Violano Humidity Control
By Ed Gloeggler
Perhaps a true piano technician can provide some opinion and insight into a piano problem that I have been having.
As many know, the Mills Violano is equipped with a keyboardless, symmetrical piano. That is, the bass strings are located in the middle of the cast iron frame, with the treble strings on either side. The strings do not cross over one another, which makes for a very stable design. A "U"-shaped wood bridge rests against the strings, transmitting the sound to a rather conventional spruce sound board.
Since I am located on Long Island, less than 1000 feet from the Atlantic, I have lots of problems with humidity changes. Winter's steam heating drives humidity down to less than 10%, with Summers bringing 100% humidity almost all summer long.
I suppose the sound board and bridge dry out and contract in the winter, and the piano consistently drops in pitch ten to twenty cents. Luckily, it goes flat consistently, with all notes remaining in tune within a couple of cents.
Is it better for the piano to "keep it up to pitch," possibly by tuning four times per year, or would the constant meddling loosen the tuning pins? Or should I just tune it twice yearly, during the Spring and Fall, and tolerate a ten-cent sharp or flat piano depending on the weather? Which would be best for the longevity of the machine?
Naturally, my Stroud upright suffers the same seasonal adjustments, with far less consistence due to the traditional design.
Additionally, could anyone share opinions on the "heat sticks" and humidifiers that are sold for controlling piano environments? I have heard conflicting reports, with some suggesting that the introduction of raw water into the cabinet can cause rusting of strings.
Any suggestions, advise, or opinions would be appreciated.
Ed Gloeggler
Long Beach, New York
[ The purpose of a humidifier in a piano is to keep constant the
[ moisture content in the wood, so that it won't expand and shrink.
[ A properly-operating humidifier should never result in water
[ condensing. I'm not sure that a heating device alone is an effective
[ way to control the wood's moisture content. ... And now that I've
[ stuck out my neck let's see what the experienced piano techs say!
[ -- Robbie |
(Message sent Mon 3 Feb 1997, 14:08:46 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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