Stretto humidifier experience

[Andro]

Anybody use the Stretto humidifier system? The website is extraordinarily uninformative. The humidifying bags - do you have to replace every few weeks or can they simple be moistened again and reused. This is not mentioned on the site. And the Stretto hygrometer? Is is reasonable accurate? I am aware that hygrometers are notoriously inaccurate and have large variation in readings.

Edited July 6, 2021 by Andro
spelling mistake in title

[GeorgeH]

Yes, they work very well. I use them in both violin cases and cabinets.

If you don't let them completely dry out, they can be used for a full winter season. Even if they fully dry-out, I have found that if I soak them long enough, I have been able to rejuvenate them. How long they take to dry-out will vary depending on the room humidity and the air-tightness of the case. I only use DI water for soaking.

I have never used Stretto hygrometers.

[cellopera]

It’s a very good humidifier, I have been using it for years. If the bag doesn’t absorb water after the 3rd or 4th time, add boiling water and wait for 45 min. I keep the hygrometer in the Cello case and it has been very reliable.

[Andro]

After waiting a few weeks for the post, the humidifier and hyrgometer arrived. I am delighted to say that the hygrometer agrees with my best accurate one to within 4% or so, and similarly for the thermometer. Hygrometers outside of laboratory instruments are notoriously inaccurate, and can even be out 20-30% (I can show you a few!). So I am deligthed. I'll see how it goes in the case down under here in very dry Australia.