How Often Does My Piano Need To Be Tuned?
Most piano manufacturers say that pianos should be tuned four times in the first year out of the factory, and twice each year thereafter.
Changes in temperature and humidity are the biggest reasons why pianos go out of tune. The weather will play your piano even when you don't. That is why it is recommended to have your piano serviced every 6 months, or at least once a year. It's also important to note that frequent piano service allows your piano technician to address additional issues that your piano may have, such as regulation, voicing, and repairs.
Pianos are like cars. If they go too long without a tune-up, then bigger and more costly problems can arise. However, if you service them regularly, they will give you a lot of mileage and maintain a satisfying resale value.
Changes in temperature and humidity are the biggest reasons why pianos go out of tune. The weather will play your piano even when you don't. That is why it is recommended to have your piano serviced every 6 months, or at least once a year. It's also important to note that frequent piano service allows your piano technician to address additional issues that your piano may have, such as regulation, voicing, and repairs.
Pianos are like cars. If they go too long without a tune-up, then bigger and more costly problems can arise. However, if you service them regularly, they will give you a lot of mileage and maintain a satisfying resale value.
How Should I Clean My Piano?
Frequently dusting the piano with a slightly damp cloth is a nice way to prevent abrasive dust from building up on the surface of your piano. It's best to use a high quality microfiber cloth for maximum bacteria and virus absorption. Cotton cloths will also work very well, but beware of synthetic stitching, which can scratch high-gloss finishes.
It's best to avoid furniture cleaning products that contain silicons. These tend to leave a seal over the finish, making it difficult to remove any scratches that exist. They can also soften the appearance of the finish, and may contain certain oils that contaminate the wood. If you want to go the extra mile and make your piano look really special, products from Cory Care are excellent. They are specifically formulated for piano finishes.
Once every 5 years or so, have your piano technician take the piano apart and give it a thorough interior cleaning. See the Piano Cleaning page for more information.
It's best to avoid furniture cleaning products that contain silicons. These tend to leave a seal over the finish, making it difficult to remove any scratches that exist. They can also soften the appearance of the finish, and may contain certain oils that contaminate the wood. If you want to go the extra mile and make your piano look really special, products from Cory Care are excellent. They are specifically formulated for piano finishes.
Once every 5 years or so, have your piano technician take the piano apart and give it a thorough interior cleaning. See the Piano Cleaning page for more information.
What Is The Best Place For The Piano In My Home?
The principle to remember is to protect your piano from drastic changes in humidity and temperature. It is best to position the piano out of direct sunlight and away from vents, furnaces, open windows or doors, etc. The more stable the climate is, the better your piano will perform.
A common myth is that an upright piano should not be positioned against an outer wall of a home. That was true many years ago, but modern insulation is much better than what it used to be. Usually, upright pianos can be positioned against any wall in a home, provided the location meets the criteria in the above paragraph. It is generally agreed that positioning an upright piano at least a couple of inches away from the wall will help optimize volume and tone when playing. This is because the soundboard is located at the back of the piano.
A common myth is that an upright piano should not be positioned against an outer wall of a home. That was true many years ago, but modern insulation is much better than what it used to be. Usually, upright pianos can be positioned against any wall in a home, provided the location meets the criteria in the above paragraph. It is generally agreed that positioning an upright piano at least a couple of inches away from the wall will help optimize volume and tone when playing. This is because the soundboard is located at the back of the piano.
What Humidity Levels Are Safe For My Piano?
Keeping the piano within a range of 40%-60% relative humidity is encouraged, with 45%-55% being ideal. For optimal protection, a humidity control system can be installed in your piano. See the Humidity Control page for more details.
Should My Piano Be Regulated?
Regulating a piano means adjusting the internal components and restoring their alignment.
All pianos require regulation periodically throughout their lives. The frequency depends on a number of factors, including how often the piano is played and the climate conditions that surround the piano.
Even a well-maintained piano should receive at least a minor regulation about every 8-10 years. If you're having difficulty playing softly, or if the keys aren't repeating very quickly, your piano will benefit from regulating. A proper regulation can reveal how good your piano actually is!
For more information, see the Regulating page.
All pianos require regulation periodically throughout their lives. The frequency depends on a number of factors, including how often the piano is played and the climate conditions that surround the piano.
Even a well-maintained piano should receive at least a minor regulation about every 8-10 years. If you're having difficulty playing softly, or if the keys aren't repeating very quickly, your piano will benefit from regulating. A proper regulation can reveal how good your piano actually is!
For more information, see the Regulating page.
