From an old Hathaway and Bowers catalog I gleaned a bit of wisdom
regarding environment and preservation that I would like to pass on.
I don't recall the exact wording, but it said something to the effect
that, if one has a classic Duesenberg, it is an unspoken obligation not
to park the car outside year 'round or to see that it isn't parked in
a leaking garage.

As stewards of automatic musical instruments, these pieces are more or
less 100 years old now and as such must be treated, as the irreplaceable
antiques that they are.  While they were ruggedly built in a day before
air conditioning, humidity control, etc., they were a practical
testimony to their durable (for the most part) construction and the
ability to negotiate any climatic condition.  That was more or less
100 years ago.  Now the wood and metal have aged, as well as other
components, requiring a more consciences environmental preservation.

No, I am not saying that every instrument needs to be housed in
a hermetically sealed museum environment, but consider that these
are acoustical instruments.  Piano strings will expand or contract,
as does the wood they are mounted too, as does the wood in organ pipes
and delicate reeds; the list goes on and on.  Not only does this affect
the tuning but it hastens the deterioration of the now nearly century
old materials of which they are constructed.

If one is going to own such a treasure, the proper housing for it,
and the environment it sits in is, a part of the responsibility of
such ownership in my opinion.  If one is going to use the instrument
in a commercial environment subject to extremes in humidity and
temperature, all of which are not controlled, they would be better off
installing a newer instrument for hard public use.

Stephen K Goodman - Professional Player Piano & Nickelodeon Restoration
Tarpey Village (Fresno/Clovis) California, USA
http://www.mechanicalmusicrestoration.com/