Piano Maintenance
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A piano is made up of about 240 different lengths of highly tensioned wire at approximately 160 lbs. of pressure per string and a 15% increase in the bass produces an overall strain on the frame of about 21 tones. These lengths of wire go to make up 85 to 88 notes spread across the musical range and each note has its own individual mechanism, the combined total of which in the case of an upright piano adds up to 14,000 different parts. In the case of a grand the total reaches as high as 22,000 parts. The quality of the materials used, the design and construction, and the conditions to which the piano is subjected, will determine its lifespan. |
On average a new piano is expected to last 50 years but this is affected by the regularity of maintenance, how much the piano is played and the climatic conditions in which it is kept. Since the piano must be maintained at a specific tension to achieve a good musical sound, the matter of maintenance becomes an on-going process. A piano consists mainly of wood and iron, and both materials are subject to movement. The movement of the wooden sound board and the frame cause the wires to change tension without prompting by the user. Thus, it becomes necessary to set up a minimal schedule of tuning of the instrument to ensure reliable and pleasant results. HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY PIANO BE TUNED OR SERVICED? This schedule isn't a hard and fast one, but we can make recommendations and set out guidelines. The stability of the environment will determine how often it needs to be tuned. Once a year is the minimum for most pianos. Twice a year is a good rule of thumb for an average piano in a domestic situation, though some older instruments may require more regular tuning. Three main factors affecting the performance of a piano need periodical attention: The pitch will drop if the piano is not tuned on a regular basis. The 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. The voicing (toning) is subject to the quality of the piano and particularly the hammer felt. Unevenness of tone can be remedied by skilful voicing of the hammers to give a good overall balance. On concert and musician's pianos this is done on a regular basis. |
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HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY PIANO? Treat your piano like a piece of valuable furniture: keep it clean and never stand drinks, vases of flowers, or pot plants on it. Spilled liquids can cause serious damage, the repair of which may amount to a major overhaul. 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 duster. On NO account use spray polish. |
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THE PIANO ACTION AND MAINTENANCE The action and keys are the playing mechanism of your piano. Like other instruments that are subject to wear and tear, it is vital that these important parts of the piano are serviced from time to time by a qualified technician. After all, this is what connects you to the music! Each note needs to be regulated individually to give optimum performance. The pedals, too, need occasional adjustment. |
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THE EFFECT OF THE ENVIRONMENT A piano does not like to be too hot or too cold. A constant 18 to 21 degrees Celsius (65 - 70 degrees Farenheit) is ideal. Central heating systems can dry the
air, and draw moisture from the wooden components of the piano. When
the heating is switched off at night the humidity rises, and conversely,
as it is switched on in the morning, the humidity drops. These changes
in relative humidity cause the wood alternately to shrink and expand,
causing tuning instability. Ideally, you should try to keep your piano
within 45 - 60 per cent relative humidity. |
| Keep the piano away from windows if possible. Do not place your piano near a radiator or other heat source, or on an inside wall where there is a radiator in the next room backing onto the piano, resulting in heat being transmitted through the wall. These locations where constant excessive or fluctuating heat, is the cause of low or changing relative humidity, often are responsible for tuning instability and other serious problems, such as loose tuning pins, split soundboard and disruption of regulation. A separate music room is ideal, but a dining room is often suitable, as this will usually be maintained at a lower temperature, and have a reasonably constant humidity level. Should you feel that your piano is in an unsuitable environment you should consider buying either a humidifier to counteract excess dryness, or a dehumidifier for excess dampness. | |
If in doubt ask for advice. |
That's what I'm here for, Chris Dolby |
You have been listening to Bach, Prelude and Fugue in C minor.