humidifying tube

[Fred Sturm]

It's a Damppit (spelled something like that). (I bet they have a web
site - try different spellings). Very common for string instruments and
woodwinds. Some are placed in the f holes of violins, etc. Others, just
in the case. Lots of different diameters and lengths available. Usually
green with black endcaps, but might be in other colors as well. Or maybe
there is a "take-off" copycat manufacturere. I remember there being a
push for using them in pianos somewhat over ten years ago.
	I think they used to be just cellose sponges cut into strips and rammed
into tubing with holes, then ends capped. Maybe the absorbant material
has been changed over time. I don't think they release enough humidity
for a piano, not to mention other factors. Certainly not the control a
Damppchaser system gives.
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico

Dorothy A. Bell wrote:
> 
> Dear Friends,
> Recently I have seen, in an institutional and in a private piano, a
> device which was new to me. It is a plastic tube, white, about 3' long,
> small long slits in the side, yellow end caps, filled with
> I-don't-know-what absorbent material. The piano owners tell me that they
> soak the tube in the bathtub till it is heavy, wipe off the outside, and
> put it in the piano on the plate; they believe this provides needed
> "humidity" for the piano. When the tube feels light (about one week)
> they repeat the process.
> Has any of you ever heard of this approach? Does it help the piano? harm
> it? have no effect? I was a little alarmed when one customer said she
> didn't remember the name of the person she bought it from but he also
> sold clarinets.
> Thanks for any input.
> Dorrie Bell