Hello out there in piano world.

Can anyone recommend a good hygrometer to use in my house where my piano is located? I'm trying to keep a stable humidity level, especially now as my forced-air heater starts to run, as the weather is getting colder.

Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/Acu-Rite-Indoor-Hu...ords=hydrometer

I use one and it is accurate and quite inexpensive.

Really, anything you can buy locally will likely be sufficient.

Well, the reason I'm asking is because the one I have is inaccurate, and I bought it from a hardware store. Just looking for a brand you've found reliable

It says its a HYDROmeter instead of a HYGROmeter. Is there any difference?

If you look at the customer images on that amazon.com page, you will see at least one picture of the newer version of the same hygrometer. I recently bought several of those at my local Walmart for a lower price than the amazon.com price. They are consistent with each other within 1% and 1 degree, and seem reasonably accurate, at least under the conditions inside and outside of my house over the last couple of months.

Larry

A hydrometer is used for making wine. I think it measures specific gravity of a liquid. A hygrometer is used to measure relative humidity. It's a common mistake to mix up the two. It looks like Amazon made the same mistake.
Tim

See my response to the same question posted on the Technicians Forum.

I had two identical hygrometers that I was using to help me know when to open the door to my balcony and let the fresh air in. I had one on top of my piano, and one on the balcony. When the readings matched, I'd open the door. Somewhere along the line they started giving different readings from each other when I tested them both in the same location. So, I either have one that is right, or both that are wrong now. I won't know until I buy a third I guess.
In any case, I'd think having some assurance that the one you buy is accurate would help, but how would you know? In any case, as long as the rh remains relatively constant, and in a range good for your piano all is well.

If you are unsure of the accuracy of one (or more) hygrometers, you can test them. Hygrometer test
I test mine approx every 9 months, and it helps to confirm which of two is the more efficient.

The inexpensive, electronic hygrometers all start out as quite accurate. However, interior pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, pollen, dust, etc, all tend to diminish accuracy over time. I replace mine annually.