pianos in freezing temps.

[Mike Imbler]

For any environment, there is a dew point.  At that temperature, water will
condense.  So, in an extremely dry environment you might be able to subject
a piano to temperature swings.  In a humid climate, a cold piano subjected
to a warmer environment will cross the dew point, and condense moisture with
the resulting problems.
                                                               Regards,
Mike


----- Original Message -----
From: Ron Nossaman <RNossaman@KSCABLE.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2000 10:31 PM
Subject: Re: pianos in freezing temps.


>
> >
> > A client asked why a piano shouldnt be in a very cold space, i.e. Winter
in
> > northern N.E. in an unheated home. Reaction to extreme humidity swings
is
> > well known, but what actually happens to a piano @10 degrees  F. for
example
> > when brought to 70 degrees within a few hours. Thanks ,Tom Driscoll RPT
> >
>
>
> I don't know what the magic threshold and rate of temperature change is,
but at
> a certain point, the surrounding air is at a higher dew point than the
strings.
> Moisture condenses on the strings , and they rust. This is just like what
> happens to unprotected tools in an unheated garage or shed.
>
> Ron N
>