[CAUT] Piano Garage for Temperature & Humidity Control

[Otto Keyes]

At the Banff Centre, we had 2 D's that shared duty in 2 different halls,
connected by a common backstage area.  We enclosed an area just the size
of the 2 pianos, with room for theatre storage on top.  

I made 2 rolling carts with damp-chaser units on them, since we really
didn't want a permanent installation on the pianos.  These followed the
instrument to whatever venue it was needed in, & stayed under it until
concert time.  I think we also installed floor-length skirts (these were
formal instruments ;-)) to create a contained environment.  The pianos
were actually quite stable.

Since I left, the Music dept. has gotten a new home, so I assume that
has all gone by the board with state-of-the-art HVAC  ---  which we all
know always works perfectly!!!

Otto

----- Original Message -----
From: Linda Holzer <LRHolzer at ualr.edu>
Date: Thursday, November 16, 2006 6:03 pm
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Piano Garage for Temperature & Humidity Control
To: caut at ptg.org

> Thanks, Chris.  I will call.  I'm especially interested to know 
> about 
> dimensions and materials.  After further discussions with the 
> architect, it seems likely that rather than buying a pre-fab unit, 
> a 
> too-small dressing room & bathroom off-stage will be knocked out 
> and 
> the space converted for piano storage.
> 
> When you built a piano garage, did you eliminate air vents?  (This 
> space that will be converted was originally windowless, so I'm sure 
> windows won't be an issue.  But there are vents in there now.)  Did 
> you take any special approach to the door?  We're considering a 
> garage-style door.   (There is space in the area above this room 
> that 
> could accommodate a door that moves vertically.)
> 
> So far I haven't found information on a pre fab unit.
> 
> Linda Holzer
> 
> 
> 
> 
> >I built one and installed several Dampp Chaser Systems which has 
> worked very
> >well for ten years. I had a room built in another location which 
> was ten
> >times as expensive and doesn't work as well. If you find a pre fab 
> room I'd
> >be pleasantly surprised. You can call me at 570.236.9949.
> >Chris Solliday