Piano care
Your piano has been crafted by a dedicated craftsman. By giving it the proper care befitting any fine musical instrument, you will be able to enjoy its fine tone and sound for many years to come. Here are some simple guidelines to care for your piano.
The proper location.
Where you place your piano will determine how long it will serve you. Carefully consider the location as it is often too heavy to be moved around easily. Floors that are uneven or vibrate will upset the balance of the piano’s inner workings, affecting its performance as a musical instrument. Of personal safety and top performance always place your piano on a secure footing.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Your piano is encased in wood, a beautiful yet sensitive material that must be protected from direct sunlight and rapid changes in temperature and humidity. The worst possible location for a piano is next to a window where it is subject to the effects of direct sunlight, wind, rain and dust. If you must locate the piano near a window protect it with a thick, lightproof curtain.
Avoid dust.
If allowed to accumulate inside your piano dust will jam the mechanism, affect the pitch and rob the instrument of its beautiful sound. Place your piano in a well ventilated area away from sources of dust.
The proper humidity.
Your piano contains many natural materials that ‘breathe’ – fine woodwork, felt hammers and dampers and leather straps. Pianos exposed to excessive levels of humidity can lead to serious problems:
- Muffled or muddy sound due to humidity in the hammers
- Sluggish action or keyboard response
- Rust on the strings
You can prevent these problems through regular care.
Shield your piano from moisture.
Especially hazardous are wet and rainy days, particularly if there are high winds. Close windows and doors to prevent moisture attacking your piano. When your piano is not in use close both the lid and the top board.
Avoid excessive dryness.
Too little moisture is as equally harmful as too much. Your piano is a precision instrument with many natural materials. Heating systems that rob the air of moisture produce shrinkage in the wood, felt and leather parts of the action.
Extending the life of your piano:
- Shield from heat – do not allow hot air from heating systems (radiators, blowers) strike the piano.
- Keep piano clean – wipe of exterior dust gently with a soft cloth. Excessive rubbing will only grind in tiny dust particles scratching the finish.
- Keep hands clean – make it a habit to wash your hands and keep your nails trimmed before playing. When you have finished playing, wipe the keys with a soft cloth. Never clean with alcohol or organic solvents. They will damage the key surfaces.
- Keep the top clear – never put objects directly on the surface. They will damage the exterior lacquer, introducing strange vibrations. The worst possible object is a flower vase. It can tip over spilling water into the piano’s delicate interior.
- Play your piano regularly – like all musical instruments your piano will loose its distinctive tone if allowed to stand idle for extended periods. Trying to repair and correct keys that stick after periods of inactivity is difficult.
- Have your piano tuned and regulated – to keep its pitch, beautiful tone and responsive touch, your piano also requires a regular check-up. Remember strings are under considerable tension. In time they will stretch, lowering the pianos pitch. The action, pedals and other moving parts also require regular attention to compensate for the affect of wear.