We live in Utah in an area with relatively stable humidity (always dry) and a planning to purchase a grand piano. We'd like to protect the instrument with some humidity control but have heard different opinions from everyone we've asked. We have central (forced air) heat and air conditioning. Should we install whole house humidifiers on our furnaces or a dampp-chaser on the piano itself? Cost is about the same.

I like both whole house and Damp chaser.

If I have the choice of whole house knowing it will be reliable, then I would opt for that.

Low cost, whole house humidifiers can be unreliable. Choose carefully. April Air has models with a reputation for reliable service. Also, monitoring for higher humidity, despite Utah's reputation, would be good practice.

I hope Spieler finds this information useful. Mr. Buck your direct answer to a simple question is very kind. You are greatly appreciated Sir.

Tom Vaughan

Thank you for the information. We certainly want to give our new piano (when we actually buy one) the best care we can. We will do some more research. Investing in a monitor is probably really smart. Thanks again!

I am a firm believer in a cloth covering the bottom of a grand piano when a Dampp Chaser system is installed. The system is intended to create and maintain a micro-climate under and in the piano. If the whole bottom of the piano is open, the system has to fight against the ambient conditions a lot more, a bit like trying to heat a house in the winter with all the doors and windows open.

I agree with Jurgen! I've recently become convinced that the undercover should be part of every Dampp-chaser installation, especially on a grand. They are a bit tedious to put on with all the little Velcro squares and tacks, but I think it is well worth the effort.

If you really want to do the best for the piano, get the whole Dampp-chaser system with undercover and then also purchase a wool string cover.