> First I have the customer buy a >hygrometer to monitor humidity and if the humidity varies outside the range >of about 35% to around 75% (pipe organ guidelines), I suggest they get a >humidifier or dehumidifier as the case may be. Then we start with the damp >chaser. This is my protocol exactly; let's make it clear that step 2 means a ROOM humidifier or dehumidier, set away from the piano, and "tuned" through experimental usage so the hygrometer stays between 45% and 60% almost all the time. Only in severe micro-climate-related instances would I recommend a Dampp-Chaser system in my practice. And NEVER a rod without a humidistat; and, I don't trust those 100%. It makes me nervous as hell to have a heat source inches from a beautifully preserved (by living in a Mediterranean climate) Steinway soundboard. Makes me shudder to think about it, actually. It may be a totally different story in Omaha or Ann Arbor, but I don't practice there. Best of luck and work to all.......... David Andersen Malibu, CA
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