<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <HTML><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2800.1400" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <DIV>Dampp chaser with undercover.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Marcel Carey</DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid"> <DIV class=OutlookMessageHeader dir=ltr align=left>-----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of Piannaman@aol.com Sent: September 16, 2004 11:38 PM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Environmental tuning mysteries: solved, hopefully </DIV>Esteemed list scholars and such, I don't know how many of you remember  the case of the corroding strings on a brand new Kawai Rx-3 I encountered in January of this year.  I followed up by strongly suggesting that they stop mopping the radiant concrete floor with a vinegar-water solution(acid steam beath), which they did.  I thouroughly cleaned the strings, tuned the piano a couple of times, and went back a week ago, and voila--no more corrosion!  Not only that, the bloody thing was so close to being in tune I almost felt badly taking the money--well, not really... #2.  I've been tuning a Steinway M that has new strings, hammers, pins, block, wips, but I'm not sure about the board.   She's a very good customer, gets her piano tuned every 6 months like clockwork.  I first tuned the piano 2 years ago, and today was my fourth trip out.  First time, it was 10-15 cents flat.  Second time, it was 10 cents or so sharp, third time, 10 cents flat; today 5-10 cents sharp.  I do know how to stabilize a piano, so this was a mystery to me.  At least until I heard the air conditioner go on.   It's been hot in these parts lately, and pianos are going flat in droves(the houses in this part of CA are built for earthquakes, not inclement weather), but in the case of this piano, it's in a very large luxury home, with all the amenities.  Unfortunately, the piano is directly under a duct that dumps cold, moist air directly on it.  I'm convinced that is what's going on here.  In the winter, the heat comes out of the same duct, but to slightly less effect, since the heat rises.  The duct is now permanently closed.  More details next time. Any comments or thoughts on this one?  Just thought it was kind of interesting.   Dave Stahl </BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>