On Tue, 22 Nov 1994 t.seay@mail.utexas.edu wrote: > >I'm wondering if others have noticed temperature-caused pitch change occuring > >while tuning verticals equipped with Dampp Chaser rods, and if so how you > >handle > >it? > > This is the first I've heard of this particular problem. Our humidity > doesn't change quite as drastically as it does up north, so we just don't > have as many Dampp-Chasers installed in pianos down here. > > >Has anyone found a way to deal with this > >pitch drift problem while tuning? Unplug the system and adjust capstans for 15 > >minutes first? > > But if you did turn it off and adjust the capstans or whatever, wouldn't it > go right out of tune the minute you turned it back on? Seems to me to be > another good reason not to install the things in the first place, unless > it's absolutely necessary. I wonder how many Dampp-Chasers are mistakenly > installed to correct real problems such as tight key bushings or action > centers, rather than correcting the problems themselves? > > Am I rambling? I think so... > > BTW, have any of you ever run across Dampp-Chasers installed *under* the > pinblock in grands? Arrrrgh! > > > Tom Seay > School of Music > The University of Texas at Austin > t.seay@mail.utexas.edu > > Yes, I've seen a 10 year old pinblock baked by this arrangement. I had to replace it with all that cost just because someone couldn't fix tight flange bushings. Like you, Tom, I don't use damp chasers unless it is truly an unusual circumstance. (I had an Elementary school where the music room was right next to the cafeteria steam table.) It's probaly been 4 years since I have had one in my hand. Homes here with decent climate controls just don't need them. dave porritt SMU
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC