Dampp-Chaser

[cjbond@geocities.com]

I tuned a piano a few years back that had the dampp-chaser dehumidifier
installed without a humidistat--was "on" continuosly.  Every glue joint
was failing, and I spent two days fixing a big mess.  

Julie Bond




> Pianos with complete systems are more stable. They don't jump 30 cents
> when the summer humidity hits...maybe only a 5 cent pitch increase.
> 
> Wood in the piano won't be constantly expanding and contracting.
> Thoeretically, this should lessen the chance of cracked soundbaords and
> cracked bridges.
> 
> Assuming that the paino is in good shape, it's a win-win situation.  I
> see no drawbacks to these systems....unless they are not maintained.
> 
> I was called to tune a piano last night.  It was tuned 3 months ago and
> needs another tuning.  The owner said it had a damp chaser system.
> Under my instructions, he examined the system.  Guess what?  The
> humidifier did not have any pads!!!!!
> 
> The last "tooner" did not check out the system!! I'll be sending him
> pads on Monday.
> 
> Needless to say, the last "tooner" will not be tuning this paino again.
> If things go well, the system will be maintained.
> 
> --
> 
> Frank Cahill
> Associate Member, Piano Technicians Guild
> Northern Va