It has been suggested to me on rmmp that I should get a string cover for my 6' grand so that the Damp-Chaser would be more effective by trapping the dry heated air within the piano when the front portion of the lid is flipped back for playing (the ambient humidity is usually 80-95%).

I have tried asking for string covers locally without success (a tech told me no one uses it here), so I would appreciate suggestions of reliable mail-order websites where I can purchase a string cover.

Btw, do string covers come in different materials and sizes?

Thanks for any information.

I don't have your answer, but as usual, can't shut up.

Another reason for getting a string covers is:
Dust particles hold moisture.
Strings won't rust as quickly if much of the dust is trapped by a string cover.

Roxane,

Based on your specific needs I offer this sugestion with no warranty. Expressed or implied!

My rebuilder recommends just going down to the local fabric shop and purchasing a length of felt. Lay it on top of your closed piano and cut around the lid allowing for a couple of inches extra all the way around. Walla.....home made string cover for about $10 and 5 minutes of labor.

I use mine mainly to keep dust out for the reasons Kenny pointed out. I have a damp-chaser installed but I sure couldn't tell you if the cover helps or not.

Oh, and FYI, I also have a piano cover which is always on except when playing. Even then some times I just throw back the cover enough to get the fallboard open. Perhaps the added cover would help???

Oh, one more thing. The string cover stays on almost all of the time when I play. Makes very little if any difference in the sound.

I think JohnC's suggestion is probably a good idea.
But, just in case...
PianoSupplies.com ( a division of Piano World) carries String Covers for grand pianos.

www.pianosupplies.com

Under "Piano Accessories", go to 2nd page

Frank B.
Piano World

Am I confused again?
I think Roxane wants a string cover that goes over the strings but *under* the lid.
I am considering one for the above reasons.
I think one for my piano cost 200 or 300 dollars.
They are custom made to your piano model and have some kind of frame that prevents the felt from touching the strings.
Velcro keeps them in place.

I already have the Piano cover that JohnC mentioned, the heavy quilted one and use it as John does.

I looked into string cover for my piano too. But did not purchase one yet because I am not sure that I need one. My tech recommended the string cover to keep the soundboard and inside of the piano stay new. But my husband laughed at me when I mentioned that; he thinks it is too much because we always close the piano after playing. Any way, you can order a fancy string cover for a grand piano from Edwards String Cover; PTG Ad for Edwards String Cover . I got a quote of about ~$300-350 US for my Schimmel 182; don't remember the exact number. My tech sold the felt fabric and can cut one for $60 US.

I cannot find any wool felt at the local fabric store, only polyester felt. I read somewhere that it has to be wool felt or it will trap moisture. So my questions are:

1. Does the felt have to be wool or wool blend (?% of wool)???

2. Do I really need one?

Cheers,

Kenny,

Sorry for the confusion. In my haste in the first post I said piano cover when I meant string cover. Although you use the outside of the piano for the pattern the cover is used inside over the strings. I have since corrected the original post.

I have both a string cover and a piano cover on my piano almost all the time.

As to keeping the string cover off of the strings well, don't laugh, but strategically tied fishing line (across some of the struts(?) of the plate) supports the cover where it might otherwise sag across the strings.

As pretty as the $300 ones? Uhhhh, probably not. Although you can chose your own favorite color. ( ) As functional? *I* think so.

If your ever going to be in the neighborhood your welcome to view it.

I'm told by a good friend who's a piano tech that fabric content IS important. The more wool the better. The one offered at Piano World has 75% wool. That's good. There are others that contain 100% wool gabardine or 100% wool felt.

Wool will resist moisture. It may not matter as much in the drier desert-like regions of southern California. But in a much more humid climate, I'd avoid synthetic fabrics altogether.

Beware of synthetic felt sold at discount fabric stores. It's not wool, it's not cotton. They soak up moisture like a sponge (NOT desirable!), and create their own dust clumps over time as they break down and age.

FWIW,
Joy

Joy,

Thank you for the info about the felt fabric. I am waiting for the sample and picture of the string cover from Edwards'. I am going to order one. The most important question is in what color. I can't decide if it should be burgandy, scarlet, light, or dark brown. Now you know why my hubby thinks I am too much.

Cheers,