concert hall humidity

Bill Spurlock, RPT 74077.3053@compuserve.com
Tue, 29 Nov 1994 10:27:00 -0500 (EST)


Jeff: Even though the box is insulated, it should remain the same average
temperature as the backstage area in which it sits -- it will just fluctuate
more slowly as the room conditions change. That should be good for the piano.

At this point I'd suggest monitoring the relative humidity in the box and in the
hall itself, and piano pitch changes, and see what's happening. That will tell
you if some climate control inside the box would help or hurt. For best
stability in a non-climate controlled hall, conditions in the storage box should
adjust to follow the average seasonal hall conditions. Then the piano will be
most stable when moved from the box to the stage and back, but will be protected
from daily changes in the hall environment.

A couple of digital hygrometers would be handy, especially the Airguide model
that records high and low readings over time. You can leave one in the box and
one outside, then check back periodically and see what RH and temperature swings
have occurred. Pianotech sells that gauge for $42.00, and Radio Shack has  a
recording one for around $29.00 now.

Bill Spurlock




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