Environmental tuning mysteries: solved, hopefully

[ilex cameron ross]

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*my* comments below :)
thanks, everyone!
     but that the dehumidifier might overdo it.... uhm, it was my impression
that the whole "climate CONTROL system" aspect included a thermostat that
actually sensed when it needed to work?

    Kinda. It is controlled by a humidistat - kinda like a thermostat only
different - senses reletive humidity rather than temperature.

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    d'oh! i MEANT "humidistat" - silly silly, i know better. just verbally
drainbead lately...


     i'm not all THAT familiar with dampp chasers, except for my own
positive experience as a pianist. are there any negatives of using this, or
what?

    No. But I wonder....... if the piano owner forgets to put water in it,
does the little heater bar for the humidifier go on and stay on all winter?

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    my experience with the old 25-year-old unit in my home piano, is a
resounding *yes*, however, i think someone else on here already mentioned
that current models don't.

    thanks,
    ilex
      -----Original Message-----
      From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On
Behalf Of Marcel Carey
      Sent: Friday, September 17, 2004 12:05 AM
      To: Pianotech
      Subject: RE: Environmental tuning mysteries: solved, hopefully


      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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