Greetings, Master Wing!
I had a client in Fayetteville, Arkansas with this exact problem. The tank was suspended directly BELOW one of the tension resonator bars, and horrible rust had occurred in the segment of the bar that was located directly above the water tank. I do not see how it would be possible to mount the tank above any of the bars. Please see attached photos for before and after pictures.
Dampp Chaser sells a bent hanger rod kit (part number 90180, it is intended for use in M&H pianos) that allows extra clearance to install the baffle below the tension resonator bar, in theory protecting it from excess moisture in that specific area. Last I was in contact with Dampp Chaser to order this part, they were unable to sell me the part directly as a customer, but instead allowed Pacific Piano to invoice me and then Dampp Chaser drop shipped the hanger rod kit to me. I installed the bent hanger rod Dampp Chaser kit on two M&H pianos.
To clean existing rust: M&H recommended grinding off as much rust as possible with a power sander, then hitting it with a clear coat of Rustoleum. I did just that, sanding down as much rust as I could, and spraying it with Rustoleum.
Limitations of this solution:
- I did not follow up on these instruments . I do not know if it was successful in completely eliminating the rust problem. I hope the baffle distributed the moisture around it and the problem did not return. If you would like, I could message the clients and let you know if any rust has occurred, even with the bent hanger rod configuration.
- I did not think it was possible to hang the tank in any other position. If it's possible that you can find a position for the tank that is not directly underneath the tension resonator bar, maybe you could try that and send pics.
Hope this was helpful!
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Joshua Sadinsky
Santa Clarita CA
https://pianojosh.com/about------------------------------
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-24-2025 14:49
From: Alan Eder
Subject: humidity control for Mason & Hamlin grands
Greetings,
Wanting to put a Piano Life Saver System (the piano-mounted humidity control system formerly known as Dampp-Chaser) on a Mason & Hamlin grand, which has a Centripetal Tension Resonator. A colleague reports that one such piano he services has had the CTR rust due to the humidification part of the system. This, of course, is collateral damage that I would prefer to avoid!
Have any of you had a similar experience with regard to a rusty CTR? And if so, did this happen with the water tank(s) suspended from support rods mounted ABOVE the beams? Below the beams?
Thanks,
Alan
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Alan Eder, RPT
Herb Alpert School of Music
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
661.904.6483
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