<HTML style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; FONT-FAMILY: MS Sans Serif"><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1251"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.2963" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <P> <DIV>Aaron asked: "<FONT size=+0>I would love a consensus opinion regarding those little boxes that one </FONT> <DIV><FONT size=+0>installs to regulate local environmental humidity. I was told by one party to </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>steer clear of them because they can cause rot, and that the best thing is to </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>keep the piano in conditions that 'a person would find comfortable', i.e., </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>"What you find comfortable, the piano will find comfortable" (caveat being </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>direct sun exposure, etc.). I was also told by another party that I *should* </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>have one to prevent the soundboard from cracking.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>I have a rebuilt 1886 Steinway-B (7', rosewood finish, 19th century Victorian </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>legs and scrollwork, etc.). I of course don't want to hurt it, and want to </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>protect it.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>What to believe? Is there an objective answer?"</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>Thanks in advance,</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>Aaron,</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>I would strongly suggest a Complete Damp-Chaser system! Of course, IF it is possible to keep the whole room in proper temperature/humidity conditions, that is the ideal. However, that, really, is not the real world...Hence Damp-Chaser.<G> The person that told you the system causes rust, etc., really does not know what he/she is talking about. I've been using these systems for over 30 years and have never had such a problem. If anything, it prevents rust! This "story" seems to be circulating, a lot, amongst teachers and it just ain't true, IMO.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Sunlight should NEVER be on the piano! As for the comfort thingee: I was raised in Alaska and I find a room temperature of 60 degrees farenheit to my liking.<G> Although this is within the preferred temp range, (just barely), I don't recommend it for pianos, UNLESS it's consistant.<G> (flack suit zipped up tight<G>)</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Hopefully, you are not "preparing" your piano like a previous "poster". That sort of nonesense is a no-no IMHO!</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Regards,</FONT></DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Joseph Garrett, R.P.T.</DIV> <DIV>Captain, Tool Police</DIV> <DIV>Squares R I</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <P></P></BODY></HTML>