can damp enviornment ruin piano?

[MR DAVID M SWARTZ]

>>Although the piano did not
actually get wet the owners are claiming the new piano has been
completely
ruined by being in the damp environment for a few days.
> If I do look at the piano what should I look for and
what might I expect to find ?

There are certain areas to check that will prove significant as to
moisture related damage.  Start at the keys; are they swollen?  Are
the bushings falling out?  Strings, tuning pins, coils are another
indication of excess moisture; any oxidation? or what may look like
fuzzy rust.  Quite often the woods in the piano can withstand excess
moisture without future problems...that is to a certain degree.  It
sounds as though the owners have a "heightened awareness", looking to
get more from the insurance company.

Take a hygrometer with you to the home and measure the humidity as
well as temperature.  Is it still damp?  If so what's the RH?  Place
the hygrometer inside the piano and make a comparison.  You may be
surprised at your findings.  It would be good to make at least 2
visits to substanciate your findings.  Say 2 weeks apart if that is
possible.  Along with your professional assessment, give facts and
figures that may support your recommendations.  It matters not what
someone else has previously assessed if your statistics prove
otherwise.

Check bridges, soundboard, ribs, etc.  Knock on the soundboard.  Feel
the hammers, are they damp? (don't play them to the string, just in
case they are).  Is the action sluggish? (centerpins tight). Another
dead giveaway will be in the keybed.  Pull lightly on the hammer rail.
  Do the shanks follow?  or are the hammers resting on the jacks.  If
the keybed is swollen (due to excessive moisture) there will be no
lost motion.

There are many other indicators, but these will get you started.  We
deal with the same assessments for smoke, fire and water damaged
pianos.  High heat, instant (incredible) humidity (when water from
the fire hose hits the flame), mildew, etc.  I must admit that there
are many pianos exposed to excessive humidity and have been just fine.
  Somethings are very difficult to know as to the outcome 25 years
later.  Check all glue joints on structure.

Oh yes, is there any musty, mildew type of odor existant?

Hope this has been helpful.

Dave Swartz, RPT
NWC