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A Bass Humidifier is a flexible tube
of rubber that encloses specially woven strands of sponge. Small
holes in the surface of the rubber allow the user to dampen the
sponge by holding it under a running tap. Once the excess water
has been squeezed from the sponge the humidifier is inserted into
the F-hole so that it hangs inside the instrument. A rubber washer
prevents the humidifier falling into the inside of the instrument.
In most countries there are certain
times of the year when the moisture content - the humidity - in
the air is low. Because wood - the material used in the construction
of your instrument - has the ability to absorb moisture and also
to dry out it is of vital importance to consider - on a daily basis
- the consequences of leaving ones instrument in a climatically
unsuitable location.
Museums keep all their artefacts in
a controlled environment with the humidity level set at 50% - so
for your double bass we would recommend that you endeavour to keep
it in a location with a humidity of between 50 - 55%. In practice
this is quite difficult to do, as many modern buildings and concert
halls are made from highly absorbent materials (e.g. dry-lined plasterboard)
and are fitted with air conditioning - which significantly reduce
the ambient moisture content.
In a humidity of less than 45% - it
can take as little as seven days before drying-out starts to compromise
the structure of your instrument. The first signs may be some relatively
minor opening of the seams. With more time the wood starts to contract
and existing cracks start to re-open slightly. You start to notice
that the soft, intermittent buzz, which you had dismissed as just
being one of those things - has quickly developed into something
incredibly annoying for both you and your desk partner. Internal
studs may start to split or even be torn completely loose. You notice
fresh table cracks running up from the bottom edge and now that
the alarm bells have at last started to ring you check over the
whole instrument and notice for the first time that the back centre-seam
is apart! A hot flush comes all over you because know what this
means - it's a back off job and an expensive repair bill that your
insurance company will refuse to meet.
By purchasing a humidifier and using
it when required - you will have taken the first step towards maintaining
the structure of your instrument.
Although the bass humidifier does come
with a simple scale-type humidity gauge that should be hung in the
room where the instrument is stored we would recommend the purchase
and use of a digital hygrometer, which is infinitely more accurate
and visibly-clear. If low levels of humidity are consistently recorded
- consider using a cool-mist humidifier.
Our restorers estimate that 20-25% of their outside
restoration work is due to damage caused by low relative humidity
levels. At The Contrabass Shoppe we always say that looking after
a double bass is like looking after a baby. Both require constant
consideration. If you haven't got a humidifier - purchase one and
use it.
Length: 36.0cm
Diameter: 0.12cm
Weight (Dry): 36gms (ave)
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