Environmental tuning mysteries: solved, hopefully

[Marcel Carey]

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Dampp chaser with undercover.

Marcel Carey
  -----Original Message-----
  From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On
Behalf Of Piannaman@aol.com
  Sent: September 16, 2004 11:38 PM
  To: pianotech@ptg.org
  Subject: Environmental tuning mysteries: solved, hopefully


  Esteemed list scholars and such,

  I don't know how many of you remember  the case of the corroding strings
on a brand new Kawai Rx-3 I encountered in January of this year.  I followed
up by strongly suggesting that they stop mopping the radiant concrete floor
with a vinegar-water solution(acid steam beath), which they did.  I
thouroughly cleaned the strings, tuned the piano a couple of times, and went
back a week ago, and voila--no more corrosion!  Not only that, the bloody
thing was so close to being in tune I almost felt badly taking the
money--well, not really...

  #2.  I've been tuning a Steinway M that has new strings, hammers, pins,
block, wips, but I'm not sure about the board.   She's a very good customer,
gets her piano tuned every 6 months like clockwork.  I first tuned the piano
2 years ago, and today was my fourth trip out.  First time, it was 10-15
cents flat.  Second time, it was 10 cents or so sharp, third time, 10 cents
flat; today 5-10 cents sharp.  I do know how to stabilize a piano, so this
was a mystery to me.  At least until I heard the air conditioner go on.

  It's been hot in these parts lately, and pianos are going flat in
droves(the houses in this part of CA are built for earthquakes, not
inclement weather), but in the case of this piano, it's in a very large
luxury home, with all the amenities.  Unfortunately, the piano is directly
under a duct that dumps cold, moist air directly on it.  I'm convinced that
is what's going on here.  In the winter, the heat comes out of the same
duct, but to slightly less effect, since the heat rises.  The duct is now
permanently closed.  More details next time.

  Any comments or thoughts on this one?  Just thought it was kind of
interesting.

  Dave Stahl

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