You’ve decided to bring the joy of music into your life. Maybe you’ve decided to finally take up the piano as a New Year’s resolution. Or maybe you’ve read how piano playing benefits your child; who wouldn’t want to do all they can for their child’s future success?
Now that the piano is on the way, where will you put it in your home? Are some places better than others?
The answer is yes. Pianos may be one of the largest pieces of furniture you’ll have in your home, but in reality they are delicate in nature. And there are some places where a piano simply should never be kept.
A dark, warm room with lots of moisture in it can aid in the possibility of mold and bacteria growth inside the piano. If mold attaches to the intricate pieces inside, it can weaken internal wood, damage the structure, and ultimately even cause harm to the health of your family and pets.
A room in which humidity levels fluctuate all the time can begin to take its toll quickly. Changing humidity can wreak havoc on a piano’s finish, can weaken the strings, and warp the wood both inside and out. Pianos retain their playability by having constant humidity in a relatively stable environment.
Severe changes in temperature can also cause damage to a piano. Never place a piano near a window in which sunlight pours across the piano several hours a day. A fan or air conditioning unit close by can cause temperatures to fluctuate 10, 20, even 30 degrees or more within a few minutes of time. Fireplaces can let in drafts. And even a computer in constant use can increase the temperature right around the piano.
Open windows and doors can let in all kinds of weather. Sunlight, wind, rain, snow – every element your piano comes in contact with means a potential hazard in remaining a stable, playable instrument.
Storage units are sometimes a necessity in our lives. But what are the conditions in that storage unit? Does it have proper heat and cooling? Will it sustain drafts? Avoid storage as much as possible.
Carpets and dry rooms never go hand in hand. You’ve had that zapping feeling before; imagine that on a digital piano. Keep humidity levels at a constant – around 55 percent – to avoid static build up and damage to your keyboard.
Tight locations can mean a more difficult time getting your piano in and out. While you may love your house in the city, the narrow staircase and the small door may mean your piano isn’t going through without damage. Always rely on a professional piano mover for advice.
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