CARING FOR YOUR PIANO
Newly strung pianos (including new pianos and
newly rebuilt pianos) should be tuned 3-4 times the first year.
Subsequently, most pianos should be tuned twice a year. Pianos that
are used for performance or for recording will need to be tuned more
damaged by extreme heat as well as extreme cold. Ideally, a piano is
kept in a room in which the temperature is normal and constant
(around 68 degrees F). The temperature should not be allowed to fall
below 45 degrees F and should not exceed 90 degrees F.
humidity as well as large changes in humidity are both harmful to
pianos. Ideally, a piano will be maintained in a room in which the
relative humidity remains constant year-round. In a dry climate such
as is found in the U.S. Southwest, a relative humidity in the 30%
range is a good objective. In a varied climate such as is found in
the U.S. Northeast, the relative humidity should be kept between 40%
and 45%. Room humidifiers should be used whenever possible in those
parts of the world in which there are cold, dry winters. The Sears
Kenmore Quiet Comfort (evaporative type) humidifier works very well
(the larger the better). Dehumidifiers are essential in tropical
climates. Air conditioners can also be helpful – especially if they
run fairly constantly. A DamppChaser unit that is properly installed
under the piano helps maintain constant humidity in a piano year
round (but cannot fully correct situations that are extreme).
harms a piano's finish (causing it to bleach and crack), while the
heat that it causes destabilizes the piano interior. Therefore, if a
piano must be placed in a spot where there is direct sunlight, a
window shade and/or a piano cover is essential.
Keep fluids away
from the piano. Juice, soda, even water spilled into a piano can do
severe damage. Never touch the bass strings. Residue from hands and
fingers causes corrosion, which can cause the bass strings to buzz
and to lose clarity and power. Remove dust with a leaf blower or
with the exhaust from a vacuum cleaner. If you live in a city, grime
may accumulate over the years. Only a specialist should clean the
interior of a piano.
The fall board
should always be open to allow free circulation of air around the
keys. Keys should be cleaned only with a soft cloth, dampened very
slightly with water or club soda (or Windex if the keys are really
dirty). Never put fluid directly on the keys
Care of the Case
should be dusted with a lambs-wool duster (available in many
hardware stores) or a water damp clean cotton cloth. To remove
stubborn smudges, use a soft clean cheesecloth or an old clean
cotton tee shirt (with the seams removed). Mix ten percent
de-natured alcohol in water. Do not rub across the grain and do not
apply the fluid directly to the piano.