orthodontic kawai vs. fireplace

[John Ross]

Hi Tom,
 Look at the house as being an enclosed space, if it is 21% in one room, it
will probably be 21% in another room.
A Dampp-Chaser system is the way to go.
It wouldn't do any harm to put it in another room, without a fireplace. Ten
feet is too close. Is it possible to move it any further away? I know this
depends on window and such. Is it near a heat register?
Actually 21% RH, is not good for humans either, they should probably look at
a house humidifier, first.
They will then feel warmer without raising the temperature as much.
Regards,
John M. Ross
Windsor, Nova Scotia.
jrpiano@win.eastlink.ca
----- Original Message -----
From: <Tvak@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 4:41 PM
Subject: orthodontic kawai vs. fireplace


> Two weeks ago or so, I wrote to you all regarding a Kawai console with
poor
> tuning stability (and other problems).  I forwarded your comments to the
> owners regarding the fireplace, and they want to take steps to keep the
piano
> in good condition, and help it stay in tune.
>
> The humidity in the room was 21% last time I was there.  (No fire in the
> fireplace.)  Certainly that's low and could be remedied with a
Dampp-Chaser,
> fireplace or no fireplace.
>
> The fireplace is not the primary source of heat in the house, but is used
for
> recreation only, and is about 10 feet away from the piano on the opposite
> wall.  I'm sure it would feel some radiant heat when logs are burning, but
> with a Dampp-Chaser in place, do you feel the piano would be safe?
>
> I guess my question is: What is the primary concern with a piano near a
> fireplace---heat, or lack of humidity?  (Near a fireplace, not next to a
> fireplace...)
>
> The owners are willing to move the piano to another room only as a last
> resort, but they will do so if that is what must be done to keep the piano
in
> good condition.
>
> What say ye?
>
> Tom Sivak
>
> P.S.
>
> Tomorrow I go back there and re-level the keys.  I'll try ironing the
balance
> rail felts this time.  The other day I noticed that even the key dip is
off
> on some of the keys!  Maybe I should iron those felts too.
>
>