Another heater bar without a control...

[Farrell]

I think you are kinda like the Lone Ranger on this one Matt. I don't do handsprings over the DC units, but I can clearly understand that they do a pretty good job.

Rather than all these studies mentioned that will not likely happen, one might simply elect to go to the library and get a few elementary books on physics, chemistry, meteorology, and wood technology. Just basic information from these sources will shed some light on how and why the DC systems work. Such knowledge coupled with properly installing a couple DC systems on pianos that have a history of seasonal pitch swings will give anyone a fairly reasonable feel of whether the DC systems work well or not.

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for an "absolute guarantee". I suggest simply educating oneself to the point where you can make a sound recommendation to a client regarding climate control for his/her piano.

Terry Farrell
  
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Matt Wynne" <ptuner@optonline.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 9:27 PM
Subject: Re: Another heater bar without a control...


> To those who have participated in this thread:
> 
> If my language in my initial post sounded strong, you may attribute that to 
> my horror at the many times I have found such equipment 
> mis-installed.  Installation of this stuff is relatively simple and yet, if 
> not done correctly, can cause some of the most profound damage to pianos as 
> we have seen.
> 
> About 1 1/2 years ago I logged a post about a particularly disturbing abuse 
> of a Yamaha grand where the plugs for the humidity and de-humidity devices 
> were reversed on the control.  The piano exhibited visible, extreme, and 
> irreparable effects from this malpractice.  I tossed out my keyed-plugs 
> idea then.
> 
> That day the following response appeared on the list, you can check the 
> link if you want:
> http://www.ptg.org/archive/pianotech.php/2001/v2001.n109
> 
> <<
> Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2001 15:02:50 -0500
> From: "Dampp-Chaser Corporation" <dampchsr@brinet.com>
> Subject: Re: Humidity Control Issue
> 
> Dear list,
> 
> We are aware that there are a number of people (piano technicians, movers 
> and piano owners) who may not read the words on the Humidistat and plug the 
> wrong component into the wrong Humidistat outlet. We view the solution as a 
> 2-stage process. The first stage is in process, and as suggested, is 
> color-coordinating the plugs and Humidistat outlets. This should be 
> implemented within the year.
> 
> The second stage involves a re-design of the Humidistat case, which will 
> make it physically impossible to plug the wrong component into the wrong 
> outlet. The timing of this stage rests upon other changes to the Humidistat 
> that are currently under consideration.We appreciate your concerns, and 
> your suggestions. We will keep you posted regarding this issue.
> 
> DAMPP-CHASER CORPORATION
> Gayle Mair
> President >>
> 
> My original post is here:
> http://www.ptg.org/archive/pianotech.php/2001/v2001.n106
> 
> So I am wondering if this reply was really implemented to any degree or if 
> it was just lip service.
> 
> To Jerry G:  You have inferred that I was suggesting that you would 
> compromise your integrity.  My apologies, for that is not what I intended 
> to convey with my post, and further clarification is called for.
> 
> My point arises out of a hypothetical situation:
> Let's say there was a study done, and the results indicated something 
> contrary to the purported benefits used to pitch this stuff.  Would it then 
> be incumbent upon me to contact my customers for whom I have installed 
> these systems and tell them about the study?  It could be quite a dilemma.
> 
> I know you and consider you to be one of the most ethical people in this 
> business.   I, in fact, share your philosophy of keeping the customer's 
> interests at the forefront of my decision-making and that is the reason why 
> I am interested in a study.  Since there seems to be no official study, it 
> is questionable to me whether or not I can absolutely guarantee them that 
> this equipment will do what the brochures say it will.  I also ask myself, 
> "Is this really a necessary thing the customer should really pay for or 
> will it be innocuous or have a marginal effect at best?"
> 
> Terry asked who would be willing to fund the study.  Well, how about our 
> venerable organization, The Piano Technicians' Guild?  I think it would be 
> useful to have a study on record and I would assume the PTG is impartial 
> and unconcerned about losing ad revenue from DC upon 
> publishing  less-than-flattering  results, should they arise.
> 
> Most likely I'm alone in my thinking and nobody cares whether there is a 
> study or not.
> 
> I would be willing to participate in data collection with you 
> Jerry.  Although I sound pretty biased against this hardware,  I can be at 
> once skeptical and at the same time open-minded.  In my opinion, any study 
> should involve at least one pair of pianos - one for the hardware and an 
> "untreated" piano as a control.  The pianos should also be left untouched, 
> so as to avoid any data contamination through tampering.  Unfortunately, I 
> don't know of anywhere where this condition exists, except maybe for a 
> store with a storage facility, which might involve rental and storage fees.
> 
> Gotta keep it interesting
> 
> Matt
> 
>