Hello all,  Having relocated from Florida to Massachusetts (and not
being used to the temperature and humidity swings up here), I find
that I have a humidity related question -- actually a "lack thereof"
question.  I would like some input on the following situation.

Last summer I rebuilt a unit valve/pneumatic Gulbransen player for
a customer.  My shop is humidity controlled during the "damp" months
and stays in the 50-55 percent relative humidity range.  The piano
lives in the customer's heated, "finished" basement.  The job was
completed and returned to the customer in September.

In early December the customer called complaining that the piano would
barely play.  Upon investigating, I found that each of the unit screws
was loose by one to one-and-one-half turns!  Now, I've heard of
shrinkage, but this seems excessive!  I again tightened all 160 screws
to just snug and cautioned the customer about maintaining a relatively
constant humidity and temperature in the room.  The piano played
beautifully when I finished tightening the screws.  I could easily
pump it with one foot -- good and tight.  I demonstrated such for the
customer, he tried it, etc.

Again, nearly three months later from the screw tightening, I got an
e-mail from the customer saying that he thinks that he has to pump too
fast.  Is it possible that there was still more shrinkage?  I was
shocked with the original amount.  I have yet to check the current
complaint.

I do wonder if his advanced age, particularly, and death of his wife
last year, secondarily, may be contributing issues.  I'll be scheduling
another visit within the next couple weeks and would appreciate feedback
from anyone rebuilding in a similar climate.

Thanks,
Debbie Legg