I mostly agree with Dongsok. I have had to leave harpsichords in trailers outside overnight when I've been on the road, with no ill effects.
I would definitely not cover them with blankets, as condensation can form under the blanket against the instrument as it gets colder.
As many know, I live and work in the southeast U.S. most of the winter months, leaving a house full of 18th and 19th century pianos and late 20th century harpsichords behind in the cold mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. I set the heat to 50 upon departure. However, I also have a large old fashioned Sears humidifier in the big room and the person who checks and bring in the mail daily makes sure it isn't empty. Notably, It still drinks a lot of water. I've had zero problems with the instruments using this method for over ten years.
Do make sure your pipes don't freeze.
AA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dongsok Shin" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 8:56:01 AM
Subject: Re: Winter Storage for Harpsichords?
People may not agree with me, but I have no problem with keeping
instruments below freezing. No need for blankets.
Better in my opinion than dry heat (not that 50F is terribly hot). I
have no idea if large flat pans of water filled once a week with 50F
temperature is actually effective (though certainly better than no water
filled pans). In NYC, where I live, apartments are often in the 80F
range even with the radiators in the apartment turned off, because of
heat from surrounding floors.
If you turn the heat off, are you risking frozen water pipes? THAT would
be much worse if you end up with WAY too much moisture in you place!
But I have left harpsichords outside in the car in the winter, with no
ill effects. Just as long as the transition from warm to cold and vice
versa is not too quick or sudden.
Dongsok
On 11/13/2017 8:03 AM, Sandy Hackney wrote:
> Dear friends,
>
> I must be away all of February, one of the coldest and driest months in
> upstate New York. I have several keyboards - a Flemish double, a virginal
> and a spinet - in a 10 x 20 x 10' tight studio. How to keep them happy for
> one month?
>
> Two thoughts. I can maintain the heat at 50F and have some large flat pans
> filled with water that can be replenished once a week. Or, turn the heat
> off and let them sit below freezing, but wrapped in blankets. It is not
> possible to have the humidifiers refilled daily as I normally do.
>
> What is the considered wisdom of my experienced colleagues? Thank you.
>
> Sandy Hackney
> Easton, NY
>
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