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PIANO LIFE SAVER ® - Humidity control systems for all upright pianos and Pianolas |
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Why Pianos and Pianolas Need the Piano Life Saver |
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The most important part of good piano maintenance is keeping the humidity as constant as possible. Because tuning instability and physical deterioration are the obvious results of continued humidity extremes, the installation of a Piano Life Saver System is the best way to ensure the piano is protected from the devastating effects of humidity changes.
The Piano Life Saver System consists of one or more Dehumidifier rods to lower humidity, one or more Humidifiers to add humidity, and a Humidistat which senses whether the wooden parts of the piano are too moist or too dry. |
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Through
a cycling action, the Humidistat is calibrated to create a separate environment within the
piano, producing a range of humidity, which, in turn, provides a stable moisture content in the wooden parts. This constant cycling action stabilises pitch and protects the piano from deterioration. Used in conjunction with the System to combat extreme air movement in the room, a Grand Undercover or Vertical Backside Cover may be mounted on the piano to further stabilize the pitch. In particular,
covers are recommended for use with the system when the piano is located in a church, institutional or commercial building.
Humidistats
The Humidistat controls the Humidifier and Dehumidifier and comes with a 10ft. power cord. Since 2006, new Damp-Chaser Systems include either a model H-5 Humidistat or a model H-D Humidistat. Both Humidistats may be used in a grand or a vertical piano.
The H-5 model is included in Systems
that both humidify and dehumidify. The H-D model is used in Systems which only dehumidify.
All Humidistats offered in the U.K. are provided with three different calibrations to maintain pianos
at the following levels of relative humidity:
Standard Humidistat averages 45% RH
Wet Humidistat averages 50% RH; Used in highly humid climates, coastal areas, islands, etc.
Dry Humidistat averages 39% RH; Used in dry climates, western states, deserts, etc.
How Does The System Work?
The Piano Life Saver System is made up of basic components which work together to control the humidity levels within your piano, maintaining the recommended relative humidity, no matter what the external conditions are.
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How the components work together
Through a cycling action, the Humidistat is calibrated to create a separate environment within the piano, producing a narrow range of average humidity. When the Humidistat, located less than an inch from the soundboard, senses that the wood is dry, it turns the Humidifier on. Then, when the Humidifier has provided enough moisture to the soundboard, the Humidistat turns off the Humidifier and turns on the Dehumidifier.
The Dehumidifier carries away moisture from the soundboard on air currents until the Humidistat senses that the soundboard is dry. The System again switches to the humidifying function. The cycle continues day after day, year after year, protecting your piano from external conditions.
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Benefits
to your piano
Installed out-of-sight inside the piano, the System combats both dry
conditions and highly humid conditions, keeping the humidity level
in the piano consistent continuously.
The piano life saver system . . .
Stabilizes pitch and permits tunings to hold much better and longer (the tuning will not go sharp or
flat when the weather or room humidity changes)
Minimizes the expansion and contraction of action parts which provides optimum touch and
predictable keyboard control
Prevents rust on the strings and metal parts
Minimizes felt deterioration, reducing the harsh tones that come from flattened hammer felt in low
humidity or the muffled tones from swollen hammer felt in high humidity
Minimizes glue failure throughout the piano
Protects your piano's investment value year after year
M220U Upright system
A complete climate control system to provide protection from excesses
of dryness or dampness. An automatic dual sensor ensures exactly the
right environment, eliminating such problems as sticking keys, sluggish
action, rust, loose pins, damage to bridges, soundboards etc. Easy
to install, a Damp Chaser system is the proven way to safeguard your
piano. The diagram below demonstrates the humidity this system keeps
your piano at.
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M220P Replacement pad kit
M220T Water treatment |
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Prices on application
Please call David to find out more on 0844 5857299 or email
The Pianola Shop for quote on fitting.
For some tips on caring for your instrument please click the following
link... Instrument Care
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