Dampp-Chaser humidity control systems are often the most practical, effective, and affordable way to improve the tuning stability of your piano.

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The #1 reason pianos go out of tune is humidity change. I have literally witnessed pianos go noticeably out of tune after a week, due to sudden spikes or drops in relative humidity. Thoughtful placement of the piano is the first thing to consider.

• Do not place a piano where a heating vent or air conditioner can blow directly toward the piano.
  
• Avoid placing the piano near windows, or outside doors.
  
• If there is a window nearby be sure that sunlight does not shine directly on the piano.
• Don't worry about placing your piano on an "outside wall", unless you live in an exteremly cold climate and have no insulation in the wall.

Once you have controlled the environment around the piano as much as possible, the next thing to consider is a Dampp-chaser system for the piano. Dampp-Chaser offers a variety of products designed to reduce the piano's reaction to external fluctuations in relative humidity.

The best way to know if your piano needs a system is to have your piano tuned at least every 6 months. The entire tuning is based around the “A” above middle “C” vibrating at 440 vibrations per second (A=440Hz). We feel that in most situations, a tuning that fluctuates between A=439 and A=441is acceptable. If on subsequent visits we find the tuning is outside this range then it is obvious that the piano can benefit with a Dampp-Chaser.

The Dampp-Chaser can be purchased and installed for as little as $175 + tax

The humidistat is the "brain" of the system. It is basically a humidity activated switch that turns on or off depending on the relative humidity.