[pianotech] Sun Protection

[pmc033 at earthlink.net]

In the store where I work, there are big arched windows, some which face West.  When we first moved in, I couldn't keep the pianos in that West window in tune.  If I started in the morning, and later the sun hit the piano, I had to start over.   We then installed the film on the windows.  I don't know the specs, but it kept the pianos from heating up, and the tunings were more steady.  As far as fading, or other sun damage, I don't know.  I can't imagine that the UV film is 100% effective against the sun's rays.  The high gloss wood color pianos are especially prone to fade, because the dyes used on them aren't as colorfast.  
    Paul McCloud
    San Diego


----- Original Message ----- 
From: 
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: 08/10/2009 7:11:05 PM 
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Sun Protection


I have always thought that protecting the piano from the temperature was as important as protecting from the UV rays. I agree with Joe, blinds, drapes and curtains keep the sun completely off the piano. All the time.
Michael
Chicago

In a message dated 8/10/2009 6:29:04 P.M. Central Daylight Time, joegarrett at earthlink.net writes:
All,
I've read the specs on the "UV Filters" for windows. That stuff only stops a small percentage of the UV/IR rays. For pianos you need to stop ALL the Sun on the piano, ALL the time. (PERIOD)!! Anything less and you are shortening the piano's life greatly. Of course this opinion is based on thefact that I had a client that refused to move a piano I had completely rebuilt. Within 5-6 years the piano was toast! He traded it in on a Steinway!![G] Probably has traded that in by now. He blamed all of the piano's problems on my work and that of the refinisher. I told him to take a hike! Haven't seen him since. Good riddance, IMNSHO! 
Most of my clients who have a sun problem have been able to solve the situation with vertical blinds or high-end curtain systems. Most 'modern' homes are not designed with pianos in mind, so the problem is previlant! (More like rampant!!) It is solveable. For situations, where there is just partial daily sunlight, I suggest Asian style free-standing screens. This seems to satisfy a lot of the Interior Design freaks.<G>
Regards,
Joe

Joe Garrett, R.P.T. (Oregon)
Captain, Tool Police
Squares R I
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