Hi Clyde and list, I want to clear up a couple of things about the Dampp-Chaser humidifier treatment. First, it contains nothing that interacts with heat, which would cause corrosion of metal parts. This is the main reason for the warranty. For example, years ago when they recommended using 1/2 t. or something like that of bleach, a few people thought that meant using a cup would be okay, and totally destroyed the strings. Most humidifier treatments are for cold-air use so that is not an issue. Second, I've never heard anything about DC requiring us to toss out their first treatment bottle. The new one is the same - ingredients identical - just a larger bottle. They are just advising against using any products which are not specifically formulated for heat- based humidifiers. As to price, I imagine this has to do with the amount manufactured, as heat-based humidifiers are not the norm, but this design is essential to proper function in a piano. I always tell customers that it's a little expensive and they always tell me it's no problem. At 1/2 capful per filling, the bottle should last a couple of years, so $5.00/yr or so to keep the pads fresh, and cut down the need for your cleaning services - a real buy (and most tuners I know, like those in my own business, do not relish the cleaning job). Between distilled water and the HT, the tanks stay really nice. I think DC values the technicians' long-term contentment with both function and ease of use over everything, and their efforts are in that direction. Ruth Phillips
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