Why Disklavier Floppy Drives Fail (And How to Back Up Disks)

Yamaha Disklavier floppy drives are a notorious point of failure. Yamaha Disklaviers used floppy disk drives that were excellent for their era: all-metal frames, precision stepper mechanisms, and reasonably tolerant analog read electronics. Thirty-odd years later, however, every one of the consumables in those machines is past its life expectancy. If you have an older … Read more

The 5 Most Common Mistakes Dampp-Chaser Owners Make

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 five mistakes I see … Read more

Choosing the Best Humidifier for Piano Care

Customers regularly ask me which is the best humidifier for their piano and music room. Pianos are creatures of humidity: Wood is hygroscopic, meaning naturally absorbs and releases moisture from the air depending on the humidity level. Controlling that relative humidity in and around your piano is the single most important aspect of piano care … Read more

Why Cheap Hygrometers Can Put Your Piano at Risk (and What to Use Instead)

A hygrometer is a device that measures the amount of moisture in the air, indicating the humidity level. It’s commonly used in homes, greenhouses, and industries to monitor and maintain optimal environmental conditions. ​Pianos have wood and metal inside of them, and both react to humidity in different ways. Wood is hygroscopic: it absorbs and … Read more

Dampp-Chaser Long-Term Humidifier Supply

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 System: Complete Guide & FAQ

What is a Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System? Pianos are creatures of humidity: Small changes in relative humidity can dramatically alter both the tuning and the lifespan of the instrument. Many customers struggle to keep the space around their piano at the recommended 42-45% humidity. To solve this problem, the Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System … Read more