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Topic: Ivory keys and humidity.  (Read 1909 times)

Offline theodopolis

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Ivory keys and humidity.
on: April 29, 2005, 12:42:48 PM

This may not count specifically towards pianos, but my pipe organ with ivory naturals develops a rather unpleasant slipperyness almost like dew after a chilly morning where water condenses on the keys (i presume that's the explanation).  The moisture isn't superficial either: the keys require about a minute of rubbing with a handkerchief so they can be played without the fingers slipping and introducing a rogue glissando in the middle of a hymn.

Is this a problem with piano keys too?
I realise that draughty churches may be more prone to this sort of temperature etc.

Would something like a felt cover for the keys result in a prevention of this rather annoying ritual every Sunday during winter?

Thanks
Theodopolis
Does anyone else here think the opening of Liszt's 'Orage' (AdP - Suisse No.5) sounds like the Gymnopedie from Hell?