humidifying tube

[Ron Nossaman]

>An earlier thread discussed the problems with Dampp Chaser units in pianos
>such as choir room uprights which get moved around a lot.  I started to
>mention these Hydraceels at the time, but remembered I haven't noticed them
>in a supply house catalog in quite a while.  I've never used one, but
>wondered if they wouldn't be a "better-than-nothing" solution for those
>pianos in which Dampp Chasers would not be a workable solution due to
>constant unplugging, sloshing, etc...
>
>Granted, higher maintenance, but when you've got deep humidity cycles (or
>15% lows as was discussed), it's not merely the tuning that suffers.
>
>If I remember correctly, they were relatively expensive considering their
>construction.
>
>Just a thought.
>Jeff

It depends entirely on your local climate. Here in Kansas, it is common and
necessary to fill DC humidifier tanks twice a week or more in the winter.
If the Hydrocel can supply, say 80% of the piano's needs, then it would
surely help. If it can only supply 5% (three mayonnaise jars worth), it
hardly seems worth the trouble for the return. Is it better than nothing?
How low does the RH% get?

Ron N