[CAUT] How many DC tanks, (was undercover Heat n Bond)

[Barbara Richmond]

Thanks for your reply, Jeff. 

The information about a single tank with undercover vs. two tanks under the beams is especially helpful to me.  I used a heater bar under the keybed of my S&S A (1914) when I had no AC in the summer and the keys got sluggish.  Since rebuilding I've always had AC, so I don't know if the new key-bushing job solved the problem or not.  The keys on this B need attention--without going into the whole story, I'll make them right and then see what happens.

This is a piano faculty member's home instrument.  I believe she'd be more interested in what will make the piano perform at its best in regards to the Edward's String Cover.  I have a feeling she'll go for it to protect her investment--especially since AC isn't used in the summer.  Wanna bet?!  Aw, just kidding...  ;-)

Best,

Barbara Richmond, RPT
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jeff Tanner 
  To: College and University Technicians 
  Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 9:37 AM
  Subject: Re: [CAUT] How many DC tanks, (was undercover Heat n Bond)




  Hi Barbara,
  I've found some pretty interesting installations, too.  If installers would just consult with Dampp Chaser before getting creative, things would work much more smoothly.


  Dampp-Chaser was also sending out a large fold out of piano schematics and recommendations for a while.  You might contact them.  I believe it was free.  I haven't seen the ones on the web site, but they are probably the same.  Part of their extensive research involves the most effective installation, so they are the ultimate authority of what you should do.


  The only issue I have a problem with with the two tank system with undercover is the difficulty involved in servicing it.  It is so much of an issue, in fact, that it is too much easier to say, "oh, we'll do it next time."  But if you change to a one tank system, I believe you will have to repurchase it.  I don't believe a two tank system can be converted -- at least Dampp Chaser recommends you don't mess with the plumbing on a two tank system.  Certainly any remaining warranty would be voided.


  Here in the Southeast, we have more trouble with high humidity than low.  That really isn't the issue because the system continually cycles day in day out year around to average 42% (or whatever humidistat you choose).  I installed a two tank system with undercover in a new B in a church 4 or 5 years ago now.  It's an above the beams installation and I added a third dehumidifier rod (24" 25W) installed along one of the long beams.  It also has a double padded instrument cover by Jill, and they keep it on the piano unless it is being played.  That piano doesn't move.  It is as stable as granite.


  The systems on my Bs here at the school predate the availability of the two tank systems and I installed them below the beams - at the time, that was the recommendation if you weren't using undercovers.  I really need to add undercovers, but I just haven't had time to redo the installations to above the beam, so I haven't been able to get to that.  But to compare the effectiveness of the single tank system with no undercover to the two tank system with undercover is to compare night and day.


  I don't like the heater bar under the keybed.  Too much risk of drying out the pinblock, and I have long legs.  It burns.  I think DC recommends against it, too.  Since it is in their home, a Steinway B will be a showpiece as much as a musical instrument.  I think the string cover might go over like a lead brick in that situation.  Recommend they keep the piano closed as much as possible when not in use or being displayed.


  I would use what is there and simply reinstall it per Dampp-Chaser's recommendation and add the undercover.



  Jeff Tanner, RPT
  University of South Carolina





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