Hi, Paul:
I'm sure you'll get a lot of replies on this one. I would
first like to point out that the material for the cover should be at least
50% or more wool content. The reason is that wool absorbs moisture. If it
is synthetic, it will trap moisture underneath and cause more rust than if
it weren't there at all. Edwards covers, as well as Dawson's covers (see ad
in the Journal) have 100% wool. They also have battens sewn into them to
prevent the cover from touching the strings, so the volume is only slightly
reduced while they are in place. If you would like to save money and do it
yourself, you could rig up some string, monofilament, or whatever to span
the gap between the struts to prevent the cover from touching the strings.
One tech here in San Diego uses button magnets (Radio Shack) and places
them in various places to hold the material taut on the struts. You'll be a
hero in no time for this little extra effort.
As far as stability, of course the climate control is going
to be a huge improvement. I don't work in a school environment, so I'll let
others who do give their input. My experience in general is that any air
movement over the strings, especially in grands, affects the tuning. Even
slight temperature changes will affect the pitch, so insulating the string
area is a good idea. HVAC in large buildings is really hard on the tuning
because of all the air movement and moisture-laden cold air that's blown
around. We had a recent discussion about the effects of cold air and
moisture on this list in the past couple of weeks. You might want to check
the archives if you haven't monitored the discussion on this.
You're on the right track. Good luck.
Paul McCloud
San Diego
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Paul Milesi
Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 12:06 AM
To: PTG Pianotech List
Subject: [pianotech] Climate Systems, String Covers, and Effects on Tuning
Stability & Tone
Greetings. I am the new staff technician for the Howard University
Department of Music in Washington, DC.
I am working hard to overcome or at least slow the deleterious effects of an
HVAC system that is pumping air of all extremes into recital halls,
classrooms, practice rooms, and teaching studios -- all in combination with
windows that open and close. Since the building opened in 1961, significant
damage (mostly pinblock and soundboard damage from excessive dryness, but
also string rust/corrosion from our humid summers here in DC) has been done
to what used to be some very beautiful pianos, including several Baldwin Ls
and Rs and 4 or 5 Steinways.
For starters, I have obtained funds for 10 Life Saver systems, to be
distributed among the recital hall, piano teaching studios, and practice
rooms. I have installed a couple already, and thought it would also be a
good idea to combine the systems with string covers to maximize tuning
stability. I purchased several yards of string cover felt from Schaff, and
placed a cover on a Yamaha C5 in the recital hall. I currently have no
plans to install undercovers.
Can a string cover be left on the piano during recitals? The first person
to play with it on last week thought it was damping the tone. I'm sure it
is to some extent, but was thinking it's tonal effects are nominal, and are
far outweighed by gains in tuning stability and rust prevention. What are
your thoughts on this? Is the sensation of damped tone anything more than
psychological? If any of you use string covers, do you leave them on in
performance situations? Are the Edwards covers any different in terms of
basic properties from the Schaff felt? Does anyone use them in practice
rooms, classrooms, or teaching studios? Do you meet with any resistance
from faculty or students? Do you experience significant benefits for the
trouble? Is there any advantage to a string cover on a piano in a teaching
studio that has the lid closed all the time (I'm thinking yes, there is,
because it will cover the pinblock area)?
Also, for any who have Life Saver Systems, who has the responsibility for
maintaining them (i.e., filling humidifier)? Faculty at Howard seem willing
to pitch in, since they are already seeing significant benefits from a
little more attention to their pianos, but I'm wondering about the long term
- would it be better for me to simply look in on 10-15 systems every couple
of weeks?
I will sincerely appreciate all suggestions and feedback on these topics, as
well as pointers to any online information, books, etc. I really want to
turn things around at this school - is that possible without a new building?
Sincerely,
Paul
--
Paul Milesi
Registered Piano Technician (RPT)
Piano Technicians Guild
(202) 667-3136
(202) 246-3136 Cell
E-mail: paul at pmpiano.com
Website: http://www.pmpiano.com
Address:
3000 7th Street NE, Apt. 204
Washington, DC 20017-1402
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