In the violin business many players keep Humitrons or Dampits in their instruments during the heating season. Piano-owners have a damp-chaser system that dries in the summer and humidifies in the winter. Do any UPers alter the humidity in their cases to keep things fitting and playing?
Yes, and if it’s not monitored you may end up with mouldy case.
Invest in a hygrometer.
Don’t store your pipes in a full bathtub.
What is an ‘ideal’ humidity range to keep the pipes in good condition?
I know that reeds will vary,in keeping with to the humidity conditions of where they were made,but what is the ‘ideal mean’ humidity?
I have a cheap electronic Hygrometer (not sure how accurate it is).It’s showing 62% at the moment-I turned my central heating down when I got my pipes,and I have water filled dishes on top of the radiators now!
My pipes sound happiest at humidities between 30% and 50% relative humidity.
Are you asking what’s ideal for the pipes in terms of wood, or ideal for your reed & playing? If the latter, “ideal” will vary.
Doinys
Hi Dionys,
I meant ideal conditions for the wood.
Middle of the road is generally a good rule. Not so wet that you get mold or any kind of great expansion, not so dry that you get overmuch contraction &/or drying/splitting of the wood. I’d say 30-70% is a good range, and also happens to co-incide with ideal reed playing conditions. Be sure to ‘feed’ your wood, too. Especially in drier climates. Sweet almond oil is great.
Dionys
just don’t oil the inside{/b]
FWIW I don’t know many pipers (any?) who oil their chanters. At least none who admit to it 