Pianotech

Greetings all --

I have a problem piano. I'm sure all of us have at least one. This is a 1981 Kawai KG-2D in very good condition. It's located in a large basement choir practice room at a large church. By large I mean it's like a small amphitheater with seating for about 150 with concrete walls, floor and ceiling. I know from random monitoring when I am there tuning that the temperature and humidity in this room fluctuates a lot. The AC is only run when the room is going to be used, (which is a problem all in itself). I used to see this piano more than once a month but once I installed a Dampp-Chaser de-humidifier system, (the room is never too dry), I'm now only seeing this piano about every six weeks. Which is an improvement but still way too often.

I know that RH in this room is a major contributor to this instability problem, but I'm not 100% convinced that there might not also be problems with the piano. Pinblock is good. Soundboard is good and bridge is sitting solid. All the strings render stable without problem. I occasionally check the perimeter plate bolts, (once every year or two), and usually find them needing about 1/8 of a turn. Yes, we keep the piano covered. As far as I'm concerned, the piano is solid. But I would like to run a long term test on the environment. So, today's question is does anyone know of a company, preferably Southern California based, where I can rent a temperature/humidity logger? I'd like to set it up and let it run for three or four weeks so both the church and I can know for certain that the environment really is the problem. Once that is determined then perhaps we can move on to better correcting, or controlling the problem. 

I have talked to them, over and over and over and over, about leaving the AC on but the powers that be have decided that it's less expensive to bring me in frequently than to run the AC. I have no objection to receiving the work, but it's frustrating to both customer and myself in not knowing exactly why this piano won't hold a tuning for an acceptable length of time. 

Looking forward to your replies. 

Thanks --

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

Geoff

You've told the church why the piano won't stay in tune, and offered a solution. They are not willing to take your advice. Forget about.  Collect your fee every 6 weeks, and move on to the next customer.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 00:50
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Greetings all --

I have a problem piano. I'm sure all of us have at least one. This is a 1981 Kawai KG-2D in very good condition. It's located in a large basement choir practice room at a large church. By large I mean it's like a small amphitheater with seating for about 150 with concrete walls, floor and ceiling. I know from random monitoring when I am there tuning that the temperature and humidity in this room fluctuates a lot. The AC is only run when the room is going to be used, (which is a problem all in itself). I used to see this piano more than once a month but once I installed a Dampp-Chaser de-humidifier system, (the room is never too dry), I'm now only seeing this piano about every six weeks. Which is an improvement but still way too often.

I know that RH in this room is a major contributor to this instability problem, but I'm not 100% convinced that there might not also be problems with the piano. Pinblock is good. Soundboard is good and bridge is sitting solid. All the strings render stable without problem. I occasionally check the perimeter plate bolts, (once every year or two), and usually find them needing about 1/8 of a turn. Yes, we keep the piano covered. As far as I'm concerned, the piano is solid. But I would like to run a long term test on the environment. So, today's question is does anyone know of a company, preferably Southern California based, where I can rent a temperature/humidity logger? I'd like to set it up and let it run for three or four weeks so both the church and I can know for certain that the environment really is the problem. Once that is determined then perhaps we can move on to better correcting, or controlling the problem.

I have talked to them, over and over and over and over, about leaving the AC on but the powers that be have decided that it's less expensive to bring me in frequently than to run the AC. I have no objection to receiving the work, but it's frustrating to both customer and myself in not knowing exactly why this piano won't hold a tuning for an acceptable length of time.

Looking forward to your replies.

Thanks --

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

Original Message------

Geoff

You've told the church why the piano won't stay in tune, and offered a solution. They are not willing to take your advice. Forget about.  Collect your fee every 6 weeks, and move on to the next customer.

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

Thanks, Bill. Several direct replies, (not posted here), recommended inexpensive data loggers. I had always thought of data loggers as big, expensive devices. Hence my post. Now I learn that really decent ones can be purchased for less than $100. I think that's going to be a good tool to get as a holiday present to myself. :-)

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 02:19
From: William Shull
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Geoff,

Back in the day I used a Dickson Data Logger, which plugged into a serial port to upload the recorded data to the computer.  Now stand-alone devices are available, Roger Wheelock recommended one but I don't remember which.  This is a good question for the CAUT folks, who are more often needing to justify a longer list of damppchaser or HVAC humidity control expenses.

If you own one, you will use it for more than just this one client.

Bill

Bill Shull, RPT,  M.Mus.

bdshull@aol.com

shullpiano.com

periodpianos.org

Sent from my iPhone

Original Message------

Geoff

You've told the church why the piano won't stay in tune, and offered a solution. They are not willing to take your advice. Forget about.  Collect your fee every 6 weeks, and move on to the next customer.

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

Original Message------

Greetings all --

I have a problem piano. I'm sure all of us have at least one. This is a 1981 Kawai KG-2D in very good condition. It's located in a large basement choir practice room at a large church. By large I mean it's like a small amphitheater with seating for about 150 with concrete walls, floor and ceiling. I know from random monitoring when I am there tuning that the temperature and humidity in this room fluctuates a lot. The AC is only run when the room is going to be used, (which is a problem all in itself). I used to see this piano more than once a month but once I installed a Dampp-Chaser de-humidifier system, (the room is never too dry), I'm now only seeing this piano about every six weeks. Which is an improvement but still way too often.

I know that RH in this room is a major contributor to this instability problem, but I'm not 100% convinced that there might not also be problems with the piano. Pinblock is good. Soundboard is good and bridge is sitting solid. All the strings render stable without problem. I occasionally check the perimeter plate bolts, (once every year or two), and usually find them needing about 1/8 of a turn. Yes, we keep the piano covered. As far as I'm concerned, the piano is solid. But I would like to run a long term test on the environment. So, today's question is does anyone know of a company, preferably Southern California based, where I can rent a temperature/humidity logger? I'd like to set it up and let it run for three or four weeks so both the church and I can know for certain that the environment really is the problem. Once that is determined then perhaps we can move on to better correcting, or controlling the problem. 

I have talked to them, over and over and over and over, about leaving the AC on but the powers that be have decided that it's less expensive to bring me in frequently than to run the AC. I have no objection to receiving the work, but it's frustrating to both customer and myself in not knowing exactly why this piano won't hold a tuning for an acceptable length of time. 

Looking forward to your replies. 

Thanks --

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

Geoff,

I noticed in the undercover literature that DC says that stat placement relative to humidifier is "critical" when using an undercover.  They give a diagram and measurements and they are different for H5 and H4 stats. You might want to give that a look. 

Additionally, a ten minute test might reveal a thing or two about the piano itself. I suggest a thorough look at the crown situation...specifically looking to see if the board is compressed significantly under the bridge relative to the "non-bearing" side of the board.  If it is, this could be an indicator of excessive downbearing, which can produce hyper-sensitivity to minor humidity changes. If this exists it points in the direction (though 100% conclusively) in the direction of the piano. Worth a look anyway. 

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 11:47
From: Roger Gable
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Geoff,

Have you considered adding another heater to the system? There are 2 electrical outlets on the "de-humidistat only" control version. I found it necessary on occasion in poorly controlled atmospheres.

Roger

Original Message------

Greetings all --

I have a problem piano. I'm sure all of us have at least one. This is a 1981 Kawai KG-2D in very good condition. It's located in a large basement choir practice room at a large church. By large I mean it's like a small amphitheater with seating for about 150 with concrete walls, floor and ceiling. I know from random monitoring when I am there tuning that the temperature and humidity in this room fluctuates a lot. The AC is only run when the room is going to be used, (which is a problem all in itself). I used to see this piano more than once a month but once I installed a Dampp-Chaser de-humidifier system, (the room is never too dry), I'm now only seeing this piano about every six weeks. Which is an improvement but still way too often.

I know that RH in this room is a major contributor to this instability problem, but I'm not 100% convinced that there might not also be problems with the piano. Pinblock is good. Soundboard is good and bridge is sitting solid. All the strings render stable without problem. I occasionally check the perimeter plate bolts, (once every year or two), and usually find them needing about 1/8 of a turn. Yes, we keep the piano covered. As far as I'm concerned, the piano is solid. But I would like to run a long term test on the environment. So, today's question is does anyone know of a company, preferably Southern California based, where I can rent a temperature/humidity logger? I'd like to set it up and let it run for three or four weeks so both the church and I can know for certain that the environment really is the problem. Once that is determined then perhaps we can move on to better correcting, or controlling the problem.

I have talked to them, over and over and over and over, about leaving the AC on but the powers that be have decided that it's less expensive to bring me in frequently than to run the AC. I have no objection to receiving the work, but it's frustrating to both customer and myself in not knowing exactly why this piano won't hold a tuning for an acceptable length of time.

Looking forward to your replies.

Thanks --

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

Thanks for this, Peter --

Only a de-humidifier is in use on this piano. The room getting too dry is not a problem.

Not being a rebuilder I've never had the need to check for correct crown. How does one go about checking downbearing on the speaking and non-speaking sides of the bridge? What would be considered good?

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 12:27
From: Peter Grey
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Geoff,

I noticed in the undercover literature that DC says that stat placement relative to humidifier is "critical" when using an undercover.  They give a diagram and measurements and they are different for H5 and H4 stats. You might want to give that a look.

Additionally, a ten minute test might reveal a thing or two about the piano itself. I suggest a thorough look at the crown situation...specifically looking to see if the board is compressed significantly under the bridge relative to the "non-bearing" side of the board.  If it is, this could be an indicator of excessive downbearing, which can produce hyper-sensitivity to minor humidity changes. If this exists it points in the direction (though 100% conclusively) in the direction of the piano. Worth a look anyway.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 11:47
From: Roger Gable
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Geoff,

Have you considered adding another heater to the system? There are 2 electrical outlets on the "de-humidistat only" control version. I found it necessary on occasion in poorly controlled atmospheres.

Roger

Original Message------

Greetings all --

I have a problem piano. I'm sure all of us have at least one. This is a 1981 Kawai KG-2D in very good condition. It's located in a large basement choir practice room at a large church. By large I mean it's like a small amphitheater with seating for about 150 with concrete walls, floor and ceiling. I know from random monitoring when I am there tuning that the temperature and humidity in this room fluctuates a lot. The AC is only run when the room is going to be used, (which is a problem all in itself). I used to see this piano more than once a month but once I installed a Dampp-Chaser de-humidifier system, (the room is never too dry), I'm now only seeing this piano about every six weeks. Which is an improvement but still way too often.

I know that RH in this room is a major contributor to this instability problem, but I'm not 100% convinced that there might not also be problems with the piano. Pinblock is good. Soundboard is good and bridge is sitting solid. All the strings render stable without problem. I occasionally check the perimeter plate bolts, (once every year or two), and usually find them needing about 1/8 of a turn. Yes, we keep the piano covered. As far as I'm concerned, the piano is solid. But I would like to run a long term test on the environment. So, today's question is does anyone know of a company, preferably Southern California based, where I can rent a temperature/humidity logger? I'd like to set it up and let it run for three or four weeks so both the church and I can know for certain that the environment really is the problem. Once that is determined then perhaps we can move on to better correcting, or controlling the problem.

I have talked to them, over and over and over and over, about leaving the AC on but the powers that be have decided that it's less expensive to bring me in frequently than to run the AC. I have no objection to receiving the work, but it's frustrating to both customer and myself in not knowing exactly why this piano won't hold a tuning for an acceptable length of time.

Looking forward to your replies.

Thanks --

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

Peter G. wrote: "I suggest a thorough look at the crown situation...specifically looking to see if the board is compressed significantly under the bridge relative to the "non-bearing" side of the board."

How would one "look at the crown situation" to see whether the soundboard is compressed significantly? What is meant by "under the bridge"? What is the significance of the "non-bearing" side of the board (I trust you mean the soundboard area under the hitch pin area of the plate)?

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 12:27
From: Peter Grey
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Geoff,

I noticed in the undercover literature that DC says that stat placement relative to humidifier is "critical" when using an undercover.  They give a diagram and measurements and they are different for H5 and H4 stats. You might want to give that a look.

Additionally, a ten minute test might reveal a thing or two about the piano itself. I suggest a thorough look at the crown situation...specifically looking to see if the board is compressed significantly under the bridge relative to the "non-bearing" side of the board.  If it is, this could be an indicator of excessive downbearing, which can produce hyper-sensitivity to minor humidity changes. If this exists it points in the direction (though 100% conclusively) in the direction of the piano. Worth a look anyway.

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 11:47
From: Roger Gable
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Geoff,

Have you considered adding another heater to the system? There are 2 electrical outlets on the "de-humidistat only" control version. I found it necessary on occasion in poorly controlled atmospheres.

Roger

Original Message------

Greetings all --

I have a problem piano. I'm sure all of us have at least one. This is a 1981 Kawai KG-2D in very good condition. It's located in a large basement choir practice room at a large church. By large I mean it's like a small amphitheater with seating for about 150 with concrete walls, floor and ceiling. I know from random monitoring when I am there tuning that the temperature and humidity in this room fluctuates a lot. The AC is only run when the room is going to be used, (which is a problem all in itself). I used to see this piano more than once a month but once I installed a Dampp-Chaser de-humidifier system, (the room is never too dry), I'm now only seeing this piano about every six weeks. Which is an improvement but still way too often.

I know that RH in this room is a major contributor to this instability problem, but I'm not 100% convinced that there might not also be problems with the piano. Pinblock is good. Soundboard is good and bridge is sitting solid. All the strings render stable without problem. I occasionally check the perimeter plate bolts, (once every year or two), and usually find them needing about 1/8 of a turn. Yes, we keep the piano covered. As far as I'm concerned, the piano is solid. But I would like to run a long term test on the environment. So, today's question is does anyone know of a company, preferably Southern California based, where I can rent a temperature/humidity logger? I'd like to set it up and let it run for three or four weeks so both the church and I can know for certain that the environment really is the problem. Once that is determined then perhaps we can move on to better correcting, or controlling the problem.

I have talked to them, over and over and over and over, about leaving the AC on but the powers that be have decided that it's less expensive to bring me in frequently than to run the AC. I have no objection to receiving the work, but it's frustrating to both customer and myself in not knowing exactly why this piano won't hold a tuning for an acceptable length of time.

Looking forward to your replies.

Thanks --

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

I found a WiFi humidity / temperature data logger on Amazon for about $40. It's probably cheaper to order one your self than to rent one. Plus you get to keep it after a few weeks, to use again next time something comes up.

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(805) 315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 00:50
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Greetings all --

I have a problem piano. I'm sure all of us have at least one. This is a 1981 Kawai KG-2D in very good condition. It's located in a large basement choir practice room at a large church. By large I mean it's like a small amphitheater with seating for about 150 with concrete walls, floor and ceiling. I know from random monitoring when I am there tuning that the temperature and humidity in this room fluctuates a lot. The AC is only run when the room is going to be used, (which is a problem all in itself). I used to see this piano more than once a month but once I installed a Dampp-Chaser de-humidifier system, (the room is never too dry), I'm now only seeing this piano about every six weeks. Which is an improvement but still way too often.

I know that RH in this room is a major contributor to this instability problem, but I'm not 100% convinced that there might not also be problems with the piano. Pinblock is good. Soundboard is good and bridge is sitting solid. All the strings render stable without problem. I occasionally check the perimeter plate bolts, (once every year or two), and usually find them needing about 1/8 of a turn. Yes, we keep the piano covered. As far as I'm concerned, the piano is solid. But I would like to run a long term test on the environment. So, today's question is does anyone know of a company, preferably Southern California based, where I can rent a temperature/humidity logger? I'd like to set it up and let it run for three or four weeks so both the church and I can know for certain that the environment really is the problem. Once that is determined then perhaps we can move on to better correcting, or controlling the problem.

I have talked to them, over and over and over and over, about leaving the AC on but the powers that be have decided that it's less expensive to bring me in frequently than to run the AC. I have no objection to receiving the work, but it's frustrating to both customer and myself in not knowing exactly why this piano won't hold a tuning for an acceptable length of time.

Looking forward to your replies.

Thanks --

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

Bearing vs non-bearing meaning under the bridge (long bridge) vs not under the bridge. 

When you stretch your string across from edge to edge we are generally looking for a pretty even crown. However, if directly under the long bridge you can detect that there is clearly less crown than there is under the areas to each side of it (worst case scenario would be an S-curve where you see zero or "reverse" crown UNDER the bridge, but good positive crown elsewhere..."oil-canned").  This situation means that PROBABLY there is truly excessive downbearing exceeding the board's capacity to resist and has collapsed under the pressure. This will create a situation where the soundboard is hyper-sensitive to humidity change and convulses badly and unpredictably...IOW unexplainable instability. 

The above is a worst case scenario.  There are less severe, but similar situations where somewhat excessive downbearing (especially if uneven) perhaps coupled with a "soft" spot in the soundboard (wide or not-so-quartersawn grain arrangement) that can seriously mess with tuning stability. 

If it is not OBVIOUS  then it is a judgement call, unfortunately unprovable to most people short of dismantling the piano to see what is actually going on. The inexperienced eye may not pick up on this. Also, it is not always entirely conclusive, simply a possible element INSIDE the piano, as it is, that is a major player in the symptom picture. 

If everything looks hunky-dory under there (nice smooth gradual curve from edge to edge) then you can dismiss this as a factor (probably). 

Best explanation I can supply right now. 

Pwg

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 14:04
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

I found a WiFi humidity / temperature data logger on Amazon for about $40. It's probably cheaper to order one your self than to rent one. Plus you get to keep it after a few weeks, to use again next time something comes up.

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(805) 315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 00:50
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Greetings all --

I have a problem piano. I'm sure all of us have at least one. This is a 1981 Kawai KG-2D in very good condition. It's located in a large basement choir practice room at a large church. By large I mean it's like a small amphitheater with seating for about 150 with concrete walls, floor and ceiling. I know from random monitoring when I am there tuning that the temperature and humidity in this room fluctuates a lot. The AC is only run when the room is going to be used, (which is a problem all in itself). I used to see this piano more than once a month but once I installed a Dampp-Chaser de-humidifier system, (the room is never too dry), I'm now only seeing this piano about every six weeks. Which is an improvement but still way too often.

I know that RH in this room is a major contributor to this instability problem, but I'm not 100% convinced that there might not also be problems with the piano. Pinblock is good. Soundboard is good and bridge is sitting solid. All the strings render stable without problem. I occasionally check the perimeter plate bolts, (once every year or two), and usually find them needing about 1/8 of a turn. Yes, we keep the piano covered. As far as I'm concerned, the piano is solid. But I would like to run a long term test on the environment. So, today's question is does anyone know of a company, preferably Southern California based, where I can rent a temperature/humidity logger? I'd like to set it up and let it run for three or four weeks so both the church and I can know for certain that the environment really is the problem. Once that is determined then perhaps we can move on to better correcting, or controlling the problem.

I have talked to them, over and over and over and over, about leaving the AC on but the powers that be have decided that it's less expensive to bring me in frequently than to run the AC. I have no objection to receiving the work, but it's frustrating to both customer and myself in not knowing exactly why this piano won't hold a tuning for an acceptable length of time.

Looking forward to your replies.

Thanks --

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

I bought this $22 temp/RH monitor/data logger off amazon.  It seems to work. 

ECOWITT DS102 USB Temperature Humidity Data Logger Recorder 20736 Points with PC Software

------------------------------
Eric Schell
ericschellpiano@gmail.com
Austin TX
512-363-6236
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 00:50
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Greetings all --

I have a problem piano. I'm sure all of us have at least one. This is a 1981 Kawai KG-2D in very good condition. It's located in a large basement choir practice room at a large church. By large I mean it's like a small amphitheater with seating for about 150 with concrete walls, floor and ceiling. I know from random monitoring when I am there tuning that the temperature and humidity in this room fluctuates a lot. The AC is only run when the room is going to be used, (which is a problem all in itself). I used to see this piano more than once a month but once I installed a Dampp-Chaser de-humidifier system, (the room is never too dry), I'm now only seeing this piano about every six weeks. Which is an improvement but still way too often.

I know that RH in this room is a major contributor to this instability problem, but I'm not 100% convinced that there might not also be problems with the piano. Pinblock is good. Soundboard is good and bridge is sitting solid. All the strings render stable without problem. I occasionally check the perimeter plate bolts, (once every year or two), and usually find them needing about 1/8 of a turn. Yes, we keep the piano covered. As far as I'm concerned, the piano is solid. But I would like to run a long term test on the environment. So, today's question is does anyone know of a company, preferably Southern California based, where I can rent a temperature/humidity logger? I'd like to set it up and let it run for three or four weeks so both the church and I can know for certain that the environment really is the problem. Once that is determined then perhaps we can move on to better correcting, or controlling the problem.

I have talked to them, over and over and over and over, about leaving the AC on but the powers that be have decided that it's less expensive to bring me in frequently than to run the AC. I have no objection to receiving the work, but it's frustrating to both customer and myself in not knowing exactly why this piano won't hold a tuning for an acceptable length of time.

Looking forward to your replies.

Thanks --

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

That's the same one that I put on my wish list yesterday. I'm not after science here, but consistent and reasonably close will tell me what I need to know.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-15-2019 18:09
From: Eric Schell
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

I bought this $22 temp/RH monitor/data logger off amazon.  It seems to work.

ECOWITT DS102 USB Temperature Humidity Data Logger Recorder 20736 Points with PC Software

------------------------------
Eric Schell
ericschellpiano@gmail.com
Austin TX
512-363-6236

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 00:50
From: Geoff Sykes
Subject: How to monitor the environment question

Greetings all --

I have a problem piano. I'm sure all of us have at least one. This is a 1981 Kawai KG-2D in very good condition. It's located in a large basement choir practice room at a large church. By large I mean it's like a small amphitheater with seating for about 150 with concrete walls, floor and ceiling. I know from random monitoring when I am there tuning that the temperature and humidity in this room fluctuates a lot. The AC is only run when the room is going to be used, (which is a problem all in itself). I used to see this piano more than once a month but once I installed a Dampp-Chaser de-humidifier system, (the room is never too dry), I'm now only seeing this piano about every six weeks. Which is an improvement but still way too often.

I know that RH in this room is a major contributor to this instability problem, but I'm not 100% convinced that there might not also be problems with the piano. Pinblock is good. Soundboard is good and bridge is sitting solid. All the strings render stable without problem. I occasionally check the perimeter plate bolts, (once every year or two), and usually find them needing about 1/8 of a turn. Yes, we keep the piano covered. As far as I'm concerned, the piano is solid. But I would like to run a long term test on the environment. So, today's question is does anyone know of a company, preferably Southern California based, where I can rent a temperature/humidity logger? I'd like to set it up and let it run for three or four weeks so both the church and I can know for certain that the environment really is the problem. Once that is determined then perhaps we can move on to better correcting, or controlling the problem.

I have talked to them, over and over and over and over, about leaving the AC on but the powers that be have decided that it's less expensive to bring me in frequently than to run the AC. I have no objection to receiving the work, but it's frustrating to both customer and myself in not knowing exactly why this piano won't hold a tuning for an acceptable length of time.

Looking forward to your replies.

Thanks --

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