Questions and Answers Regarding Pianos
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How often should my piano be tuned?
Not giving a piano regular tuning will cause the instrument to be much more unstable and may be cause for invalidation of the manufacturer's warranty. Each manufacturer selects its own materials and utilizes its own unique scale and furniture designs. Every piano requires a different level of maintenance, depending upon the quality of materials used, the design and level of craftsmanship. The vast majority of piano manufacturers recommend three to four tunings in the first year of a piano's life and two tunings per year thereafter. A few manufacturers recommend more frequent tunings. Wurlitzer and Kimball recommend four per year; Steinway, Knight and Sohmer say three per year. Oops! My piano is way past due, please schedule an appointment for me!How long does a piano last?
A well cared for; quality instrument can last for generations. Certain parts of the piano may periodically need regulation beyond pitch correction and tuning, with frequent use (for example, reshaping of the hammers). In general the better a piano is maintained and kept stable, the longer it will last. Back to topWhere should I put my piano?
It is ideal for a piano to be at least five feet from any heat source, and eight inches from the wall. Keep the piano out of direct sunlight. Temperature and humidity should be kept constant when possible, so a room with an outside door may not be recommended. Back to topHow do I care for the outside of my piano?
The piano is unique among musical instruments because it also serves as fine furniture for the home. In fact, the term "piano finish" has traditionally been used to describe the highest standards in wood finishing. Properly maintaining that fine finish will enhance your home's decor and preserve the value of your piano.
Modern Pianos are finished with a variety of materials, from traditional lacquer to modern polyurethanes and polyester resins. Whatever the material, a piano finish is designed to protect the wood from dirt and liquid spills, reduce the damaging effects of humidity changes, and -- in the case of clear finishes -- enhance the beauty of the wood. Modern finishes are designed to do their job without the additional aid of polishes or waxes. In most cases simply keeping the piano clean and avoiding exposure to direct sunlight, extremes of temperature and humidity, and abrasion, best maintain a piano finish.
To remove smudges and fingerprints, first dust using the damp/dry cloths as above. If heavier cleaning is necessary, dampen your cloth with a small amount of mild soap solution. A common product is Murphy's Oil Soap, available at most grocery and hardware stores.
In general, most manufacturers recommend against using polishes because of the potential for damage to the finish and contamination of other parts of the instrument. Common household products such as "lemon oil" or inexpensive "furniture polish" should be avoided. Despite the labels' claims that they "protect" the finish or "feed" the wood, they offer no protection from scratching and can actually soften the finish if over-used.
If your piano's finish appears gummy, oily, or streaked, it may be contaminated with too much or the wrong type of polish. Adding more polish will not correct this problem. To remove accumulations of old polish, use a cloth dampened with a mild soap. If stronger cleaning is necessary, look for a product called "wood cleaner and wax remover" at hardware or wood workers supply stores, or ask Ted for a suggestion.
Back to topDoes Amadeus Piano Service move pianos?
No. Please get in touch with Ted and he will be glad to refer you to a local piano mover.
Back to topAmadeus Piano Service
524 Stewart Street, Fort Bragg, California
Phone: (707) 964.4198 or Toll Free: (877) 893-5537
Email: Info@piano-fixer.com
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