I was reading where people have humidifiers inside there pianos. Why? Whats the purpose?

Pianos don't do well in very dry environments. Dry air causes wood parts to shrink, crack, and loosen up. A dry piano action will make clicking noises due to loose parts. A dry soundboard will change the tuning of the piano 1/4 step or more, and will crack. If the pin block dries out, loose tuning pins result. A humidifier inside a piano is designed to prevent this. Concensus on this forum says that they help somewhat, but aren't a cure-all. The best way to solve the dryness problem is to control the ambient humidity in the room. Install a furnace humidifier, or place a humidifier close to the piano (not blowing on it). Do not overheat the room. 68-70 degrees max. Avoid placing the piano next to heat vents or radiators. Use air conditioning in the summer. If you can keep your humidity higher than 30% in the winter, you are doing ok. A discussion on piano humidifiers was had recently in the Piano Forum. You may want to search for it.

Thanks bob...I have a humidifier on my furnace....and all of the above. I just don't kow about the 30% in the wintertime in michigan.

[ October 03, 2001: Message edited by: BronzeWomn ]

Pianos usually prefer about 40% humidity, but that's impossible to maintain when the outside temp is 20 below zero, without condensation damaging your home. Thats why shoot for 30%. The idea is to avoid levels 20% or less.