Replies

1. 
   jonsherryl | Jul 25, 2004 06:36pm | #1

   Mo, if the humidity range in your home is keeping the wood's moisture content comfortably below 20%MC, it's doubtful that the odor is resulting from microbes involved in the decomposition of the wood...at least those of the fungi variety. There are some bacteria that will set up shop in moderately dry wood and they do seem to be more odor generating than the molds...but I'm not convinced it's rational to conclude the odor must be coming from some sort of microbial infection.

   I would be more inclined to suspect the odor is coming from something that is either topical (volatiles in the finish or some sort of wax/oil that has become rancid)...or from the extractives in the wood. Check to see if the sound board in your piano is made of basswood. Spruce is more often used for this purpose, but basswood is an alternate species...and basswood often gives off a musty scent when kept in confined spaces.

2. 
   LeeGrindinger | Jul 25, 2004 08:30pm | #2

   I can't imagine how not playing could cause odor unless a mouse, finding a quite spot, died in his sleep. If it's an upright move it and look for a source underneath. Is it possible that something was spilled?

   Or maybe it's haunted...lift the lid and pound out Saber Dance or Vivaldi's Four Seasons or Bolero and see if that helps. Making that sound board work would get the air moving underneath.

   Lee

1. 
   BG | Jul 25, 2004 08:44pm | #3

   "Or maybe it's haunted" ...bad luck, a ghost with halitosis. 

2. 
   jonsherryl | Jul 25, 2004 09:11pm | #4

   Lee, your post brings a chuckle. I, too, considered that a mouse might have crepped in and crapped, or crepped in and cashed out, but I didn't want to suggest the possibility, in that it might convey the impression that Mo's housekeeping was substandard. :O)

1. 
   LeeGrindinger | Jul 25, 2004 10:03pm | #5

   Oh Jon, it certainly is not the housekeeping I'm thinking about...it's the highly refined aesthetics in the discriminating mouse.

   I've noticed musty smells in closed chests, come to think of it, many have spruce, pine or fir interiors. I suspect the odor is set off by higher humidity but ventilation should take care of it. It's the monsoon season in many parts of the country...wanna bet it's humidity?

   I'm still waiting for my book, Jon. What're doin' galavantin all over the place when you've got my book to write...

   Cheers buddy,

   Lee

3. 
   joinerswork | Jul 26, 2004 01:33am | #6

   mo,

   I'm no musician, but the piano that's in our church's basement social hall has a low wattage light bulb burning inside.  The explanation I got from the music director is that the light provided enough heat to keep things dry. She said the action would swell up and affect the playability otherwise. 

    I'm not recommending this for you specifically, as it seems like it could be a fire hazard if the bulb were to get against the wooden case, but if the cabinet were open enough that a small lamp could be placed inside, and away from anything flammable, it might solve your musty odor problem..

   Regards,

   Ray

1. 
   UncleDunc | Jul 26, 2004 04:37am | #8

   >> ... as it seems like it could be a fire hazard ...

   There are commercial products for this application without the fire risk, or at least at greatly reduced fire risk. Goldenrod is one brand name.

4. 
   Steinmetz | Jul 26, 2004 03:10am | #7

   One of those air purifyer s may help, as they are ozone generaters and they neutralize odors.  Steinmetz. 

    Also ,an opened box of arm and hammer bicarbonate of soda will absorb the smell.

   Are you ,or your spouse in the habit of resting your beer on the pie anner whilst 'tickling the ivorys'? 

   Maybe from unsanitary used 'Chopsticks'??? I'd try playing Honey Suckle Rose a few times?     LOL, ED

   
   

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   Edited 7/25/2004 8:18 pm ET by steinmetz

   
   

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   Edited 7/25/2004 8:21 pm ET by steinmetz