Piano Care - Tips On Maintenance

All too often, a seldom-used piano can turn into just a piece of furniture – a plant holder, collector of picture frames, or an object to take up space in a room. Sadly, this can happen to small consoles all the way to glossy grand pianos that cost a small fortune to acquire. If your piano is in better hands, then there are some things you should know to aid you in its care. Not only is your piano a stationary piece of furniture, but it contains many moving parts that need special tender loving care. You’ve spent some valuable time to research the best piano software products and now you’ll also need to spend some time caring for your piano.

A few basic guidelines can help you maintain your instrument at tip-top level years to come. The first rule to follow is to keep your piano in tune. Not only will the instrument sound its best if tuned regularly, depending on whether it is a teaching or practicing piano, it will retain its pitch level better. The recommendation for home use pianos is to tune them annually. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to finding a certified, registered piano technician, the mtna.org site will recommend people from your area. Certified technicians receive training through the Piano Technicians Guild and must pass a series of examinations. Be specific about your needs when searching for someone to care for your instrument. Know your brand, age, type, and unique qualities so you can better prepare to find someone qualified to give you the best service possible. If you have an antique, technicians who specialize in rebuilding and manufacturing outdated parts are available but you’ll need to do a little research to find them. The search is well worth the time when you consider the value of the instrument you are placing in their care.

Cleaning is also very important. Start out by only putting items on your piano that will not damage it or even better, don’t put anything on your instrument. Live plants that need watering are only a furniture ring, or worse – a moisture/mold problem, waiting to happen. Keep the keys clean by using a damp cloth with a mild or dish soap when needed. It is best to keep the keyboard cover down when not playing your instrument to prevent dust or debris from landing on the keys. A damp cloth is also a good way to keep the case clean but always check manufacturer’s suggestions for anything harsher you want to use.

Placement in the room for your piano is another important factor to consider in its care. A piano should not be placed near HVAC vents or windows. Drafts and temperature changes can lead to warping or cracking of the inner workings of the piano, affecting the wood, strings, or other delicate moving parts. Humidity control is also another important factor to consider when placing your piano. Your piano needs to be in a spot where the temperature and humidity of the room remain constant. If you do experience problems with the inner workings of the piano, call a qualified piano technician to do the work – it could save you some costly mistakes in the long run.

One of the best things you can do to maintain your piano is to play it regularly. You’ll also be in a position to notice problems sooner and can have it serviced quickly to avoid more permanent problems. By following a few simple rules, you can maintain your instrument in great shape for many years to come.

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