Pianotech

Some time ago, I asked a question about a climate control system install in a "box" for a piano at a small symphony. There were helpful posts but no pictures. I forgot to take pictures on the install date, but recently took these. I hope they will be helpful for future searches. 

The box is made of 1" plywood and has been there long before I got there. No insulation--just wood.  The piano is a Yamaha C7.

The system is for a vertical piano with an additional heater bar. I built the little box from scrap wood, then painted it. The box has sides on it, and was built so that all the parts would stay in the correct place. In other words, the humidifier would be in its correct position relative to the humidistat and dehumidifier bar, similar to the way a vertical system is installed. (I don't think it really matters too very much inside the box, but that was the thought I had.) The dehumidifier bar is supported by clips that are screwed into the top of the box...the same ones we use to suspend the bar.

Someone had suggested a fan to help circulate air inside the box. I thought that was a good idea. The fan was around $15-20 on Amazon. It plugs into an extension cord and is always running.

I stapled plastic sheeting to the inside walls of the box, and also made some 1" vent holes at the top of the box. The vent holes probably are not necessary with no insulation, but I figured it might be a good idea.

I bought plastic tubing from Lowes, and ran it to the top of the box so it would be easy to fill from the outside. The control panel is also outside the box near the fill tube.

The box is at the back of the stage of this old auditorium, and is on the outside wall. The auditorium is not cooled or heated very consistently. According to the hygrometer that I left on a beam, it does a pretty good job of maintaining consistent RH.

Anyone have suggestions for a new title for this thread? The search feature here is not very helpful and if there are better terms, I can edit the title.


------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

Hi John. I've long thought that such an idea is a good one for an institutional piano. The fan is a must IMHO. Two other thoughts to perhaps consider. Insulation can be had quite easily by attaching 3/4" insulating foam panels to the inside of each box wall - of the temperature difference between the box inside and outside is large, that might be worthwhile. One way of testing that - or testing whether your system is sized correctly, is to plug an analog clock into the dehumidification and humidification plug receptacles on the humidistat (one clock for each one - or one at a time). Set the time on the clock to the correct time and then check it a day later - that will tell you how long the system has been on. You can then adjust/modify system accordingly.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-04-2019 08:09
From: John Formsma
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

Some time ago, I asked a question about a climate control system install in a "box" for a piano at a small symphony. There were helpful posts but no pictures. I forgot to take pictures on the install date, but recently took these. I hope they will be helpful for future searches.

The box is made of 1" plywood and has been there long before I got there. No insulation--just wood.  The piano is a Yamaha C7.

The system is for a vertical piano with an additional heater bar. I built the little box from scrap wood, then painted it. The box has sides on it, and was built so that all the parts would stay in the correct place. In other words, the humidifier would be in its correct position relative to the humidistat and dehumidifier bar, similar to the way a vertical system is installed. (I don't think it really matters too very much inside the box, but that was the thought I had.) The dehumidifier bar is supported by clips that are screwed into the top of the box...the same ones we use to suspend the bar.

Someone had suggested a fan to help circulate air inside the box. I thought that was a good idea. The fan was around $15-20 on Amazon. It plugs into an extension cord and is always running.

I stapled plastic sheeting to the inside walls of the box, and also made some 1" vent holes at the top of the box. The vent holes probably are not necessary with no insulation, but I figured it might be a good idea.

I bought plastic tubing from Lowes, and ran it to the top of the box so it would be easy to fill from the outside. The control panel is also outside the box near the fill tube.

The box is at the back of the stage of this old auditorium, and is on the outside wall. The auditorium is not cooled or heated very consistently. According to the hygrometer that I left on a beam, it does a pretty good job of maintaining consistent RH.

Anyone have suggestions for a new title for this thread? The search feature here is not very helpful and if there are better terms, I can edit the title.


------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

John,

I assume this is because they don't want the system on the piano. Is this a correct assumption? 

Pwg

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-05-2019 06:44
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

Hi John. I've long thought that such an idea is a good one for an institutional piano. The fan is a must IMHO. Two other thoughts to perhaps consider. Insulation can be had quite easily by attaching 3/4" insulating foam panels to the inside of each box wall - of the temperature difference between the box inside and outside is large, that might be worthwhile. One way of testing that - or testing whether your system is sized correctly, is to plug an analog clock into the dehumidification and humidification plug receptacles on the humidistat (one clock for each one - or one at a time). Set the time on the clock to the correct time and then check it a day later - that will tell you how long the system has been on. You can then adjust/modify system accordingly.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-04-2019 08:09
From: John Formsma
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

Some time ago, I asked a question about a climate control system install in a "box" for a piano at a small symphony. There were helpful posts but no pictures. I forgot to take pictures on the install date, but recently took these. I hope they will be helpful for future searches.

The box is made of 1" plywood and has been there long before I got there. No insulation--just wood.  The piano is a Yamaha C7.

The system is for a vertical piano with an additional heater bar. I built the little box from scrap wood, then painted it. The box has sides on it, and was built so that all the parts would stay in the correct place. In other words, the humidifier would be in its correct position relative to the humidistat and dehumidifier bar, similar to the way a vertical system is installed. (I don't think it really matters too very much inside the box, but that was the thought I had.) The dehumidifier bar is supported by clips that are screwed into the top of the box...the same ones we use to suspend the bar.

Someone had suggested a fan to help circulate air inside the box. I thought that was a good idea. The fan was around $15-20 on Amazon. It plugs into an extension cord and is always running.

I stapled plastic sheeting to the inside walls of the box, and also made some 1" vent holes at the top of the box. The vent holes probably are not necessary with no insulation, but I figured it might be a good idea.

I bought plastic tubing from Lowes, and ran it to the top of the box so it would be easy to fill from the outside. The control panel is also outside the box near the fill tube.

The box is at the back of the stage of this old auditorium, and is on the outside wall. The auditorium is not cooled or heated very consistently. According to the hygrometer that I left on a beam, it does a pretty good job of maintaining consistent RH.

Anyone have suggestions for a new title for this thread? The search feature here is not very helpful and if there are better terms, I can edit the title.


------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

Yes, this auditorium is an old building. There are no electrical outlets in the floor as in modern buildings. It seemed the best option for this setup.

------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 09:04
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

John,

I assume this is because they don't want the system on the piano. Is this a correct assumption?

Pwg

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-05-2019 06:44
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

Hi John. I've long thought that such an idea is a good one for an institutional piano. The fan is a must IMHO. Two other thoughts to perhaps consider. Insulation can be had quite easily by attaching 3/4" insulating foam panels to the inside of each box wall - of the temperature difference between the box inside and outside is large, that might be worthwhile. One way of testing that - or testing whether your system is sized correctly, is to plug an analog clock into the dehumidification and humidification plug receptacles on the humidistat (one clock for each one - or one at a time). Set the time on the clock to the correct time and then check it a day later - that will tell you how long the system has been on. You can then adjust/modify system accordingly.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-04-2019 08:09
From: John Formsma
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

Some time ago, I asked a question about a climate control system install in a "box" for a piano at a small symphony. There were helpful posts but no pictures. I forgot to take pictures on the install date, but recently took these. I hope they will be helpful for future searches.

The box is made of 1" plywood and has been there long before I got there. No insulation--just wood.  The piano is a Yamaha C7.

The system is for a vertical piano with an additional heater bar. I built the little box from scrap wood, then painted it. The box has sides on it, and was built so that all the parts would stay in the correct place. In other words, the humidifier would be in its correct position relative to the humidistat and dehumidifier bar, similar to the way a vertical system is installed. (I don't think it really matters too very much inside the box, but that was the thought I had.) The dehumidifier bar is supported by clips that are screwed into the top of the box...the same ones we use to suspend the bar.

Someone had suggested a fan to help circulate air inside the box. I thought that was a good idea. The fan was around $15-20 on Amazon. It plugs into an extension cord and is always running.

I stapled plastic sheeting to the inside walls of the box, and also made some 1" vent holes at the top of the box. The vent holes probably are not necessary with no insulation, but I figured it might be a good idea.

I bought plastic tubing from Lowes, and ran it to the top of the box so it would be easy to fill from the outside. The control panel is also outside the box near the fill tube.

The box is at the back of the stage of this old auditorium, and is on the outside wall. The auditorium is not cooled or heated very consistently. According to the hygrometer that I left on a beam, it does a pretty good job of maintaining consistent RH.

Anyone have suggestions for a new title for this thread? The search feature here is not very helpful and if there are better terms, I can edit the title.


------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

Good ideas and thoughts, Terry. Thanks!

------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-05-2019 06:44
From: Terrence Farrell
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

Hi John. I've long thought that such an idea is a good one for an institutional piano. The fan is a must IMHO. Two other thoughts to perhaps consider. Insulation can be had quite easily by attaching 3/4" insulating foam panels to the inside of each box wall - of the temperature difference between the box inside and outside is large, that might be worthwhile. One way of testing that - or testing whether your system is sized correctly, is to plug an analog clock into the dehumidification and humidification plug receptacles on the humidistat (one clock for each one - or one at a time). Set the time on the clock to the correct time and then check it a day later - that will tell you how long the system has been on. You can then adjust/modify system accordingly.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 12-04-2019 08:09
From: John Formsma
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

Some time ago, I asked a question about a climate control system install in a "box" for a piano at a small symphony. There were helpful posts but no pictures. I forgot to take pictures on the install date, but recently took these. I hope they will be helpful for future searches.

The box is made of 1" plywood and has been there long before I got there. No insulation--just wood.  The piano is a Yamaha C7.

The system is for a vertical piano with an additional heater bar. I built the little box from scrap wood, then painted it. The box has sides on it, and was built so that all the parts would stay in the correct place. In other words, the humidifier would be in its correct position relative to the humidistat and dehumidifier bar, similar to the way a vertical system is installed. (I don't think it really matters too very much inside the box, but that was the thought I had.) The dehumidifier bar is supported by clips that are screwed into the top of the box...the same ones we use to suspend the bar.

Someone had suggested a fan to help circulate air inside the box. I thought that was a good idea. The fan was around $15-20 on Amazon. It plugs into an extension cord and is always running.

I stapled plastic sheeting to the inside walls of the box, and also made some 1" vent holes at the top of the box. The vent holes probably are not necessary with no insulation, but I figured it might be a good idea.

I bought plastic tubing from Lowes, and ran it to the top of the box so it would be easy to fill from the outside. The control panel is also outside the box near the fill tube.

The box is at the back of the stage of this old auditorium, and is on the outside wall. The auditorium is not cooled or heated very consistently. According to the hygrometer that I left on a beam, it does a pretty good job of maintaining consistent RH.

Anyone have suggestions for a new title for this thread? The search feature here is not very helpful and if there are better terms, I can edit the title.


------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

Years ago, I did something like this for a Falcone 74 in an off-stage box/garage. The actual D-C hardware lived in a "little red wagon" (donated by a grandmother on the board) located under the board as normal, with a clothesline road attached to the RH door panel (one of two 6'x4' plywood panels, hinged at the side). Open the RH door and the wagon was pulled laterally to the RH side, allowing the far leg of the piano to roll right out. I also extended the warning indicator bulbs with lamp chord, to a spot on the side of the garage, so that the D-C conditions could be read from outside. Worked nicely.

------------------------------
William Ballard RPT
WBPS
Saxtons River VT
802-869-9107

"Our lives contain a thousand springs
and dies if one be gone
Strange that a harp of a thousand strings
should keep in tune so long."
...........Dr. Watts, "The Continental Harmony,1774
+++++++++++++++++++++
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-04-2019 08:09
From: John Formsma
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

Some time ago, I asked a question about a climate control system install in a "box" for a piano at a small symphony. There were helpful posts but no pictures. I forgot to take pictures on the install date, but recently took these. I hope they will be helpful for future searches.

The box is made of 1" plywood and has been there long before I got there. No insulation--just wood.  The piano is a Yamaha C7.

The system is for a vertical piano with an additional heater bar. I built the little box from scrap wood, then painted it. The box has sides on it, and was built so that all the parts would stay in the correct place. In other words, the humidifier would be in its correct position relative to the humidistat and dehumidifier bar, similar to the way a vertical system is installed. (I don't think it really matters too very much inside the box, but that was the thought I had.) The dehumidifier bar is supported by clips that are screwed into the top of the box...the same ones we use to suspend the bar.

Someone had suggested a fan to help circulate air inside the box. I thought that was a good idea. The fan was around $15-20 on Amazon. It plugs into an extension cord and is always running.

I stapled plastic sheeting to the inside walls of the box, and also made some 1" vent holes at the top of the box. The vent holes probably are not necessary with no insulation, but I figured it might be a good idea.

I bought plastic tubing from Lowes, and ran it to the top of the box so it would be easy to fill from the outside. The control panel is also outside the box near the fill tube.

The box is at the back of the stage of this old auditorium, and is on the outside wall. The auditorium is not cooled or heated very consistently. According to the hygrometer that I left on a beam, it does a pretty good job of maintaining consistent RH.

Anyone have suggestions for a new title for this thread? The search feature here is not very helpful and if there are better terms, I can edit the title.


------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

That sounds pretty clever!

------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2019 11:02
From: William Ballard
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

Years ago, I did something like this for a Falcone 74 in an off-stage box/garage. The actual D-C hardware lived in a "little red wagon" (donated by a grandmother on the board) located under the board as normal, with a clothesline road attached to the RH door panel (one of two 6'x4' plywood panels, hinged at the side). Open the RH door and the wagon was pulled laterally to the RH side, allowing the far leg of the piano to roll right out. I also extended the warning indicator bulbs with lamp chord, to a spot on the side of the garage, so that the D-C conditions could be read from outside. Worked nicely.

------------------------------
William Ballard RPT
WBPS
Saxtons River VT
802-869-9107

"Our lives contain a thousand springs
and dies if one be gone
Strange that a harp of a thousand strings
should keep in tune so long."
...........Dr. Watts, "The Continental Harmony,1774
+++++++++++++++++++++

Original Message:
Sent: 12-04-2019 08:09
From: John Formsma
Subject: Piano Life Saver install in piano box

Some time ago, I asked a question about a climate control system install in a "box" for a piano at a small symphony. There were helpful posts but no pictures. I forgot to take pictures on the install date, but recently took these. I hope they will be helpful for future searches.

The box is made of 1" plywood and has been there long before I got there. No insulation--just wood.  The piano is a Yamaha C7.

The system is for a vertical piano with an additional heater bar. I built the little box from scrap wood, then painted it. The box has sides on it, and was built so that all the parts would stay in the correct place. In other words, the humidifier would be in its correct position relative to the humidistat and dehumidifier bar, similar to the way a vertical system is installed. (I don't think it really matters too very much inside the box, but that was the thought I had.) The dehumidifier bar is supported by clips that are screwed into the top of the box...the same ones we use to suspend the bar.

Someone had suggested a fan to help circulate air inside the box. I thought that was a good idea. The fan was around $15-20 on Amazon. It plugs into an extension cord and is always running.

I stapled plastic sheeting to the inside walls of the box, and also made some 1" vent holes at the top of the box. The vent holes probably are not necessary with no insulation, but I figured it might be a good idea.

I bought plastic tubing from Lowes, and ran it to the top of the box so it would be easy to fill from the outside. The control panel is also outside the box near the fill tube.

The box is at the back of the stage of this old auditorium, and is on the outside wall. The auditorium is not cooled or heated very consistently. According to the hygrometer that I left on a beam, it does a pretty good job of maintaining consistent RH.

Anyone have suggestions for a new title for this thread? The search feature here is not very helpful and if there are better terms, I can edit the title.


------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------