[CAUT] DC system on stage

[Mark Cramer]

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Barbara, Bill,

Sorry Bill, I'm not a big fan of the carts either.

They are removed from the piano at precisely the time I don't want
"anything" changing around the piano.

We do use them in Banff, but only in the Rolston Recital Hall, and only (I
believe) because this is one hall where ambient conditions are indeed
monitored and controlled.

I've encountered mold in only one instance Bill (sorry to hear of your
experiences); a new-to-me client with an 1970's L: the tank was plugged
directly into the wall... as in bypass the humidistat!  (need I say more?)

I'm not sure of the material Bill refers to Barbara, but the cloth
Dampp-Chaser's under-covers are made from will not absorb sound, they're
acoustic grille cloth. For all practical purposes: acoustic impact = zero.

So I will vote for an installed system with undercover.

The first benefit being to buffer the piano's climate from changes and high
air-movement within the hall.

The second really, is to nicely hide the installation. Even if there is the
odd wrinkle or bulge in the cloth, from the front row the underside of the
piano looks like a "sea of black."

We've installed a few Barbara, so if I can provide any install tips;
cramer@brandonu.ca

Meanwhile, something the two of you (and others?) may be interested in as
well:

I've just installed an "un-plug" alarm in one of our ensemble rooms.

Un-plug the piano, and a concealed beeper sounds until the piano is plugged
back in.

So far so good. I've posted instructions (that even music students can
read), the piano has been moved, and the "movee" figured out the "prompt"
immediately.

Sorry I cannot provide mechanical details, as one of our engineers devised
it. Basically it's a relay with a 9v batter and a pulse beeper.

best regards to you both,
Mark Cramer,
Brandon University














   -----Original Message-----
  From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of
Bdshull@aol.com
  Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 4:03 PM
  To: caut@ptg.org
  Subject: Re: [CAUT] DC system on stage


  Hi, Barbara,

  My experience with buckets tight up to the soundboard is that the board
discolors, mold develops, and condensation causes hardwood floors to betray
water overhead.....Don't ask me how I know...but shortly after that nasty
experience several years ago Damppchaser extended the hanger length
considerably.

  A cover under the piano will certainly affect the reflection of
sound...but there are probably folks on the list who could tell you how
much, in their own experience....I'm interested too!

  Just to go with my "cart" idea again....the cart can be kept under the
piano on stage, and removed just for performances, of course....

  OR....the piano can be equipped with heater bars and humidistat, and the
cart only with humidifiers, and used as much as possible.

  Bill Shull


  In a message dated 9/13/2005 1:20:03 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
piano57@insightbb.com writes:
    Thanks, Bill.

    Hmm....my goal was a system that could always be plugged in (there are a
lot of outlets on that black stage floor), to avoid the syndrome of
nice-atmosphere-while-in-storage and then all heck breaks out when it's
moved on stage.  You know what I mean?

    Barbara Richmond
      ----- Original Message -----
      From: Bdshull@aol.com
      To: caut@ptg.org
      Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 3:09 PM
      Subject: Re: [CAUT] DC system on stage


      In a message dated 9/13/2005 12:59:21 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
piano57@insightbb.com writes:
        Hi all,

        Does anyone have a picture of, or could direct me to a picture of a
Steinway D with a full DC system with undercover--preferably on a stage?   I
have submitted a proposal for the DC system, but a friend pointed out to me,
that sometimes, because the humidifier buckets hang down a bit, the piano
looks.........pregnant.   I doubt my technical director would be happy with
such a look and would like him to see it before hand.

        Thanks much.

        Barbara Richmond, RPT
      Barbara, If you could forego the undercover, you could modify the Jahn
stands which Dampp-chaser is experimenting with.  They are single system
carts with a leg on each corner, and need to be combined into a dual system
stand which straddles the truck;   I did this during the summer, and will be
sending Roger Wheelock the modification drawings when I "get it together."

      Bill Shull

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