Basic Guidelines for Piano Care

By Barbara Wyton

With summer coming to a close and the school year upon us, this is a good time to focus on the care of your family piano.

Tuning

Regular tuning will not only keep a piano at correct pitch; it keeps the instrument “tunable”. When a piano is left untuned for an extended period of time its high string tension causes the pins to take a “set”. This makes it difficult for them to hold a new tuning when the pins are finally adjusted to bring the strings to correct pitch.

Keep it Clean.

If you have a grand or baby grand, keeping its lid closed between playing will keep dust out of the mechanism. Clean the keys by occasionally wiping them with a damp cloth and drying them immediately. Do not use chemicals or solvent to clean piano keys. Ask a piano technician to remove anything from the keys you can’t wipe away.

The Big Finish

To maintain the piano’s finish, you may wipe the case with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints, or polish with a reliable emulsion-type, water based solution. Avoid aerosol spray polishes that contain silicone. The maintenance of the inner working of the piano should be left to a qualified piano technician. Resist dusting the inside of your piano, oiling the moving parts, or using moth or insect repellents.

Don’t Forget the Weather

Consistent temperature and humidity control are the most important elements in maintaining good tuning in a piano. Try to place your instrument away from a heating register in winter, an air conditioning vent in the summer, a fireplace, a frequently opened window or outside door, and direct sunlight.

Following these piano care guidelines will keep your piano in its best possible condition, making it a source of enjoyment and enrichment for your family for years to come.

To schedule a tuning call:

Barbara Wyton
203 938 0667
barbwyton@gmail.com
www.Continuo.net
www.ContinuoMusicAtHome.com