High Humidity Effect on Pedal Harp

[Indra Prabowo]

Dear all,
Can someone give me some advice on what happened to a pedap harp exposed to high humidity for a long time ?
I’m saving up for a pedal harp but I don’t know the risk I will get in the future with my current living condition.
At this moment I have a LH Prelude placed in a room with humidity level maintenanced at 65% to 75% with a dehumidifier. Without the dehumidifier, the humidity level will be at 90% or more year round. Most of pedal harp owners in my country live in the capital city with less humidity level so I don’t think they have the same issue I got.
What I have with that condition are a bit of rusty tuning pins and pegs. Surprisingly gut strings breakage is not too severe, normally they have 2 years lifespan. Air conditioning is not preferable due to environment & cost issues.
Does a pedal harp action get damaged with long exposure to high humidity ? Or will there be other problems I have to face ? Should I just stick to the Prelude instead ? I’m planning to have a Camac with expectacy of easier maintenance.
Many thanks before.

Indra

[Gretchen Cover]

I live in Florida near the ocean. You will have the same issues with a pedal harp as with a lever harp. Using the dehumidifier is important. Air conditioning would be preferable but that does not work for you. A breathable fabric (natural fiber or cover that comes with the harp) will help.

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