Humidity Control

Changes in atmospheric humidity is the primary cause of a piano going out of tune. In the upper plains, this can be a major issue. As the soundboard takes on or sheds moisture, the wood changes dimensions. This causes the tension of the strings to change. Thus, the piano changes pitch. Unfortunately, it is rare that these changes of pitch are equal throughout the range of the piano. In most pianos, the octave below Middle C is the most sensitive to humidity changes, and the bass strings below the bass-tenor break the most stable. A piano tuned in August can sound quite dissonant in February.

The Dampp Chaser Corporation has been producing equipment and systems for over half a century that strive to control the environment within a piano. They can be amazingly effective. The enclosed nature of an upright piano responds better than the grand piano, but systems installed in grands are helpful in mitigating extreme changes. A “Piano Life Saver” system won’t eliminate the need for regular tunings, but the string tension changes caused by soundboard and bridge dimensional changes will be smaller.

Check out the website for Piano Life Saver: Piano Life Saver

My piano thinks that Stuart Davidson hung the moon!! I traveled over 1,000 miles so that Stuart might have the opportunity to rejuvenate me. I was bought by Emma Schroke for $400.00 in 1913. I have seen three generations pound on my keyboard, but when I traveled from Texas to South Dakota, I was still relatively good. When Mr. Davidson finished with me – I was fantastic!!
Lois Fietz, Houston, Texas