Jody Kravitz wrote in MMDigest 010826:

> It looks like there is an improved design of the Dampp-Chaser
> which includes a humidistat and humidifier as well as the
> traditional rod-shaped heater.

This is the version we had installed on our Yamaha C7.  I did not
realize there was a heater-only version.

Our piano had been going out of tune, primarily near the treble bridge
break, every couple of weeks.  Since installing the Dampp-Chaser a
little over a month ago it has held tune much better.

I would prefer to keep the building at a constant temperature and
humidity year round for the sake of the pipe organ and the pianos.
Our budget and the type of construction used on the building do not
allow that, so the Dampp-Chaser (specifically, the humidifier portion)
seems to be the next best thing.

With a grand piano, the humidifier is positioned under the sound
board.  The unit puts out a gentle moisture, unlike the large mists
created by room humidifiers.  There seems little chance of it causing
moisture damage to the strings and action, but time will tell.

Our tuner/tech does not have the time to come back every couple of
weeks to tune, so this seems like a reasonable alternative.  It
certainly saves the piano from my attempts at touchup tuning :)

Mike Blackwell