How often should I have my piano serviced?
Your piano is an investment in your future. It can bring you a lifetime of joy and beauty to your home. Since it is a large investment, it should be maintained with the utmost care. Regular servicing by a qualified technician will preserve your piano 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. Most piano manufacturers recommend tuning a new piano two to four times the first year due to string stretch and settling. After the first year, one to two times a year should be sufficient unless the piano is played heavily or often. If a piano is used for teaching or is in a large institution where it may be subject to more frequent playing and environment changes, it should be tuned more often.
What can I do to stabilize the tuning of my piano?
Extreme swings from hot to cold or dry to wet cause materials in the piano to swell and contract, which affect the tuning, pitch, and action response. You can reduce these effects by placing your piano near an inside wall away from windows, doors, and registers. 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. Room humidifiers may help during the winter months. Optimal conditions can be maintained with a Dampp-Chaser humidifier system installed inside the piano. These systems maintain an exact humidity level with a humidifier and dehumidifier controlled by a humidistat.
What about the wood finish on my piano?
As with any piece of furniture, keep plants and drinks off finished wood surfaces. New piano finishes generally can be cleaned occasionally with either a dry or damp cotton cloth. Older piano finishes may benefit from an occasional polishing with a good quality polish, but frequent polishing is not recommended.
What about buying a used piano?
Fine used instruments become for sale for many different reasons. Your technician can help you select a piano in good playing condition and give you an idea of what type of maintenance you will need in the future. Buying a used piano is similar to buying a used car. A $500 piano, quality-wise, is equivalent to a $500 car. It is important to seek the help of an expert when making your purchase to avoid costly repairs in the future. Your technician also can provide you with guidance in selecting a new instrument best suited to your needs.
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