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Can someone recommend a good piano technician in these countries?

Thanks.

Happened to see this old post, but anyway offer my recommendation in Singapore. You can seek help from this person by the name Alvin Wee at Piano Music Galleria in Singapore. He is very knowledgeable with pianos.

For a number of years, I corresponded with some exasperated piano owners in those countries, and the conclusion I reached was that there is a serious shortage of good piano tech info there, because the pianos seem to be suffering greatly from the effects of very high humidity, yet the techs and stores are clueless about the humidity control systems we commonly install to correct these problems in the west.

Regards,

Rick Clark

Clark, you made a good point here. It is true that piano shops will just install a heater in the piano to "resolve" the moisture and humidity issue. But I have seen quite a few examples that heater does not necessarily solve the problem. Even with heater in, moisture still attack the lower and upper part of the piano. Besides there is a belief that heater will cause soundboard to warp faster overtime. Is this true?

SPC001,

I do not know what the "heater" you are talking about is. However I do know that a correct installation of Dampp-Chaser rods of a good wattage for the particular climate with a Dampp-Chaser humidistat in accordance with the recommended procedure for installation is an effective system to protect an upright piano from excess humidity. It will protect and not hurt the soundboard.

In climates of very high humidity like Singapore, a 50 watt rod is justified (with the humidistat of course). A lesser wattage like 25 or 15 watts with no humidistat would likely be ineffective. Yet 50 watts without a humidistat could cause damage eventually.

In a grand piano multiple rods are needed, and the addition of a 100% wool string cover is necessary to protect the strings from rust.

You may be interested to see www.dampp-chaser.com

Regards,

Rick Clark

I lived in Hawaii for two years. I remember the contents of salt shakers liquifying during the warm, rainy winters*. I'm not saying that it's impossible to get a heater to keep a piano relatively dry there, but I'd truly be impressed to see it done.

*I also remember seeing pianos, and, indeed, entire buildings destroyed by termites, but that's another story.

Pal,

I know a tech. who for years went to Hawaii every winter and worked his butt off for 2 months...then hung out and fished for another 2.

Not a bad life, eh?

Many of this cases maybe because buyer does not want to pay the extra for a proper damp-chaser unit. And many dont understand about humidity and its' causes to the piano. The Damp-Chaser unit doesn't come with the piano in the first place. To dealer if they install one i think it will be an added cost. And for dealer to absord the cost I dont think is fair. I live in a very punishing environment too and I am using a dehumidifier (dryer) instead. And it cost me around USD 950.00 after conversion. My piano was advice by a dealer to position in a room. Initially I wanted to be at the living room. But he warn me that if I position it at the living room I may have problem even if the dehumidifier is turn on or even if I have 5 of those machine. Well I trusted him and I have no problem till today with my piano.

Jay, Rick or anyone with information...

Dehumidifier:

Would a centralized dehumidifier installed into the central air conditioning unit help to prevent warpage on the outside of the piano where the Dampp Chaser effect is not present?

Humidifier:

Opposite to the dehumidifier, would a centralized humidifier installed into heating systems (for dry winters in Calgary Canada) prevent the outside of the piano from the negative effects of low humidity. I would think that Damp Chaser installed into the piano, would have only limited benefit to insides of pianos, unless a cover was put on the piano to help preserve humidity on the outside shell covers.

Would it be of benefit to install both a centralized humidifier, as well as a Damp Chaser in the piano relative to its' large investment?

Dehumidifier:

Hi A.M,

I am not so sure about that but if I'm given free electricity or I own the utility company, I will have the air-conditioning on for 24 hrs 365 days and forget about the dehumidifier/Damp Chaser. Temperature and humidity are so much constant. (Reading from my office's hygrometer when the air-conditioning is running for 8 hours). Should be perfect for a piano to live in

Humidifier:
I have no idea. Where I am living now is wet all year round. But I recall when I was in Michigan 5 years ago. During winter especially in the morning getting up from bed, I have to drink alot of water because of dehydration. Later, got myself a dehumidifier from Meijer and install it in my bedroom. It was alot better.

I don't know if there is any help having more gadget/equipment. But I think if it can already maintain a good RH, I will keep the money for piano service later...