Active Band Man Chats - Gear for Surviving the Rainy Season

Did you know this column is now on its 120th edition?

That’s amazing!

Self-praise, huh? We’ve come a long way. Do you still have topics to cover?

Of course!

Oh? What is it this time?

Gear that helps you survive the rainy season!

I see. Humidity can be a concern, especially for wood-based instruments. By the way, I heard Okinawa has already entered the post-rainy season (as of June 23rd).

(Ignoring that) First up!
MusicWorks / FXD1-S/BK

Ah, that one. I recently bought a few of these from Sound House.

I know! That’s why I thought of this topic!

Really? This is for managing moisture and odor in your pedalboard. It comes in sizes S, M, and L. I got two small ones and one medium—three in total.

Moving on!
FERNANDES / Dr.Dry Humidity Control Material

Oh, the classic.

Exactly! With multiple guitars, the 3-pack is a good option.
Fernandes / Dr.Dry 3-Pack Humidity Control Material for Instruments

But three packs might not be enough... How many do I need!?

Next up!
Greco / Dry Crew Humidity Control Material

Another similar one. And the name is also familiar.

This one has various options!
Greco / Dry Crew Lemon Humidity Control Material

A lemon-scented version—sounds refreshing?

Greco / Dry Crew Coconut Vanilla Humidity Control Material

Coconut? Wow, they’ve got scents now. I wonder if it transfers to the instrument?

Perfect for a surfer’s car fragrance! (just my opinion)
But the real deal is this:
Greco / Dry Crew Rose

Ah, as if it were made for you!

Hehehe... And there’s more!
PICKBOY / H-95 DryKeeper

Oh, PICKBOY’s humidity controller. I actually use this one, mainly for cases with gear I don’t use often.

It also helps prevent strings from rusting! Moving on, a hygrometer!
PICKBOY / AA-150

Getting serious about humidity, are we?

And next! This can be attached to the soundhole of an acoustic guitar:
MOISS / MOISS2-GC1

The product description is impressive: “MOISS uses a Japanese high-performance material that absorbs moisture twice as much and five times faster than silica gel.”

Over-drying is a concern, but for those seeking a dry tone, it could be great.
Next up:
Air Checker / AC-3000
This one has an LCD screen that displays both temperature and humidity!

At this point, it might as well include a tuner or metronome. That would make it more practical for daily use.

Next is this!
Music Nomad / MN303 The Humitar - Instrument Case Humidifier

This is a simple one to toss into your case. I like this—might get one next.

It reminds me of putting insect repellents in a rice container.

Totally relatable! Is that all?

Yep! Quite a lot of moisture-control gear out there, huh?

Indeed. Since Japan is generally humid, it’s not just for the rainy season—taking care of your gear’s condition year-round is important.

Exactly. Some of these products even work for both dehumidifying and humidifying, so they’re useful all year.

By the way, are there other precautions you take for your gear? Personally, I try to store my instruments in places where they’re not exposed to direct sunlight or air conditioning. You’re not leaving your guitars or gear in the band van—sorry, ‘carriage’, are you?

Uh-oh... I trust Ted to handle things properly... probably.

I also keep unused basses in a nearby rental storage space. Those places maintain consistent temperature and humidity, so they’re great for instruments. A bit of a luxury, though.

I’d like to be stored in a rental space too!

Sure, sure. A pampered prince, eh?

Indeed. After all, because everything is...?

For love!