test). This is a simple way to tell which one is most accurate. We do not recommend using humidity pouches with stated humidity levels (i.e., 49%) to check hygrometers. 
​

​Question: How often will I need to refill reservoir?
Answer: We've observed that refills are needed about twice a year, depending on the conditions in your area. In a study completed in Center Valley, Pennsylvania in 2019, the reservoir lasted 200 days on a single fill over an ambient range of humidity as low as 17% RH. By comparison, two sponge-type, sound hole, humidifiers lasted at peak for only two days before declining. See graph.

Question: Is it possible to humidify a guitar on a traditional stand, or humidify cases, inside a Musik Tent?
Answer: Yes, when mounting to a wall, simply lower the closet rod height so that the bottom of the Musik Tent is even with the floor. Another option is to purchase a free-standing frame, which allows the same storage options and flexibility to place anywhere in the room, removing dependency on a closet rod.

​Question: What closet rod should I use? 
Answer: We recommend an Adjustable Closet Rod, such as Home Depot HD0021-48/72PM, or equivalent.

​Question: How do I mount a closet rod in a closet with wire racks?
Answer: Most Musik Tent™ models will mount directly to the wire racks. For a Jumbo Musik Tent™, you may mount a rod underneath the wire rack into the studs behind the drywall for optimum strength, or connect it to the wire rack using large S-hooks (see photo).  Recommend limiting instrument weight to no more than 15 lbs if using S-hooks on wire racks.​​

One way to mount a Jumbo Musik Tent in a closet with a wire rack

Question: What humidity level should I maintain inside Musik Tent™?
Answer: In our experience, wood is typically best kept in the 45% to 50% relative humidity range.
Here are some references for maintaining instruments at the proper humidity.

• Martin recommends 45% to 55% RH ( https://www.martinguitar.com/media/9615/2018-care-feeding-guide_web.pdf).
• Taylor prefers 47% RH (https://www.taylorguitars.com/support/maintenance/symptoms-dry-guitar)
• Guild recommends 45% to 55% RH (https://guildguitars.com/product-care/)
• Premier Guitars recommends 40% to 50% RH (https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Fighting_the_Humidity_Battle)
• Fender recommends 40% to 50% (https://www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/Original/10002/2011%20Fender%20Acoustic%20Guitar%20Manual.pdf)
  

Question: How does Musik Tent™ work when outside humidity is high?
Answer: In-door humidity in the summer months tends to be much drier than outdoor humidity due to air conditioning. When indoor humidity is at the desired level, the filament may be placed in lowest position or inside reservoir, and must not be allowed to dry out. If the indoor humidity climbs higher than desired, unscented desiccants (i.e., DampRid hangers) may be hung inside enclosure, in combination with the Musik Tent humidity source, to reach the target relative humidity. Desiccants by themselves tend to over dry-out the enclosure.  ​

Question: Will the Musik Tent™ damage the nitrocellulose finish on my instrument if it were to come into contact with the enclosure?
Answer: While the guitar surface should have limited contact with the PEVA  (polyethylene vinyl acetate) enclosure, our opinion is that nitro is more likely to be harmful to itself due to its instability. The nitro finish contains some level of nitric acid, a byproduct of the process, making nitro more likely to discolor the PEVA enclosure over time; possibly leaving a slight yellowish discoloration on the inside surfaces. ​

Question: What about electric guitars, do different woods need to be at different humidities?
Answer: Generally, solid body electric guitars aren't too big of a concern other than the necks, which if they're oiled properly should not dry out. If not properly humidified and/or oiled, then fretboard shrinkage (a.k.a fret sprout) or splitting along the wood grain may occur. Archtop electrics with F-holes should be properly humidity controlled like acoustic guitars and violins. In general, the agreed ideal humidity level for wood is between 45% and 55% RH. Some examples are shown here.

Damaged instruments allowed to dry out

Fret Sprout

Question: Why would humidity be an issue if the wood has a protective finish on it?
Answer: The protective finish reduces moisture loss on the outside surface of the body, but the inside surfaces of most acoustic guitars are typically exposed to the atmosphere. Prolonged dry periods may shrink and crack the wood - generally along the wood grain.  There are some example photos at http://www.origineer.com/damaged-wood-instruments.html.

Question: Would you please inform me on how it operates?
Answer: Distilled water in reservoir is drawn through a filament and released as water vapor into the enclosure. The amount of water vapor is controlled by the amount of exposed filament, which is quickly and easily adjustable. Please see our video that helps explain the Musik Tent™. ​

​Question: Do you just refill the system with water or do you need to purchase a tent every time it is empty?
Answer: No need to purchase a new Musik Tent™. Simply replace the distilled water periodically. The filament may need replacing periodically if it gets excessive discoloration or stops emitting adequate moisture. Filaments are available in our Store.

Question: Can I purchase future orders from your factory?
Answer: Yes, please visit our online Store.

Question: How much would you charge for local pick up?
Answer: Shipping is free

Question: What product do you recommend to use to prevent mold and mildew?
Answer: We recommend using distilled water with a capful of rubbing alcohol, or 50:50 blend of distilled water and Propylene Glycol used for cigar humidors per fill to prevent mold formation and extend the life of the filament.

Question: Is there a way to improve the aesthetics of the enclosure?
​Answer: For wrinkles, a hair dryer positioned approximately 4 to 6" away from the cover works best for reducing wrinkles. Make sure to remove the instruments and hygrometer first, as overheating may cause them damage. For Jumbo Musik Tents, some customers place a thin piece of plywood (a.k.a. luan) on bottom to frame the enclosure and provide a more finished appearance.

Question: Do I have to use your moisture source?
Answer: Any humidity device will work in Musik Tent™, but only our proprietary moisture delivery system will create a very uniform humidity inside and around entire instrument, and without making physical contact, be easily adjustable with the seasons, and require infrequent refilling.

Question: What is the best way to mount mandolins and ukuleles inside a Jumbo Musik Tent with frame?
Answer: Musik Tent is fairly versatile, where the contact pads are able to be swiveled out of the way to make room for cases or hanging instruments. Here are some examples. We also recommend placing a clean polishing cloth between where the instruments come into contact with the foam rubber to avoid damages to the instrument finish over time. 

Question:  My room barely keeps 50% humidity with two humidifiers running in winter, I have an older home. If I eliminate the humidifiers will the tent still keep at 50%?
Answer: Yes, a room humidifier is not needed, assuming the room is maintained at a temperature comfortable for people. ​

Question:  Is it possible to get 3 guitars inside a 2-guitar Musik Tent?
Answer: Some of our customers have devised clever ways to maximize the space inside Musik Tent. Peter Shenkin came up with a neoprene divider to prevent his instruments from "banging into each other" (see photos). We believe this is a viable approach assuming the recommended maximum weight isn't exceeded. We also don't advise direct contact with materials such as neoprene for extended periods, due to concern with damaging instrument finished. 

Question: Why aren't the Large Mounting S-hooks twisted as shown in photos?
Answer: The S-hooks are left in their original package to lay flat in the shipment package, and then twisted as desired by the customer. We picked these S-hooks since they are relatively inexpensive and easy to twist, while providing a large landing area for the leather hangers and strength to support the weight of full size guitars. If you're unable to twist with bare hands, we suggest closing one end in a door jamb to support it while twisting with both hands, or device such as a broom handle, works well. ​

Question: What options exist for hanging guitars with tuning keys on one side or for anyone preferring not to use leather hangers?
Answer: We suggest our Y2 hangers that are made of flexible metal with a PVC coating and can hold up to 10 lbs. Alternatively, there are other closet hangers available, such as those in the photos. 

Question: How to best use the Gallon Tee with Filaments in my own cabinet?
​Answer: Ensure cabinet openings are sealed as well as possible and that wood surfaces are sealed or seasoned properly. Empty approximately one cup of water from gallon of distilled water and add 3 or 4 cupfuls of isopropyl alcohol to prevent mold formation. Insert open ends of filaments into opening of the gallon jug, insert tee, and placed looped ends of filaments over tees as shown in photos. We recommend starting with 4 filaments and adding as needed to achieve the desired humidity level inside the cabinet. Spacing the filaments farther apart will also increase humidity level. 

Wood cabinet with Gallon Tee and 6 Filaments maintaining 46% relative humidity in surrounding room at 20% RH.