wood response to moisture

[Dave Nereson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marcel Carey" <mcpiano@videotron.ca>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 8:06 AM
Subject: RE: wood response to moisture


> Dave,
 > My findings are quite the opposite. I find that key bushings do get
> tighter with dry weather.

    Yes, I have encountered many pianos moved here to dry Colorado from more 
humid climates and the keys all need easing.  The entire key, holes, 
mortises, and all, must shrink, making the balance and front rail pins 
tight.

 For the soundboard to react slower the
> explanation is quite simple. The soundboard is "sealed" being finished
> on both sides as where the keys are not.
> Marcel Carey, RPT
> Sherbrooke, QC

    Yes, I can understand that, but what I've heard conflicting information 
about is whether the soundboard, or just wood in general, gains or loses 
moisture faster, if the rate of humidity change in the room is the same.
    --David Nereson, RPT