Humidity in north west England

[chrisw]

Last week humidity levels fell to a low level due to cold dry weather. Last Saturday it remained very cold but also extremly wet but I was surprised that humidity did not climb very quickly. Today (Monday) outside temperatures are mild for the time of year and humidity, measured inside the house, has recovered to almost 40%RH.

[Barrie Heaton]

this year's ups and downs of humanity as made a lot of pianos move in and out of tune.

Barrie

[chrisw]

I sometimes wonder if a veneered (laminated) soundboard would be less affected by humidity swings as they could be constructed using waterproof glue.

[Barrie Heaton]

the short answer is No

The only one that is effective in Humidity swings is the carbon fiber one But..... £££££

or have a lifesaver fitted it's cheaper and they do work well

Barrie

[chrisw]

Barrie,
How do these lifesavers work ? For example do they use an electrical heating element when humidity is too high and evaporate water when humidity is too low ? How often do you have to top up the water reservoir ?
What safeguards does it have in case the built in hygrometer goes out of calibration and it tries to make the local atmosphere too dry or too humid ?
C

[Barrie Heaton]

if a Grand then 3 heaters one for the water and 2 for the piano an upright has 2

There is a control unit that monitors Humidity if low it heats up the pads that draw water if too wet the other 2 kick in

The unit tells you if it needs more water Cheaper to run than a Dehumidifier

https://www.pianolifesaver.com