Piano Care

A Quality Piano is one of the very few investments that can be handed down for several generations, and yet be used for the enjoyment of each and every one.

Proper care and maintenance of your piano will preserve its quality, and your enjoyment of it, for many decades. It is one of the few investments we make with a view to lifelong possession.

Regular tuning and service will keep your piano in its optimum condition. This will not only enhance your playing pleasure but also prevent unnecessary major expenses in the future, upholding the value of your investment.

Piano Tuning

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Many people ask how often their piano should be tuned. The answer to this question will depend on the way the piano is being used and the environment in which it is kept .

A piano contains approximately 220 strings that exert up to around 20 tons (or 40,000 pounds) of tension on the plate and frame, as well as around 600 to 1,000 pounds of down-bearing on the bridges and soundboard. Seasonal changes in humidity, as well as the normal continual change in static tension, will cause all pianos to go out of tune.

The humidity fluctuates widely from season to season in the Mid-Atlantic region. These humidity changes affect the tuning and response of your piano. Therefore the majority of piano manufacturers recommend that pianos be tuned at least twice each year in this region.

Many teachers and institutions tune their pianos four or more times each year. Pianos used on stage in theaters (such as on Broadway in NY) are tuned at least four times each week. A concert grand piano on stage or in a recording studio may be tuned every time it is played, many times they are also "micro-tuned" during the intermission.

It is important to keep a piano tuned to Concert Pitch. This keeps the tensions in the piano where they were designed to be. The piano will sound better and you will enjoy playing it more. This is especially important when children (and adults) are learning to play. Enjoying the experience of playing, and learning the correct way music should sound, are integral parts of a good musical education.

In addition to tuning your piano, during each service call I will check and adjust the pedals, check and tighten the bench bolts, and inspect your piano for repairs and adjustments that may be needed or recommended.

Piano Repairing

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Your piano is a mechanical instrument made up of 9 to 14 thousand parts, most of which are wood, leather, or felt. Being a mechanical device, your piano will need repairs and adjustments from time to time. Leather and felt parts wear, wooden parts can break, even on the most expensive pianos.

Regular repair and maintenance will keep your piano in optimum condition, allowing you to play and sound your best on the instrument of your choice.

Piano Regulating & Cleaning

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As a mechanical device your piano action (the working, or moving parts inside) needs regular adjustment. Parts swell and shrink as the humidity changes, parts wear out with use, or fatigue with age. Dirt and grit prematurely wear out felt, leather and wooden parts.

Regulating and cleaning prolongs the life of your piano. Proper regulation is essential for the best performance of your piano. A well regulated piano is a joy to play because it is more responsive to the demands of the pianist. Regulating a piano is a separate service from tuning.

New pianos usually arrive fairly well regulated. However, the new felt and leather parts “break in” and minor regulating is often needed during the first and/or second year of use.

Voicing

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Voicing is also called “tone regulating” and is really the final part of regulating the piano. Although it involves many aspects, voicing may include adjusting the piano's hammers to achieve a full, smooth and pleasing tone in the piano.

Appraisals

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There are many reasons you may want a written appraisal of your piano's value. These include securing a rider on your insurance policy, insuring it for a move, or before placing it in storage.

When selling your piano, a written appraisal will provide a solid basis for setting your price and negotiating with potential purchasers. Purchasers may also want an appraisal to aid in their purchase of a piano.

Those wishing to donate a piano to a house of worship or other charitable group should also have an independent appraisal of the value of the piano.

Estimates

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Estimates for repairs or maintenance can be extremely helpful in making decisions about your piano.

Insurance claims may require a professional quote or estimate for work required etc. in the event of an insurance claim.

Purchase Consulting

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I am available to assist you in purchasing a new or used piano, either from a store or from a private party. I am not a piano dealer and generally do not buy and sell pianos. However, I am able to advise you on a piano you may be considering purchasing, or help you find the right piano at a price that fits your needs and budget, through my many contacts within the industry.

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