Richard Friedman wrote in 150216 MMDigest, "Again, maybe there
is an MMDer who can tell us from personal experience with a
grand piano."

For the past 10+ years I have had and have maintained Dampp Chaser
systems in my three grand player pianos.  There has been much dialog
back and forth about the pros and cons with these systems.  Living
here in the high desert of Southern California we have severe humidity
changes throughout the year.  I have already given my opinion of the
Dampp Chaser system (in a previous MMD posting) and I have 10+ years
experience to back up my opinion.

The negative comments of some have made me wonder if they have had
any personal experience with these systems in their own instruments.
I would challenge anyone to come and inspect my instruments for any
of the bad things that they assume these systems do.

I believe that the desert is the best environment for these systems
to do exactly what they were designed to do, and do it well.  I also
believe that, had I not installed the Dampp Chaser systems in each
of my three grand player pianos soon after they arrived, I might have
three nice looking pieces of furniture that resemble grand pianos.
Even if they played at all after 10+ years of major seasonal humidity
changes (again, wood stove in the winter, evaporative cooler in the
summer), they would not sound good and would need major restoration.

Yes, I agree that whole house humidity control as part of the
HVAC system is best, but not everyone can afford such systems.  The
Dampp Chaser systems have been a very worthwhile investment for my
instruments and me, and I give them "thumbs up".

Also, someone wrote about the lady watering her piano (she was told
to do so by the piano technician) and wondering why keeping the water
level up all year was important.  Even with higher humidity levels
in the room (during the summer months), the system still uses water.
The system toggles between humidifying/dehumidifying in order to
maintain a constant humidity level, even though the humidity in the
room might be high.  I find that during humid weather, I still have
to "water the pianos", albeit less often.

Richard Ingram
Hesperia, California