Because the concert instruments are kept under a cover while not in- use I have not suggested utilizing a string-cover on them. The cover practically only filters the really high-frequency stuff that the artist notices but at a distance (in the audience) the filtering probably is not audible. People like to see the plate and I don't think you can get anyone to keep a string-cover on when the piano is on-stage for a performance. The undercover is important visually as well as for restriction of air movement. The faculty probably would not have accepted a system without the visual camouflage of the undercover. The AC system moves air quite effectively here so an undercover is imperative for stability. The stage crew keeps the piano plugged in at all times, even during concerts. The climate on-stage is so different from the one maintained by the system that unison smear begins within minutes of unplugging. On the plus side, concert lighting seems to have less effect on the piano since the climate is already warmer within it. YMMV Andrew Anderson On Sep 17, 2009, at 7:17 AM, Mark Dierauf wrote: > Paul - > > My own experience with string covers has been that they increase the > effectiveness of the DC systems significantly, but they do have a > noticeable effect upon tone. In a small, hard practice room this > might be a positive effect, but on a concert instrument I'm not > surprised that you're encountering resistance. Where I work I have > (after years of struggle) managed to get the faculty to keep at > least the concert pianos closed up and covered with their fitted > covers when not in use, which helps immensely. > > I fill all the systems myself, except for the two recital pianos, > which are done by a secretary. In the winter months here in NH I > fill them once a week, whether the lights are flashing or not (I > check the water level with a finger in the tank as I fill). A few > years ago I installed two bottom covers, to see how much difference > it made. In my particular case the effect seemed minimal at best, > but I've heard others report a big improvement, so you may want to > try a couple yourself and check the results. > > - Mark > > Paul Milesi wrote: >> >> 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 > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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