Once you have a piano at your disposal, the initial step you might take is to experiment with its keys, perhaps even playing a bit of Beethoven or Mozart as you go. Nonetheless, aside from mastering the art of piano playing, it’s crucial to gain an understanding of the right methods for maintaining your piano. Buying a used piano represents a significant commitment, and it’s essential to ensure that this musical treasure remains in prime condition for years to come.
Like any other musical instruments, there are specific ways to take good care of your piano so that it will still be in a good condition even after 30-40 years of use. Hence, here are some tips on how to take care of your piano properly.
Tip 1: Schedule for piano maintenance frequently
Like any other musical instruments, your piano needs to be maintained frequently that includes tuning and cleaning your piano in order to preserve its lifespan up until 30-40 years of use. Every instrument has a wear and tear properties that needed to be taken care of regularly so that the quality of your piano itself will be preserved for a long lasting period.
Tuning involves adjusting the pitch while cleaning means having to maintain both the piano’s internal and external from dust and other properties that might harm your piano. Be sure to set a reminder so that you won’t forget to schedule maintenance for your piano. The common question asked by piano owners is how often you should tune their piano. It is safe to tune the piano as the weather changes because humidity can greatly affect the interior of this instrument.
You can tune it at least twice a year as opposed to new pianos that need more frequent tuning. Used pianos that have already stabilized can be tuned less frequently. It is important not to neglect tuning a piano so that it does not fall in pitch, which could require a more expensive and elaborate tuning.
Tip 2: Place your musical instrument in a suitable area
Most pianos are made of wood and leaving them in a damp area will most likely cause the soundboards to go out of its way. A balanced humidity makes your piano sound just right. If it’s too dry, it will cause the piano’s pitch to go flat while if it’s too moist, it will go sharp. Having them placed in a suitable area will affect the condition of your piano as well as what kind of sound it might produce due to the movement of the soundboards itself.
The existence of dehumidifier systems that can be installed in your piano makes it easier for you to worry less because the humidity inside your piano will be adjusted automatically by the system. However, do take extra steps in not placing your piano in a harmful spot to maintain both internal and external humidity of your piano.
It also helps not to place your piano in areas with direct sunlight or near hot areas. Wood is sensitive to humidity. It can shrink, swell or press against a metal component. This is why it is important to control humidity in your home. You can consider humidity control systems for pianos to regulate the level of humidity and protect your musical instrument.
Tip 3: Do periodic voicing of your piano
Voicing is as important as tuning so that your piano will have an even tone that makes it possible to produce the widest possible dynamic range. It is an important step when maintaining your piano where it involves the process of changing the tone quality your piano produces.
This is done by changing the firmness of the hammer inside your piano either by softening the tone or building more tone. Voicing requires a delicate hand that must be done by a professional technician if you’re new to this. If you think your piano sounds about right, then you don’t need voicing and if it happens to be otherwise, then you better find an expert to do it for you.
Tip 4: Hire a Professional piano technician for servicing
Not every pianist have the know-how when it comes to maintain and service their piano. Even some professional players leave their piano to the experts in servicing and maintaining their piano. Servicing a piano is like an art that not everyone has particular sets of skills or expertise to do. If you’re a beginner and only watches YouTube or other online video guides on how to service your piano, then you better call an expert piano technician to avoid damaging your piano even further. It’s better safe than sorry.
A professional piano technician has sufficient knowledge in tuning your piano, fixing problems and making necessary adjustments. When deciding to hire a technician, take note of the issues you want to fix so you don’t miss anything.
Tip 5: Play regularly
This might seem obvious to you but some people who bought a piano tends to leave their piano unattended for quite some time and only acts as decorative furniture to fill the void in the room. A piano needs to be played at least three times a week to avoid the pitch and tone going out of tune. It is meant to be played and cannot stand the strain of being left alone. Otherwise, it will even cost you even more if you left it for a long period of time without playing it. For simple cleaning, just do it occasionally to remove dust. Gentle vacuuming using your vacuum’s bare hose slightly above the strings is enough but avoid touching it.
Tip 6: Keep your hands off the internal workings of your piano
As we mentioned earlier, do hire a professional when it comes to maintaining and servicing your piano. The internal mechanics of a piano are quite complicated and cannot be easily grasped only by watching YouTube videos. If there’s anything stuck or out of tune, it’s much better to call someone who knows the inside of a piano well than taking actions on your own.
For every pianist, be it beginner or professional, a piano is like a treasure that must be kept well maintained and serviced so that its value and quality remains over time. Thus, take care of your piano and have fun playing!
