Arizona Piano Service
Piano Tuning Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should A Piano Be Serviced or Tuned? There are three factors that affect a piano needing periodical attention: Pitch: The pitch will drop if the piano is not tuned on a regular basis. The environment will determine how often it needs to be tuned. Twice a year is a good rule of thumb for an average piano in a domestic situation. Some older pianos may require more frequent tuning. Touch: The quality of the instrument, amount of use, and changes in its environment, will determine how often the piano action should be regulated. On average this is required about every five years. Voicing: This is subject to the quality of the piano, and particularly the hammer felt. Unevenness of tone can be remedied by skillful voicing of the hammers to give a good overall balance. On concert and musician's pianos this is done on a regular basis. How Should a Piano Be Cared For? Treat your piano like a valuable piece of furniture. New pianos are generally finished in polyester or satin lacquer, which requires only to be wiped with a damp cloth and carefully dried. No polish is needed. Older pianos are usually French polished and need greater care, using a polish reviver applied with a clean soft cloth and polished with a soft cloth. On NO account use spray polish. Keep the surface clean. Never place drinks, vases of flowers, or potted plants on it. Liquid spills may cause serious damage. Internal water damage may require a major overhaul. The key tops may be made of ivory or various kinds of substitute material. Any marks which cannot be removed with a damp cloth should be left for the piano tuner to deal with. Do not use any kind of spirit or polish. Protect your piano from dust, especially during decorating or remodeling. What Is The Piano Action and Why Does it Need Maintenance?
How Can I Move a Piano? Because its heavy iron frame places the center of gravity very near the back, an upright piano can be dangerously unbalanced, and the piano can suffer serious damage unless it is moved correctly. Any moving questions should be discussed, please call 480-763-0132. Where is the Best Place to Situate a Piano? First consider how climate and environment affect a piano. Temperature - Pianos are affected by temperature extremes and shifts. A constant 68 - 72 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Humidity - The Arizona climate is very dry and can affect the wooden components of the piano. Air conditioning and heating affect the humidity level. These changes in relative humidity cause the wood alternately to shrink and expand, causing tuning instability. Ideally, you should try to keep your piano near 40% or higher relative humidity. Location - Keep pianos away from windows. Do not place pianos under or near air vents. These locations with constant fluctuating temperature, is the cause of low or changing relative humidity, often cause loose tuning pins, split soundboard and disruption of regulation. A separate music room is ideal, but a family room may be suitable, as this will usually be maintained at a more constant temperature, and have a reasonably constant humidity level. Should you feel that your piano is in an unsuitable environment you should consider buying a humidifier to counteract excess dryness. |
Jack Hauck • 12034 South 44th Street • Phoenix Arizona 85044 • 480-763-0132