A piano is made primarily of wood. All wood shrinks and swells as humidity changes. The soundboard is the main acoustical piece of wood in your piano, commonly 3/8" spruce. When the humidity is high, the soundboard swells and its crowned shape increases the tension on strings causing them to stretch and pitch to raise. When humidity is lower, the soundboard flattens out, lowering the tension on strings and causing pitch to drop.
1. It helps stabilize the tuning of your piano. A constant humidity level
(between 41-49%) helps your piano stay in tune longer.
2. It decreases the effects of a dry climate or heating systems in winter
which cause soundboards and bridges to crack, and pins to loosen in
the pin block.
3. It minimizes the problem of sluggish action or sticky keys caused
by swamp coolers or monsoonal weather in summer.
4. It protects your investment in your piano and prolongs the life of your
piano.
The Piano Life Saver System is made up of three basic components:
These parts work together to maintain the humidity levels within your piano
at about 45% regardless of the external conditions.
The Piano Life Saver IS ENDORSED BY BALDWIN, KAWAI, YAMAHA, BECHSTEIN, HAILUN, MASON & HAMLIN, PEARL RIVER, PETROF, STEINGRAEBER, FAZIOLI AND OTHERS.
Steinway & Sons says, “The installation of a Dampp-Chaser Humidity Control System can, in our opinion, provide a degree of climate control for the piano which may not be otherwise attainable.”
"In 2011, Glenda introduced me to the Dampp-Chaser system for our studio's grand piano. Installation went quickly and the system works silently. Small color-coded lamps indicate that the system is working properly or lets me know when to add water (about every 2 weeks). Noticeably, our Baldwin Grand is holding tune better without the seasonal fluctuations of humidity. The unit works flawlessly and I would highly recommend Glenda's services and having the Dampp-Chaser installed on every piano!"
-Ken Dravis, Owner Producer-Engineer
Aspen Leaf Recording Studio