Quick answer: Ideal humidity for a piano If you want the simplest target that keeps most pianos stable year-round, aim for about 42–45% relative humidity (RH) and focus on consistency. Start by purchasing a hygrometer so you can measure humidity. If your readings are out of range Pianos are creatures of humidity. I’m constantly talking … Read more
Yamaha Disklavier floppy disk drives are a notorious point of failure. Yamaha Disklaviers used floppy disk drives that were quite excellent for their time: They had all-metal frames, precision stepper mechanisms, and reasonably tolerant analog read electronics. Thirty-odd years later, however, these mechanical drives are far past their life expectancies. If you have an older … Read more
A Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System is one of the best investments a piano owner can make—but it’s also one of the easiest systems to forget about. When neglected or misunderstood, it can actually do more harm than good. I’ve received many panicked calls over the years! Here are the top ten mistakes I see … Read more
Customers regularly ask me which is the best humidifier for their piano and music room. Pianos are creatures of humidity: Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally absorbs and releases moisture from the air depending on the humidity level. Controlling that relative humidity in and around your piano is the one of the most important aspects … Read more
Pianos have wood and metal inside of them, and both react to relative humidity in different ways. Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture from the surrounding air. This causes the wood to expand in humid air and shrink in dry air. Metal can rust and corrode if the humidity gets too high, … Read more
During the winter months, many clients leave the state of Maine. Their piano is left in Maine, which means there’s nobody to fill the Dampp-Chaser! This is a solution. My best estimate is that this system can supply a Dampp-Chaser with sufficient water for three months during the winter, or perhaps longer. Normally, they have … Read more
Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver systems generate a lot of questions—how they work, whether you really need one, what “normal” looks like, and what to do when a light starts blinking. I’ve installed and serviced these systems on pianos throughout Maine, and this FAQ pulls together the answers I find myself giving over and over. I’m … Read more