Humidity Problems

[Warren Fisher]

Avery, one of the standard things I do with flood damaged pianos, particularly
uprights is to pour about 25lbs of kitty litter around the trapworks and down in
the sound board well in the back to absorb the moisture from the wood.  Use a fan
to help keep the litter dry.  This many times prevents the glue joints from being
destroyed and reduces rust formation on the lower strings.  I saved a few
marginal ones that way in '95.

Warren



Avery Todd wrote:

> List,
>
>     Most of you know about all the flood problems here in Houston by now.
> I have a question.
>     Our new music building has a chilled air-conditioning system, as do most
> large buildings now. So, all we're getting right now is cold air (temperature
> is thankfully somewhat under control) but no humidity control. I'm talking
> about 80% + sometimes.
>     We have a "new" Steinway D, bought about 3 yrs. ago when we moved
> in and another D, completely rebuilt by someone in the Austin area. :-)
>     I'm having all kinds of problems with tight pinning on the "new" D and
> none whatsoever on the rebuilt one. Why? The tuning is starting to settle
> down on both of them.
>     The new one is of course, from New York. The rebuilt one has all parts
> from Renner in Germany.
>     I've got some ideas but does anyone have any thoughts about why this
> is happening the way it is?
>
> Avery

--
Warren Fisher RPT
fish@Communique.net
1422 Briarwood Dr.
Slidell, LA 70458-3102