Humidity control on the piano
This article discusses the importance of maintaining proper humidity levels in pianos to prevent damage to the wood and metal components caused by excessive expansion or contraction due to humidity fluctuations. It explains how the light bulb/water jar system, a cost-effective but less efficient method for controlling humidity in pianos, works and compares it with more sophisticated systems such as humidifiers/dehumidifiers installed on furnaces, portable room humidifiers with dehumidifiers installed in pianos, and climate control systems installed in pianos. The article also provides tips on how to use the light bulb/water jar system effectively and cautions against using coffee cans, which may rust and leak.
I have a question about something that seems to be less commonly discussed nowadays - placing jars, pans, etc. of water in the trap area of vertical pianos. I have been trying this for three years now, but I can't say for sure if it has any significant impact. If the water is not spilled, it does not seem to cause any harm and might be beneficial for extremely dry pianos. It is also a cheaper alternative to using a humidifier. I believe that room humidifiers are effective since they blow moisture directly into the air, but I am unsure if the water bottle method is worth the effort.
Yes, it is true that a light bulb/water jar system lacks the sophistication of a regular humidifier and is certainly less efficient. However, during the dry season, you will notice that the water level in the jar needs to be refilled frequently, which proves that the water in the jar is evaporating. The moisture is drawn into the air in the piano, and this has to have some positive effect. At the very least, it is better than nothing.
If a piano is kept in a controlled environment, preferably around 40- to 45-percent ambient humidity throughout the year, it will hold its tuning better and last longer than an instrument in an uncontrolled environment. Every piece of wood in the piano, regardless of varnishes, lacquers, or other finishes, expands across the grain whenever humidity is increased and contracts when humidity is reduced. Keys and actions can become very sluggish in the summertime and loose in winter. Soundboards and pinblocks can actually be destroyed by wide variations in humidity because they are stressed by unyielding metal parts (strings and tuning pins). Excessive expansion against any immovable object will cause some of the individual wood cells to be crushed. That part of the wood becomes dead and pulpy as a result and loses its natural elasticity. When the next dry season rolls around, the wood will crack at the point of the crushed wood cells. This wood cannot be revived; it must be replaced.
Let's take a look at some of the preventive measures that can be taken by the piano owner. Here are some of the available options:
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Humidifier/dehumidifier installed on furnace to control the humidity in the entire house - This type of system not only protects the piano, but also original oil paintings and fine wooden furniture. It is also helpful for people with certain respiratory problems. However, it is the most expensive option.
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Portable room humidifier, with dehumidifier installed in the piano - This system can be effective but requires some human monitoring. To really control the environment of that room, the owner should have a hygrometer on the wall, preferably near the piano. The humidifier should be placed far enough from the piano that the droplets do not settle in or on the instrument.
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Climate control system installed in the piano - An electronic sensor automatically switches the system from humidification to dehumidification whenever required. This is a very fine system for protecting the piano and requires only that the owner keep the unit plugged in and filled with water.
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Light bulb/water jar system - This is the cheapest option but requires the most monitoring and is not very efficient. Commonly used before the advent of more sophisticated humidity control systems, it has fallen into disfavor largely because owners forget to switch from one to the other or simply can't be bothered with constant checking to be sure the bulb hasn't burned out or the water jar hasn't gone dry. If this system is used, a glass or plastic container is best; a coffee can has soldered seams which will quickly rust out and leak.
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