Your piano is an investment in your future. It can
bring you and your family a lifetime of music, adding immeasurable joy
and beauty to your home. Since it is also such a large investment, it
should be maintained with the utmost care. Regular servicing by a
qualified technician will preserve your instrument and help you avoid
costly repairs in the future.
Because your piano contains
materials such as wood and felt, it is subject to change with climatic
conditions. Extreme swings from hot to cold or dry to wet cause its
materials to swell and contract, affecting tone, pitch, and action
response or touch. To maintain optimal sound quality, your piano should
be tuned every six months. This way your instrument is tuned before
a major climate change. Both warm and cold temperatures effect the
sound quality of your instrument.
The best way to protect your investment is to have it
tuned regularly. When a piano is neglected it tends to fall out of
shape faster. You can reduce the effects of climate change by placing
your piano near a wall away from windows or doors that are opened
frequently. Avoid heating and air conditioning vents, fireplaces and
areas which receive direct sunlight. Your piano will perform best under
consistent conditions neither too wet nor dry, optimally at a
temperature of 68 degrees F and 42 percent relative humidity.
Both vertical and grand pianos are very susceptible
to dust. Because of their size and many crevices, dust can get trapped
inside for years. If you wish to clean it, DO NOT USE WATER OR CLEANING
PRODUCTS. This will damage both the wood and the strings. Simply take
a vacuum with a soft brush attachment and go over the strings and deep
corners until the dust is gone. If you notice your keys are dirty as
well, a toothbrush and toothpaste will get rid of some of the dirt.
Often times keys fade in color because of use, that is normal and should
be left as is.
A440 is also known as concert pitch. When a piano is
not tuned for a period of time the pitch of the instrument can change.
That means that when someone plays a note, for example C, they may not
be actually hearing what a C should sound like. They may be hearing a B
or even Bb. This causes a problem for beginning students, singers and
musicians playing along with the piano. Once a piano is tuned to A440,
you know that you are hearing the notes correctly and will be able to be
used in an ensemble setting.