I depend on humidity control to keep a piano stable, in tune, and playing well. Dampp Chaser‘s Piano Life Saver System attaches to the piano and controls the humidity in, and around the instrument. Venta-USA‘s Airwashers control the humidity in a room, cleans the air, and protects your wood items. HVAC units protect every room in your house.
Technicians will often disagree on which unit is best or if humidity control is necessary. Contributing to the confusion is the differing climates. A problem in one locale may not exist in another. I live in Colorado where the air is often quite dry. However, it can be very humid when the monsoon season sets in. If you live in Florida, extremely high humidity is present most of the year. While problems may differ, the solution is often the same; Humidity Control.
Dampp – Chaser
A Piano Life Saver System from Dampp Chaser is a great way to protect your investment. It senses the humidity in the air directly associated with the piano and turns on and off the humidifier system and drying rods to keep the humidity level approximately 41.5%. They are low maintenance but do require the pads be changed at least twice a year. In addition, the water will need a surfactant added to keep address bugs and mold. Recommended by such vaunted manufacturers as Bechstein, Bluthner, Bosendorfer, Petrof, Sauter, and many others, this humidifier system will protect your investment in a fine instrument. Dampp Chaser as spent a lot of time and resources in investigating the humidity needs of a piano and have a wealth of information available on their website. Be sure visit them. You will not be sorry.
Venta – USA
The Venta Airwasher from Venta-USA comes in a variety of sizes to fit anything from a modest room to a small house. They provide both humidity and air cleaning in one unit. It removes air impurities such as dust, pollen, and odors. A Digital display with relative humidity readings, sleep mode, and choice of manual or auto make it easy to operate. No filters are necessary. The water acts as the filter. Made in Germany, these units will provide years of service with a minimum of maintenance.
HVAC Units
HVAC Units for the whole house are tied to the brand of your system. The cost, installation, and maintenance are dependent on the individual manufacturer. They provide a very low maintenance solution, especially if you have other items throughout your house that need humidity control.
Controlling Humidity
Protect your investment in a piano by controlling the humidity. A few years ago I received a call from Akron Foursquare Church in Akron, Colorado. Their technician was retiring and they needed a new one, willing to travel the 200+ miles to care for a Pramberger PS-185. The appointment was set, the day came, and I was ready for a first visit service call. The instrument was in fairly good shape. It needed quite a bit of tuning, some voicing, and a good regulation to get it back into shape. With good parts and a fairly descent design, it was a pleasure to tune. Then I noticed a crack in the soundboard. Not just any crack. A full 1/4″ or more gap in a five year old piano.
I talked with the people at Dampp Chaser and we agreed that due to the extreme dryness in this area, the piano called for a double humidifier Piano Lifes Saver unit. We also decided to add an undercover to keep the environment created by this system stable underneath the piano.
The results are the crack has significantly closed, the piano stays in tune much longer, and the regulation has held for three years. If you need to protect your piano, call and ask about a humidification unit.