Pianotech

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Hi Geoff:
I've used MusicSorb, a kind of dessicant, under a string cover in a piano only blocks from the beach. They didn't want to use a DC system dehumidifier. I found it helpful, though I wouldn't say it was earth-shattering, especially since they made the cover themselves, and it didn't seal all that well. Have used MusicSorb alone in some upright pianos and it did work quite well for stability. But then San Diego has very stable weather overall. Alone, without anything else, I think a string cover does work to insulate the strings from humidity and temperature swings, so I would say they are somewhat effective for the average home. But the main reason I recommend them is where the piano is subjected to high humidity, near the water. And by itself I really don't think it does that much in that case. I like to have something more aggressive, like a DC dehumidifier, or a couple bags of MusicSorb, to do the heavy lifting. The worst is if someone decides to make their own and uses synthetic material. It can trap the moisture and make rust underneath.
I'm curious to hear from others back east where the opposite conditions, ie., dryness, is more prevalent, and what the string covers might do to assist humidity control. In my experience, if someone is aware of the effectiveness of a string cover, and they have a nice piano, they usually go for it. Especially when they live near the beach or on Coronado Island.
Paul McCloud
San Diego


Geoff Sykes
A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA



Original Message:
Sent: 3/8/2021 12:08:00 AM
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Geoff

No matter what you convince them to buy, if they don't use or maintain it, it won't make any difference. 
What helps in my situation to sell a string cover and a DC rod is to explain that humidity causes rust, that rusty strings break, and that a new set of strings costs $4-$5K. Hopefully they will buy what you sell them. The rest is up to them. 


------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 00:07
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

I am located on the East Coast in South Carolina where humidity is an issue most of the year. Many pianos have been destroyed because people do not understand the need to take measures such as consistent settings on the air conditioning, keeping windows and doors mostly closed to keep the ac in and humidity out. I am constantly educating customers on the need to protect the piano as much as possible and that deep cycling their a/c is bad for their piano and the rest of the house. Its true that customers balk at the price of a woolen string cover and some will try to make their own which is often a huge mistake. I have sold many 100 % woolen string covers because they are highly effective at trapping moisture, dust , sand, pet hair. The custom wool covers look good, fit good and are well worth the investment. I often take a white napkin, sheet of white paper or a white cloth and rub the strings. The transfer of rust proves that the strings are already reacting to moisture even on new pianos. The best protection for a piano is a combination of a string cover, undercover and adequately sized Dampp Chaser. Full systems work best but they require the customer to maintain them whereas a partial system with the proper wattage for the piano and conditions requires very little oversight. The woolen string cover will act as both a moisture and dust barrier however it is not going to drive away moisture like dampp-chaser dehumidifier rods or add any moisture like the humidifier and smart heater bars. String covers offer a different type of protection. If the electricity goes out during a power outage or the air conditioning breaks down and is waiting on parts the string cover will save the piano as long as it is left on the strings and not folded up in the bench. I had a string cover save a Kawai grand when a pipe burst on a tub on the second floor of a home. Recently I helped a client sell her Steinway and cleaned it before the sale. The string cover had been in the piano for ten years and never shaken out. The top side was coated with dust, sand,dog hair but the reverse side on top of the strings was as new as the day it was put in. Despite several hurricanes, power outages, periods of air conditioning problems there was next to no rust.and the soundboard and tuning pin webbing where very clean. In my opinion a woolen cover with a dampp-chasert is well worth the money to protect a piano. I have both in my G2 and it looks showroom new

------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 00:07
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

James - what is "deep cycle A/C"?

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 09:19
From: James Kelly
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

I am located on the East Coast in South Carolina where humidity is an issue most of the year. Many pianos have been destroyed because people do not understand the need to take measures such as consistent settings on the air conditioning, keeping windows and doors mostly closed to keep the ac in and humidity out. I am constantly educating customers on the need to protect the piano as much as possible and that deep cycling their a/c is bad for their piano and the rest of the house. Its true that customers balk at the price of a woolen string cover and some will try to make their own which is often a huge mistake. I have sold many 100 % woolen string covers because they are highly effective at trapping moisture, dust , sand, pet hair. The custom wool covers look good, fit good and are well worth the investment. I often take a white napkin, sheet of white paper or a white cloth and rub the strings. The transfer of rust proves that the strings are already reacting to moisture even on new pianos. The best protection for a piano is a combination of a string cover, undercover and adequately sized Dampp Chaser. Full systems work best but they require the customer to maintain them whereas a partial system with the proper wattage for the piano and conditions requires very little oversight. The woolen string cover will act as both a moisture and dust barrier however it is not going to drive away moisture like dampp-chaser dehumidifier rods or add any moisture like the humidifier and smart heater bars. String covers offer a different type of protection. If the electricity goes out during a power outage or the air conditioning breaks down and is waiting on parts the string cover will save the piano as long as it is left on the strings and not folded up in the bench. I had a string cover save a Kawai grand when a pipe burst on a tub on the second floor of a home. Recently I helped a client sell her Steinway and cleaned it before the sale. The string cover had been in the piano for ten years and never shaken out. The top side was coated with dust, sand,dog hair but the reverse side on top of the strings was as new as the day it was put in. Despite several hurricanes, power outages, periods of air conditioning problems there was next to no rust.and the soundboard and tuning pin webbing where very clean. In my opinion a woolen cover with a dampp-chasert is well worth the money to protect a piano. I have both in my G2 and it looks showroom new

------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 00:07
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Deep cycling is cutting the air conditioning up and down in an attempt to save energy. It is often a practice in churches where the air conditioning is cut back on the theory no one is in the church during the week and the only time it really needs to be on is for the weekend services or when the church is occupied. The scenario often turns the ac on full blast a day or so before the weekend , cool the space down for when people will be present and then cutting back on Monday. It is not good for pianos, organs,musical instruments, rugs or anything in the church. I have seen the effects and it is not pretty. Often you can go into a church that is doing this and feel as well as smell there is a problem. The hvac also gets stressed and will break down at the worst time. The opposite of this is to turn the heat on in the same way. There was a church here that had a horrible problem with mildew, mold and smell. Upon further investigation and using a data logger I printed out graphs from a two week period and the results where shocking. Giant spikes of temp and rh during the week followed by large drops at weeks end. The Yamaha C7 required quite a bit of work to make it playable. I heard through someone in the church that the thermostat had been removed and the system had just an on off switch. 

 Regarding string covers and dampp chasers- they only work if they are plugged in, water and dc treatment is added and the cover is left in- which by the way does not reduce piano volume. If the hvac is poor or not used to maintain as stable an environment as possible their benefit is greatly reduced. I will try to find a picture of a string cover that had not been shaken out for 10 years. All of that dust and dirt would have been on the board and the action. Who knows how much rust was also prevented but I am sure it helped. Note that string covers are not 100% waterproof and will only absorb so much moisture and water. In the case where a pipe broke above a Kawai grand it saved the piano. The owner found a large puddle of water suspended by the cover. I went through the piano with a fine tooth comb and the only place I found moisture was in the wood on the bass end cheekblock.

------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2021 05:20
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

James - what is "deep cycle A/C"?

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 09:19
From: James Kelly
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

I am located on the East Coast in South Carolina where humidity is an issue most of the year. Many pianos have been destroyed because people do not understand the need to take measures such as consistent settings on the air conditioning, keeping windows and doors mostly closed to keep the ac in and humidity out. I am constantly educating customers on the need to protect the piano as much as possible and that deep cycling their a/c is bad for their piano and the rest of the house. Its true that customers balk at the price of a woolen string cover and some will try to make their own which is often a huge mistake. I have sold many 100 % woolen string covers because they are highly effective at trapping moisture, dust , sand, pet hair. The custom wool covers look good, fit good and are well worth the investment. I often take a white napkin, sheet of white paper or a white cloth and rub the strings. The transfer of rust proves that the strings are already reacting to moisture even on new pianos. The best protection for a piano is a combination of a string cover, undercover and adequately sized Dampp Chaser. Full systems work best but they require the customer to maintain them whereas a partial system with the proper wattage for the piano and conditions requires very little oversight. The woolen string cover will act as both a moisture and dust barrier however it is not going to drive away moisture like dampp-chaser dehumidifier rods or add any moisture like the humidifier and smart heater bars. String covers offer a different type of protection. If the electricity goes out during a power outage or the air conditioning breaks down and is waiting on parts the string cover will save the piano as long as it is left on the strings and not folded up in the bench. I had a string cover save a Kawai grand when a pipe burst on a tub on the second floor of a home. Recently I helped a client sell her Steinway and cleaned it before the sale. The string cover had been in the piano for ten years and never shaken out. The top side was coated with dust, sand,dog hair but the reverse side on top of the strings was as new as the day it was put in. Despite several hurricanes, power outages, periods of air conditioning problems there was next to no rust.and the soundboard and tuning pin webbing where very clean. In my opinion a woolen cover with a dampp-chasert is well worth the money to protect a piano. I have both in my G2 and it looks showroom new

------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 00:07
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 3/8/2021 9:20:00 AM
From: James Kelly
Subject: RE: String covers vs humidity control

I am located on the East Coast in South Carolina where humidity is an issue most of the year. Many pianos have been destroyed because people do not understand the need to take measures such as consistent settings on the air conditioning, keeping windows and doors mostly closed to keep the ac in and humidity out. I am constantly educating customers on the need to protect the piano as much as possible and that deep cycling their a/c is bad for their piano and the rest of the house. Its true that customers balk at the price of a woolen string cover and some will try to make their own which is often a huge mistake. I have sold many 100 % woolen string covers because they are highly effective at trapping moisture, dust , sand, pet hair. The custom wool covers look good, fit good and are well worth the investment. I often take a white napkin, sheet of white paper or a white cloth and rub the strings. The transfer of rust proves that the strings are already reacting to moisture even on new pianos. The best protection for a piano is a combination of a string cover, undercover and adequately sized Dampp Chaser. Full systems work best but they require the customer to maintain them whereas a partial system with the proper wattage for the piano and conditions requires very little oversight. The woolen string cover will act as both a moisture and dust barrier however it is not going to drive away moisture like dampp-chaser dehumidifier rods or add any moisture like the humidifier and smart heater bars. String covers offer a different type of protection. If the electricity goes out during a power outage or the air conditioning breaks down and is waiting on parts the string cover will save the piano as long as it is left on the strings and not folded up in the bench. I had a string cover save a Kawai grand when a pipe burst on a tub on the second floor of a home. Recently I helped a client sell her Steinway and cleaned it before the sale. The string cover had been in the piano for ten years and never shaken out. The top side was coated with dust, sand,dog hair but the reverse side on top of the strings was as new as the day it was put in. Despite several hurricanes, power outages, periods of air conditioning problems there was next to no rust.and the soundboard and tuning pin webbing where very clean. In my opinion a woolen cover with a dampp-chasert is well worth the money to protect a piano. I have both in my G2 and it looks showroom new

------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 00:07
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

I've heard and read about claims for string covers like those stated in this thread. I'm not claiming to be an expert on musical instrument humidity control, but I have taken many high school, undergraduate and graduate college physics, chemistry and meteorology courses and  did groundwater remediation consulting for many years where we used processes that employed chemical adsorption and desorption (in fact my master's thesis involved quite a bit of gas chromatography as well as passive chemical absorption) - so I think that I have a reasonable scientific/scholastic background for sharing some thoughts on this topic.

A sting cover can possibly absorb some humidity for a very short period of time and then not. So over its lifetime, it will have very little if any ability to physically remove or add humidity to its environment. It WILL be able to moderate changes in relative humidity (RH) for the strings and soundboard as it will present a barrier (to a degree) to the movement of air inside the grand piano. It will also do a reasonably good job of keeping dust out from the string/soundboard area (yay!). IMHO, string covers work great at helping to keep a grand piano interior clean, and can help to moderate humidity when used with a Damp-Chaser system.

I'm quite sure that if you put a piano with a wool (or other) string cover in a room with 90% RH for a week, the RH between the strings and soundboard will be 90% or very close at the end of that week. And the opposite would be true - if you moved a pianos used in a week-long outdoor concert here in Tampa in July, hermetically sealed it for six months and moved it to Saskatoon and placed it in a heated no-humidity-control performance hall for a week - all this with your string cover in place - the RH between the strings and soundboard would be very near the 2% (or whatever scary-low level) RH of the hall - even though it was at 95% RH previously.

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 00:07
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Personally, I fail to see why a wool string cover would be that much better than a cotton string cover, as both would absorb any condensation and shield the strings from dust.

Wool provides a lot more food for moths and carpet beetles and would support and encourage a nice population, happily chewing away under the cover (and on the cover).  Cotton and polyester blends would not.

The real scientific research has not been done (yet) that I know of.

I will try to raise up some moths!

------------------------------
Blaine Hebert
Duarte CA
626-795-5170
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2021 05:43
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

I've heard and read about claims for string covers like those stated in this thread. I'm not claiming to be an expert on musical instrument humidity control, but I have taken many high school, undergraduate and graduate college physics, chemistry and meteorology courses and  did groundwater remediation consulting for many years where we used processes that employed chemical adsorption and desorption (in fact my master's thesis involved quite a bit of gas chromatography as well as passive chemical absorption) - so I think that I have a reasonable scientific/scholastic background for sharing some thoughts on this topic.

A sting cover can possibly absorb some humidity for a very short period of time and then not. So over its lifetime, it will have very little if any ability to physically remove or add humidity to its environment. It WILL be able to moderate changes in relative humidity (RH) for the strings and soundboard as it will present a barrier (to a degree) to the movement of air inside the grand piano. It will also do a reasonably good job of keeping dust out from the string/soundboard area (yay!). IMHO, string covers work great at helping to keep a grand piano interior clean, and can help to moderate humidity when used with a Damp-Chaser system.

I'm quite sure that if you put a piano with a wool (or other) string cover in a room with 90% RH for a week, the RH between the strings and soundboard will be 90% or very close at the end of that week. And the opposite would be true - if you moved a pianos used in a week-long outdoor concert here in Tampa in July, hermetically sealed it for six months and moved it to Saskatoon and placed it in a heated no-humidity-control performance hall for a week - all this with your string cover in place - the RH between the strings and soundboard would be very near the 2% (or whatever scary-low level) RH of the hall - even though it was at 95% RH previously.

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 00:07
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 3/10/2021 1:51:00 AM
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: RE: String covers vs humidity control

Personally, I fail to see why a wool string cover would be that much better than a cotton string cover, as both would absorb any condensation and shield the strings from dust.

Wool provides a lot more food for moths and carpet beetles and would support and encourage a nice population, happily chewing away under the cover (and on the cover).  Cotton and polyester blends would not.

The real scientific research has not been done (yet) that I know of.

I will try to raise up some moths!

------------------------------
Blaine Hebert
Duarte CA
626-795-5170
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2021 05:43
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

I've heard and read about claims for string covers like those stated in this thread. I'm not claiming to be an expert on musical instrument humidity control, but I have taken many high school, undergraduate and graduate college physics, chemistry and meteorology courses and  did groundwater remediation consulting for many years where we used processes that employed chemical adsorption and desorption (in fact my master's thesis involved quite a bit of gas chromatography as well as passive chemical absorption) - so I think that I have a reasonable scientific/scholastic background for sharing some thoughts on this topic.

A sting cover can possibly absorb some humidity for a very short period of time and then not. So over its lifetime, it will have very little if any ability to physically remove or add humidity to its environment. It WILL be able to moderate changes in relative humidity (RH) for the strings and soundboard as it will present a barrier (to a degree) to the movement of air inside the grand piano. It will also do a reasonably good job of keeping dust out from the string/soundboard area (yay!). IMHO, string covers work great at helping to keep a grand piano interior clean, and can help to moderate humidity when used with a Damp-Chaser system.

I'm quite sure that if you put a piano with a wool (or other) string cover in a room with 90% RH for a week, the RH between the strings and soundboard will be 90% or very close at the end of that week. And the opposite would be true - if you moved a pianos used in a week-long outdoor concert here in Tampa in July, hermetically sealed it for six months and moved it to Saskatoon and placed it in a heated no-humidity-control performance hall for a week - all this with your string cover in place - the RH between the strings and soundboard would be very near the 2% (or whatever scary-low level) RH of the hall - even though it was at 95% RH previously.

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 00:07
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Talking about covers....
A church customer of mine wants to get a cover to put over their piano which sits on a stage with big vents blowing directly on the piano. 

Which is the best choice to protect the piano against the air blowing vents? A quilted, Madrid, or other? 

Thanks,
Peter

------------------------------
Petrus Janssen
Peachtree City GA
678-416-8055
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2021 01:50
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

Personally, I fail to see why a wool string cover would be that much better than a cotton string cover, as both would absorb any condensation and shield the strings from dust.

Wool provides a lot more food for moths and carpet beetles and would support and encourage a nice population, happily chewing away under the cover (and on the cover).  Cotton and polyester blends would not.

The real scientific research has not been done (yet) that I know of.

I will try to raise up some moths!

------------------------------
Blaine Hebert
Duarte CA
626-795-5170

Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2021 05:43
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

I've heard and read about claims for string covers like those stated in this thread. I'm not claiming to be an expert on musical instrument humidity control, but I have taken many high school, undergraduate and graduate college physics, chemistry and meteorology courses and  did groundwater remediation consulting for many years where we used processes that employed chemical adsorption and desorption (in fact my master's thesis involved quite a bit of gas chromatography as well as passive chemical absorption) - so I think that I have a reasonable scientific/scholastic background for sharing some thoughts on this topic.

A sting cover can possibly absorb some humidity for a very short period of time and then not. So over its lifetime, it will have very little if any ability to physically remove or add humidity to its environment. It WILL be able to moderate changes in relative humidity (RH) for the strings and soundboard as it will present a barrier (to a degree) to the movement of air inside the grand piano. It will also do a reasonably good job of keeping dust out from the string/soundboard area (yay!). IMHO, string covers work great at helping to keep a grand piano interior clean, and can help to moderate humidity when used with a Damp-Chaser system.

I'm quite sure that if you put a piano with a wool (or other) string cover in a room with 90% RH for a week, the RH between the strings and soundboard will be 90% or very close at the end of that week. And the opposite would be true - if you moved a pianos used in a week-long outdoor concert here in Tampa in July, hermetically sealed it for six months and moved it to Saskatoon and placed it in a heated no-humidity-control performance hall for a week - all this with your string cover in place - the RH between the strings and soundboard would be very near the 2% (or whatever scary-low level) RH of the hall - even though it was at 95% RH previously.

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 00:07
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Big vents blowing on the piano = not so good. A padded cover provides good protection and one going to the floor may be the best choice . Can the piano be moved so it is not directly under the vents ? perhaps some baffles can be fitted to divert the air flow. What type of air is being pushed through the vents and does any moisture/condensation drip out ? Some covers are water repellent but not waterproof so its also important to monitor for roof leaks or pipe condensation/pipe leaks etc. If the piano is on a spider truck maybe it can be moved when not in use to protect it from air blasts.

------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2021 07:57
From: Petrus Janssen
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

Talking about covers....
A church customer of mine wants to get a cover to put over their piano which sits on a stage with big vents blowing directly on the piano.

Which is the best choice to protect the piano against the air blowing vents? A quilted, Madrid, or other?

Thanks,
Peter

------------------------------
Petrus Janssen
Peachtree City GA
678-416-8055

Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2021 01:50
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

Personally, I fail to see why a wool string cover would be that much better than a cotton string cover, as both would absorb any condensation and shield the strings from dust.

Wool provides a lot more food for moths and carpet beetles and would support and encourage a nice population, happily chewing away under the cover (and on the cover).  Cotton and polyester blends would not.

The real scientific research has not been done (yet) that I know of.

I will try to raise up some moths!

------------------------------
Blaine Hebert
Duarte CA
626-795-5170

Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2021 05:43
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

I've heard and read about claims for string covers like those stated in this thread. I'm not claiming to be an expert on musical instrument humidity control, but I have taken many high school, undergraduate and graduate college physics, chemistry and meteorology courses and  did groundwater remediation consulting for many years where we used processes that employed chemical adsorption and desorption (in fact my master's thesis involved quite a bit of gas chromatography as well as passive chemical absorption) - so I think that I have a reasonable scientific/scholastic background for sharing some thoughts on this topic.

A sting cover can possibly absorb some humidity for a very short period of time and then not. So over its lifetime, it will have very little if any ability to physically remove or add humidity to its environment. It WILL be able to moderate changes in relative humidity (RH) for the strings and soundboard as it will present a barrier (to a degree) to the movement of air inside the grand piano. It will also do a reasonably good job of keeping dust out from the string/soundboard area (yay!). IMHO, string covers work great at helping to keep a grand piano interior clean, and can help to moderate humidity when used with a Damp-Chaser system.

I'm quite sure that if you put a piano with a wool (or other) string cover in a room with 90% RH for a week, the RH between the strings and soundboard will be 90% or very close at the end of that week. And the opposite would be true - if you moved a pianos used in a week-long outdoor concert here in Tampa in July, hermetically sealed it for six months and moved it to Saskatoon and placed it in a heated no-humidity-control performance hall for a week - all this with your string cover in place - the RH between the strings and soundboard would be very near the 2% (or whatever scary-low level) RH of the hall - even though it was at 95% RH previously.

------------------------------
Terry Farrell
Farrell Piano Service, Inc.
Brandon, Florida
terry@farrellpiano.com
813-684-3505

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2021 00:07
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: String covers vs humidity control

A purchased string cover costs more than an installed Dampp-Chaser system so many of my customers balk at the price and won't go that way. Unfortunately, some of my customers, who have insisted on full humidifier/de-humidifier systems, fail to maintain them and are, predictably, disappointed with the results. Here on the west coast I seldom need to install a full DC system as a de-humidifer is really all that is needed. And they are very effective. But some locations are, nevertheless, environmentally brutal and selling what is the correct and most efficient solution, a full DC system, to people that I know will not maintain them is futile. So, today's question: Side by side, comparing string covers, possibly even top and bottom covers, how do they compete with, say, the Dampp-Chaser system? Are professionally made wool string covers, used for environmental control and tuning stability, really effective, somewhat effective, casually effective, not worth the cost effective? What are your experiences?

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------