In Manitoba's humid summers and dry winters, all acoustic pianos experience extreme swings in pitch, as much as a half semitone or even more if left unserviced.
Worse, the piano parts begin to fail and soundboards crack as glue joints separate. Air conditioners and furnace humidifiers help, but are still less than satisfactory and costly to run. The solution is a system dedicated to the piano's own internal environment.
A Piano Life-Saver system properly maintained1 by the owner moderates these extremes. Click on the diagram at right for a larger view. For a complete description, ask for a color brochure, or click on the links for the systems listed below. All systems include humidistat, dehumidifier and humidifier components. 5-Part (5PS) Vertical piano and Grand piano systems (G6PS, G7PS) include water fill kits and LED monitor panel. 5PS and G6PS/G7PS systems can also be equipped with a "Smart Bracket" (SB) that will warn of wick failure and shut down the humidifier element when this occurs.
Contact Pianoworx to obtain a price on Piano Life-Saver system. Prices include installation2. Taxes apply.
For grand pianos, in particular those in institutional settings where seasonal humidity extremes swing widely, we highly recommend installing a Piano Life-Saver in combination WITH a cover. A custom-made cover manufactured by Pianoworx has specific properties to enhance tuning stability, is translucent enough to view a climate system monitor light panel through the cover without having to raise it, has an embroidered emblem to aid returning the cover to the piano, and best of all is extremely lightweight and convenient to use! This latter trait is VERY helpful because it allows the pianist the option to rehearse without the hassle of dealing with a bulky and difficult-to-manage cover, and if we wish to ensure the cover will be used consistently to benefit the piano, then it must NOT be a chore to handle. On the other hand, because the cover is acoustically transparent it's not even necessary to completely remove the cover for ordinary practice - simply fold the cover back and open the lid!
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1Click on the following article link for an instruction summary sheet outlining owner responsibility for maintenance of the Piano Life-Saver system: dc_userinstructions.pdf
2Note: systems will not be sold to customers for self-installation. Manufacturer warranty policy requires that systems be installed by a qualified technician.
3System for upright pianos is shown. Grand pianos have the same components, but mounted differently.
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