KNOW YOUR PIANO

QUESTION

How often should my piano be tuned?

ANSWER

Every 6-8 months, regardless of how often it is played. Pianos are made of wood and metal, which means they expand and contract according to the slightest change of humidity and temperature. It is therefore necessary to monitor the pitch regularly to ensure the correct pressure is exerted on the frame, bridges and soundboard. At regular piano tuning intervals your technician will also be able to inform you if anything needs to be fixed, saving you costly repairs in the long run. Maintenance is key.

QUESTION

I’m moving my piano. Will it have to be tuned afterwards?

ANSWER

Not necessarily, but in many cases, it would be needed. It’s not the move itself that causes the piano to go out of tune, but more the climate change (changes in humidity) that will affect the insides, causing the pitch to drop or raise. It will typically take a few weeks before your piano reacts to the change in its environment, but having it tuned as soon as it has been delivered will never be a bad thing.

QUESTION

What is regulation?

ANSWER

Piano regulation is the fine-setting and adjustment of all action parts, pedals and keyboard to compensate for previous wear and tear of felts and leather. Regulation needs to be done to ensure optimal performance of the piano. Tidying up the piano’s regulation should be done at every tuning, and full regulation should be done every few years depending on usage, climate changes, age, quality and condition of the piano. Regulation should also be part of a maintenance plan.

QUESTION

What is voicing?

ANSWER

Every piano has its own tone. Some might be described as bright and others as warm. The ‘right’ tone doesn’t really exist because it is more a matter of preference. To soften the tone of a piano, technicians insert needles into the hammer heads to increase the elasticity. To brighten the tone, the technician will use certain substances to harden the hammer head. Piano voicing should only be done by skilled technicians, as doing it incorrectly could ruin the hammers completely. You will be amazed at the improvement of tone when a good technician has voiced your piano.

QUESTION

How can I take proper care of my piano?

ANSWER

• Position it away from direct sunlight, air conditioners or fireplaces, and in a cool dry spot.
• Cover the keys, and the entire piano, when not in use for a long time. This will protect it from dust and contaminants such as pet hair that could cause damage in the long run.
• Keep liquids, food or plants away from your piano and never place any of these on your instrument. Liquids can cause damage to the wood or internal parts, which could be very costly to repair.
• Clean your keys and piano cabinet with a soft damp cloth. Do not use furniture oil such as Mr Min on the cabinet – over time, it will give the wood an uneven finish. Avoid cleaning the inside of your piano, rather ask a technician to do this.
• Find a good technician to take care of your piano. They will be able to inform you of any work that needs to be done and prevent costly repairs. Keep in mind that it will be a long-term relationship.
• Tune your piano regularly. Playing an out-of-tune piano will increase the wear on your instrument. And leaving a piano untuned year after year, could decrease your instruments value overtime.