Bob, this comes under judgement calls. Thoughts...
* "Soon" is a relative term. Consider, in years, how long the
current springs have lasted without causing a problem to the
loops.
* I didn't understand whether the 'swamp cooler' meant part of
the Dampp-Chaser installation or the room type. Regardless, has
anything *other* than the recommended bacteriostat agent been
used? If so, it could accelerate the corrosive effects on the
brass wire. (For argument, we could include the room swamp cooler
in this area of discussion).
* I've seen a couple cases, and heard of others, where
(presumably) salt or other mineral matter got into a piano. As
long as the "matter" was dry -- no problem. Once it became
moistened, problems resulted. San Berdoo, being a desert area, is
essentially a sand-based environment. As such, there is lots of
mineral matter around, and probably in the water as well. Think
about what happens in a swamp cooler. As the water is dispersed,
it takes particulates of mineral matter with it. These then
settle in the form of dust on any and everything. Hey, I'm
guessing here!
* After the detective chores are finished, check one or two
springs for corrosion. This will tell you whether the "sawing"
phenomenon is correct or not. Clean these sample springs with a
brass cleaner/other, depending on what is required to remove any
pitting. Depending on how much metal you have remaining after
cleaning will help make the decision on replacement. *Either*
way, I'd plan on cleaning all the springs before repairing or
replacing the spring loops.
Good luck.
Jim Harvey RPT
______________________ Reply Separator _____________________
Jim, though the pianos not been near the ocean, it did have a swamp
cooler (still does, but is minimally protected by a damppchaser). If that
has corroded the springs, is there any use to changed the loop withouth
changing the spring? Seems like I'll have the same problem soon.
>
> Bob, it sounds like the spring material has experienced corrosive
> effects -- not moth damage to the loops. Although San Berdoo is
> inland, could the piano have been nearer the ocean during a
> portion of its life?
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