1 November 2014 Why Your Piano Needs Piano Tuning

Why Your Piano Needs Piano Tuning

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From the time you bring a piano into your home, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking and sounding its best. Part of it is cleaning it and keeping it dust free; that’s the part you can do regularly. Then there is the part that requires a piano to be tuned on a regular basis; that’s the part you’ll have to bring in a piano technician.

Why Your Piano Needs Piano TuningPianos are complex instruments. Because one part impacts another, and effects the overall sound quality, its important to keep everything in top condition. If you do not keep a piano tuned for musical purposes, consider your potential for selling your piano some day. Only a piano in great condition can be sold easily, and great condition means a piano that has had regular tunings and sounds its best.

Regular tunings prevent further damage. When a string tension is optimal, it will produce optimal sound. However, if the tension is lax or too tight, it can quickly impact the other delicate piano parts, and in some cases damage them to the point of needing to be replaced. Tunings help keep all parts running smoothly and working together, preventing damage from occurring to neighboring pieces.

In some cases its easy for a player to “hear” a problem. Run through a scale and when one or two notes sound “off”, you know you have a problem. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes the smallest of problems are difficult to hear, but without proper maintenance, a larger, more expensive problem is around the corner.

Not all piano tuners are piano technicians, meaning they might not be able to find and fix all the problems associated with keeping a piano in good working order. When you’re hiring a piano tuner, make sure he is experienced and can help you maintain your piano at its optimal level.

Regular tunings should start from the moment you bring your piano home. If it’s a new piano, or new to your home and its environment, it may take a few tunings a year to get it settled into its new location. As it ages, piano tuning frequency will reduce as well. The longer it goes in between tunings, the more severe the problems can be. If a piano goes two or more years without tuning, it may need things like:

Pitch Raising – a pre-tuning process that prepares the strings to be tuned. This takes expert guidance, as an incorrect process can negatively impact the piano’s timbre, impact the string vibration, and cause interference in the strings.

Double Tuning – a general tuning that is performed before a fine tuning process. The first tuning is crucial because if its not done effectively, it can cause weak strings to go further out of tune. Fine tuning is only performed when strings reach close to optimal level, and minor adjustments can be made.

No matter if you have a brand new piano in need of its very first tuning, or you’ve owned a piano for years and can’t remember the last time it was tuned, there is no better time than the present to start the process. Call us today; we’re happy to help you maintain your piano and keep it strong and healthy for years to come.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Piano Renovation Tagged With: ,
29 October 2014 Expectations Of The Adult Beginning Piano Student

Expectations Of The Adult Beginning Piano Student

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Bucket lists are great things. They can help you realize all the things you’ve wanted to do in the past, and put some urgency towards things you hope to accomplish in the future.

One of the most popular things to make a bucket list is learning to play the piano. And while it does take a lifetime to perfect your piano playing technique, there is no better time than the present to take action.

Just like as a child learns to play the piano, there are things that can help the adult beginning piano student be even better at the process.Expectations Of The Adult Beginning Piano Student

Start with a schedule

We all have busy lives, and too often things come up that stop us from taking action on the newest parts of our lives. Yet if you want to become proficient at playing the piano, regularity is mandatory. Commit to taking lessons on a weekly basis, and stick with the schedule if at all possible. Likewise, set up regular practice times between lessons and make them a priority in your day. Beginning piano students should expect to practice their weekly assignment for about 30 minutes a day, 5 days of the week in between lessons to ensure steady progress.

Choose the right teacher

When selecting a piano teacher, make sure you choose one who works with adults on a regular basis. Adults learn differently than children, so its important to choose a piano instructor that can help you achieve results in a way well suited for adults. A child has better coordination and can imitate and pick up music at a very quick pace. Adults may need to hear music at a slower pace, or need to practice in phrases rather than entire pieces at a time. However, adults generally can stick with something for longer periods of time, which gives them the advantage of being able to sit there and do it simply for the joy of potential completion.

Teaching approaches

Keep in mind that with every instructor, they may have a slight variation to the way they teach. There isn’t a “one method for all” approach to piano teaching. Some teachers may have you tap out rhythms as you are learning a new piece. Others may have you work on small stanzas at a time to perfect different rhythms in the song. While children like to “do”, adults like to know why. Always ask why you are doing different things throughout the learning process. If you know the why, the actual doing can be easier. Also keep in mind that if you don’t resonate with one instructor and don’t feel like you are learning, its okay to move to someone with a different approach.

Overall, adults add “piano playing” to their bucket lists for a variety of reasons.

  • They want a fun leisure activity they can do into old age
  • They want to learn to read music
  • They want the experience of writing and creating their own songs
  • They want to take part in a group activity
  • They want to increase their music appreciation

And of course a whole lot more. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn to play the piano, realize there is no better time than today to get started! Enjoy!

Filed Under: Piano Lessons, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
25 October 2014 How To Inspect A Used Piano For Damage Before You Buy

How To Inspect A Used Piano For Damage Before You Buy

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When you purchase a new piano, you can be comfortable you are purchasing an instrument that will provide high quality sound with a warranty to back up any potential problems in the near future. But when you purchase a used piano, it’s an entirely different process.

If you buy it from some shady dealer operating out of his home, you could be looking at BIG money to bring it up to playable standards, and have costly repairs for an indefinite period of time.How To Inspect A Used Piano For Damage Before You Buy

To avoid purchasing a used piano disaster, there are a few precautions you can take along the way to identify any potential problems. Looks can be deceiving; it isn’t looks that give a piano its playability. Use these tips to help you find the right used piano for you.

Start by examining the exterior of the piano.

  • Chipped or crooked piano keys can be a sign of internal abuse. If a keyboard is showing its age on the outside, it may have problems on the inside. Strike each key several times and test out its playability. Look for keys that are silent, notes that don’t hold their lengths, off pitch notes, keys that sound like they are playing multiple notes at the same time, and any buzzing noises or strange vibrations.
  • Cloudiness in the piano’s finish, cracks or other finishing problems can be a sign of weather damage. In some cases it can be caused by humidity; in others it may be a sign of flooding. In all cases, if you see signs of damage on the outside, assume the inside has received the same harsh treatment. You can also check for signs of sun damage – discoloration in the finish can mean that sunlight has warped sections of the wood and has harmed the sound quality.
  • Also check for unresponsive pedals. If pedals are easily pushed and released, almost with a bounce-like quality, they most likely have become detached . Pedals that don’t move at all can be a sign of an even bigger problem. Even if you aren’t planning on using the pedals, pay attention anyway as they can be a sign of internal problems.

Then move to the interior of the piano.

  • Look for damage to the soundboard. The soundboard is the large piece of wood underneath the grand piano, or behind an upright. If there are any cracks or if the board is warped, it can lead to a strange buzzing or rattling sound. Also check to see if any of the reinforcement pieces have become unglued or are loose. If this happens, they can vibrate against each other, which can cause a slight buzzing sound when the keys are pressed. Also look at the bridge – the piece of wood that holds up the strings. If this is cracked or damaged, it will cause a buzzing sound and further damage is eminent.
  • Check the pinblock for damage. The pinblock is a wooden piece near the bridge that holds the tuning pins for each string in place. If this piece of wood is damaged, it can loosen the tuning pins and cause bad pitch as the notes are played.
  • Finally check the hammers and look for wear. Each hammer is covered in felt. If the hammers have been used to the point of wear marks in the felt, it can signify a compromise to the timbre itself. You cannot re-glue felt, it will impact the overall sound quality. You can tell if the timbre has been compromised by playing each key and listening for harsh or clumsy tones.

 

To ensure a quality used piano from the start, look at the reputation of the dealer you are considering making the purchase from. Its often said “you get what you pay for”, and with a piano, its definitely true.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano, Owning a Piano Tagged With: ,
22 October 2014 When You Should Consider Restoration Of Early Pianos

When You Should Consider Restoration Of Early Pianos

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Several factors come into play when deciding on whether a piano should or should not be restored.

  • Its age
  • Its overall condition
  • Its rarity

While there are other factors, these are usually the top three. The goals of restoring and conserving a rare antique piano will be different than restoring a family heirloom. And conserving a piano true to its original form will be different than giving a piano new life and making it playable in modern times.When You Should Consider Restoration Of Early Pianos

Not every piano should be made playable. When a true, rare piano enters the picture, curators and conservators of a piano collection or museum will tell you that in order to preserve its historical value, they choose to follow the path of protecting it from deterioration and keeping it as authentic as possible, no matter if its playable and makes great music in today’s world or not. There are reasons for this.

By leaving as much of the original piano as possible intact, it preserves the instrument for scholars, researchers and replicate builders of the future.

It preserves the voice of the original piano. While it may not be playable by our standards, or have a clear tone expected by today’s musicians, it does provide a peek into the past at how music was played and listened to by generations past.

Conversely, if a piano is going to be restored and brought up to today’s playable standards, it takes a different path. The work will always be documented along the way with a detailed explanation of the procedures used in the restoration process. And while original pieces will be used whenever possible, in some cases replicas will be substituted in order to give it new life, new sound, and a new voice. Tonality has changed over the years, and the primary responsibility of a restorer in this category is to make it playable by today’s standards.

Age is not the only consideration that determines if a piano is antique, rare, or should receive special conservation. In some cases it’s the history of the piano that matters most. A piano built by a famous builder or owner, or one owned by a famous composer or performer has historical value, and therefore is worth restoration to preserve history. Pianos owned by Mozart, Beethoven, or Chopin all give us insight to the way music sounded and was created in their periods of time.

Working with antique pianos takes an enormous amount of skill and care. Every instrument is unique and presents its own unique set of problems and challenges. It is the task of the restorer to enhance what is presented to him or her, and take great care to retain and preserve as much of the original piano as possible.

If you would like to learn more about our restoration process, we would love to speak with you personally about the right direction for you and your piano.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Renovation, Piano Restoration Tagged With: ,
18 October 2014 The Best Room Conditions For The Sound Of Your Piano

The Best Room Conditions For The Sound Of Your Piano

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Pianos are built to last, and with the right care, will provide decades of enjoyment. Yet what determines how long it will last and the condition it will be in at the end of the road depends a great deal on the environment its placed in today.

If you own an acoustic piano or are in the process of buying one, new or used, there are right room conditions that increase the potential life of your piano. Use these guidelines to help you create or update the piano room that will both protect and enhance your investment.

Choose The Right RoomThe Best Room Conditions For The Sound Of Your Piano

Your piano can sound different depending on its final resting spot. Every room has different architectural structure, which can significantly change the sound of your piano. A piano with a bright sound can be nicely balanced by surrounding it with absorbent furnishings such as carpets, rugs and wall hangings. A subtle, more mellow voice is nicely complemented by wooden floors and other hard surfaces. Don’t be afraid to move furniture and décor around as you play to achieve the best results. If you notice vibrations in windows, loose shelves, or even picture frames, move things to avoid harsh tones and even to avoid damaging things from falling in the process.

Maintain The Right Temperature

The ideal piano room maintains a constant room temperature of 70-72° F. If the temperature is allowed to fluctuate drastically beyond these guidelines, problems can quickly start to materialize, such as a change in the tuning, a weakening of the internal glue, and long term wood damage.

Keep in mind that other factors can come into play with regards to temperature. While your room may be a comfy 70°, if you place your piano along an outside wall and it dips down to freezing levels outside, it can drop the temperature of your wall significantly. Also keep your piano away from drafty windows and doors, away from fireplaces, and away from climate control vents.

Control The Elements

Access to outside elements can provide an easy way for potential threats to easily have access to your piano.

Water is not a piano’s friend. While a water glass or other food and drink items should never be placed on a piano, the same hold true with access to condensation. Keep a piano far away from doors and windows where water and other elements may have access to the piano’s surface.

Dust, pollen, dander, smoke – all can easily damage the piano’s inner-workings by accumulating in the tiny places. Keep the piano lid closed and clean your piano regularly to avoid buildup.

Also avoid direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Indirect sunlight can help prevent mold and can even help yellowing in the piano keys. Just be sure to monitor the overall temperature if a room receives a lot of sunny days.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Music Tagged With: ,
15 October 2014 How Humidity Effects Pianos

How Humidity Effects Pianos

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Relative humidity is the amount of moisture contained in the air, compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air is capable of holding. Moisture content is affected by weather as well as the internal conditions and activities that happen every day within your home. The amount of moisture the air is capable of holding varies strictly with the temperature.

How Humidity Effects Pianos

When the relative humidity in a room increases, moisture will tend to transfer from the air to wood and other absorbent materials in the room. When relative humidity decreases, moisture will transfer from these materials back into the air. Relative humidity changes by the hour, by the day, and by the season, always impacting the wood, felt, and other absorbent parts within your piano.

Since relative humidity is dependent on two factors – temperature and

moisture content of the air – its not possible to maintain a constant relative humidity level by controlling room temperature alone.

The first and simplest step you can take is the position your piano takes within your home. Avoid extreme conditions – direct sunlight, exposure to climate control vents, access to drafts from window and doors.

If you have specific problems in your home, you can add a room humidifier to add moisture during dry spells, or a dehumidification system to reduce moisture during wet seasons.

An easy way to control humidity problems right at the source is to have a humidity control system installed in the piano itself. They are installed out of sight, inside the case of a vertical piano or under the soundboard of a grand piano. They have a humidifier for adding moisture to the air, a dehumidifier for eliminating excess moisture, and a control unit that activates the system to add or remove moisture as needed.

While a humidity control system won’t eliminate the need for regular piano maintenance, it will provide more stable tunings by reducing the radical pitch changes your piano may experience as it moves through the seasons. When your piano stays closer to its correct pitch level, your technician does not have to perform a large pitch raising or lowering procedure, and thus balance is refined and maintained between the strings and the frame itself. In addition, it helps preserve your piano through the years. Wood, glue joints, metal parts and your piano’s finish will all last years longer if not subjected to excessive humidity swings.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With:
11 October 2014 10 Tips For Buying An Acoustic Piano

10 Tips For Buying An Acoustic Piano

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1. Sample as many pianos as you can

Pianos are not a one-size-fits-all instrument. Each piano has its own unique features, which is impossible to determine simply by looking at it or studying it from an online site. Its important to sit down and play it to see how the keys feel to the touch, and how the overall piano sounds to your ear. With so many different brands, styles, sizes and options, playing is the only way to decide. Even if you have never played before, you can tell a lot simply by sitting in front of it and touching the keys.

2. Look at new and used10 Tips For Buying An Acoustic Piano

Don’t be intimidated by used pianos. The quality from brand names that have been around for decades in some cases is easily matched to today’s new pianos. However, it is important to understand the history if you are considering used. A used piano sitting for decades in a dark, humid basement could be more trouble than its worth.

3. Test out every key and pedal

Especially on a used piano, make sure every key and pedal is in good working condition. Sit at the piano and start at the bottom working your way up. Even if you’ve never played before, you can still hear if notes are out of tune, or determine which keys are sticking or don’t play properly.

4. Keep in mind where your piano will reside

Nothing can be more frustrating than loving the sound of a piano where you purchased it, only to be disappointed with the sound at home. Room size, ceiling height, ceiling material, flooring, window coverings – all of it impacts the overall sound quality your piano will have.

5. Who is moving your piano?

When you purchase a piano from a dealer, they will usually be able to accommodate your moving needs. But if you buy from a private seller, you will be fully responsible for moving your piano. Keep in mind that a piano is a delicate instrument. It can’t be jostled and thrown into the back of a truck the way you would move a couch or a table. And try getting a grand piano up five flights of stairs; difficult for even the professionals. For the safety of the movers and the piano, its best to have it professionally moved.

6. Do your homework first

Buying a piano can be a big investment. Rather than purchasing the first one you find, shop around and do a little research online. You’ll find many articles on this site, and with a quick Google search you can read more about major manufacturers and the quality of individual brands.

7. Restoration isn’t a bad thing

In some cases, the word restoration can bring suspicion into the equation. If someone tells you a used car has been restored, it may signal a major accident, which could cause more problems down the road. Not so with a piano. Pianos from yesteryear often were built with the highest quality. Restoration is usually performed because the piano still has value, and with certain parts, such as strings and hammers replaced or reconditioned, it continues to increase the value of the instrument. Restored pianos can be a great investment.

8.Tuning is a part of the process

New pianos must be tuned several times in the first year as the piano settles into its new home. Over the years, a piano needs to be tuned on a regular basis to continue working at its peak level. Numbers of hours played does not signify how often a piano must be tuned. Outside conditions continue to impact a piano whether its being played regularly or not.

9. Quality sound can help with longevity

I hear parents all the time say they want an inexpensive piano to start, with the intention of upgrading if their child sticks with it. Instead of starting with a low quality piano, think longevity instead. If you purchase a low quality, out of tune piano just for start up purposes, your child will have trouble “hearing” the sounds of the piano. It won’t sound the same from your home to the instructors room, and its easy to get frustrated and abandon the practice. Quality matters, even to a beginner.

10. Trust a professional

When buying from a private seller, they have one goal in mind: get the piano out of their home. They will do and say anything to make the sale. A professional takes a different approach. A professional wants you to be well informed about your options, and make the best choice for your situation. They want you to be happy with your final selection and have years of enjoyment from your purchase. And if they have been in business for decades, reputation matters, so you can rest assured you won’t be pushed into a quick sale for the money alone.

Filed Under: Buying a Piano Tagged With: , ,
8 October 2014 Simple Rules To Keep Your Piano Healthy

Simple Rules To Keep Your Piano Healthy

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Because your piano is a working instrument filled with moving parts, it needs a little more care than the average piece of furniture sitting in the same room. There are things only a trained technician should do to keep your piano in good working condition – tuning for instance. And there are some things you can do on a regular basis to help extend the life of your piano.

Regulate The Environment Around Your Piano

A piano performs at its best when the environment around it remains relatively stable. While that may seem difficult, especially with huge fluctuations in both temperature and moisture levels as we move from summer to winter, there are things you can do at home to regulate the temperature.Simple Rules To Keep Your Piano Healthy

The cold can weaken the wooden parts of a piano; add too much pressure and they can snap. The heat can negatively effect the strings, and can loosen the felt on the hammers. Ideally the temperature in your room should always remain in the 70 to 72° F range, with humidity best in the 40 to 50 percent range.

Regulate the room’s temperature with an air conditioner or heater, but keep vents for both at a distance from the piano itself. Its also best to keep a piano away from an exterior wall so its not affected by extreme cold periods. Keep away from windows that allow direct sunlight to shine on the piano, which can cause discoloration and could possibly crack the piano’s finish.

Keep Drinks And Food Away From Your Piano

While this advice sounds very basic, it still is something that should be emphasized, especially to kids. In today’s world, we always have a glass of water or a water bottle at close range. And depending on the type of piano and its location, it may seem like the perfect resting spot for your drink. But if liquid seeps into the piano keys and reaches the interior of the piano, major damage can occur quickly.

If liquid spills onto the keyboard, wipe excess liquid from the keys’ surface immediately. To avoid water movement, try not to press any keys while cleaning up. If liquid does seep between the keys, contact a piano technician as soon as possible for maintenance.

For spills on electronic keyboards, unplug at once. Do not attempt to shake off excess water, and only clean up surface liquid. By pressing too hard, you can actually drive liquids deeper into the piano. Wait a few days to thoroughly dry out before plugging in and testing it. If any problems occur, consult with a piano technician for more information.

Adjust The Keylid

When you aren’t playing your piano, the keylid is designed to cover the keys and keep them safe from dust, air particles and other debris from your home. While covering your keys is a good idea, too much of a good thing can be bad as well. If the lid remains closed for too long, it can allow mold and mildew to form inside the keys, especially if the piano is kept in a dark or humid location.

Keep the keylid open periodically to allow air circulation over the keys. You can also occasionally go over your keys with a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove small particles that reside on the tops of the keys. A lightly dampened cloth can also be used to remove build up from your fingertips.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano Tagged With: , ,
4 October 2014 What You Should Know About Piano Benches

What You Should Know About Piano Benches

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Today’s piano benches come in hundreds of styles with a variety of legs, wood finishes and fine fabrics. If you are in the market for a new piano bench, here are a few things that can help you select the right one for your piano and for your playing style.

Grand Piano Bench vs Upright Piano BenchWhat You Should Know About Piano Benches

A grand piano bench (sometimes called a duet bench) is generally between 33 and 36 inches wide. This size bench is proportionate to the width of a grand piano or a full upright, and is perfect if you would like two people playing side by side (hence the name duet bench). Many come as adjustable so they are perfect for growing children or for people that practice for long periods of time and like adjustment every once in a while.

An upright piano bench is generally 30 inches wide and is used with all sizes of upright pianos.

In many cases, people will attempt to save money and choose an upright piano bench to go along with their grand piano; you won’t be happy. Each comes at specific heights designed for the appropriate piano. You will likely be sitting in the wrong position, and it may look out of place when compared to the piano.

Both come either with a wood top or with an upholstered top. The choice is yours – both offer comfort and style, it just depends on your décor and the type of look you are trying to achieve.

Grand pianos offer a third type of bench: the adjustable artist piano bench that offers comfort, durability and appearance. The height is adjustable, meaning you can dial in your desired height for the most comfortable use. These benches come in three sizes: the 21 to 22 inches long standard, the 32 to 33 inches long duet, or the petite, which is the length of a standard, but not as deep, running 13 inches wide as opposed to the 16 or 17 inches of a standard or duet.

What Should You Know About Purchasing A Piano Bench?

There is no true indication of a right or wrong, good or bad piano bench. Piano benches are personal choices, and you can find lovers and haters of almost every piano bench ever made.

However, keep in mind that piano bench manufacturers are finite in nature, meaning only a select few manufacturers make piano benches; its not a mainstream piece of furniture you’ll buy for your home. While some discount retailers may try and get you to buy a bench based on price alone, a lot of factors go into choosing the right bench for you. You must take into account the size of your piano, how you prefer to play, whether your child is still growing, and your individual needs.

The best way to choose the right piano bench is to give it a try first. Stop by and give them a try. Sit on several benches at a piano of similar height to yours at home. You’ll quickly see the difference and determine the right bench for your needs.

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1 October 2014 Common Problems With Digital Pianos and How To Repair Them

Common Problems With Digital Pianos and How To Repair Them

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Digital pianos and keyboards are usually sturdy instruments that will provide years of joy and entertainment if properly maintained. But there are occasions when things go wrong and you must get it repaired. The most common problems with digital pianos are:

  • Broken or sticky keysCommon Problems With Digital Pianos and How To Repair Them
  • A keyboard that won’t switch on
  • No volume or uneven tone
  • LCD is broken,cracked or won’t light up

In many cases, the repairs are fairly simple in nature, and can be completed quickly. However, remember that pianos are delicate by nature, and by applying too much pressure trying to fix it yourself could actually do more damage than good. If you bend or break a contact beyond repair, a new contact board will be required. And if the new part is no longer available, it could mean having to purchase a new instrument instead.

If the problem is a contact issue – some of the notes won’t play, or the volume is uneven or too loud – it’s a sign the contacts need to be cleaned. Most contacts are made of graphite, and a proper cleaning will generally solve the problem. Avoid using WD40 or any other chemical cleaner as they can do more harm than good.

If your piano is freezing, locking, or simply won’t turn on properly, it could need a simple rebooting. Check out the “initialize” or “factory reset” procedure in your user manual, or check on the manufacturers website for more detail. Do not attempt to reset if you have saved your own songs, styles, etc, without saving the data first, as it will restore operation to factory default.

[As a helpful reminder, it is good to regularly backup your work on to your computer or an external storage unit, especially if you save on a regular basis.]

When in doubt, the best solution is to bring your piano in to a reputable piano dealer for repair. Because most manufacturers void the warranty if work isn’t performed correctly, its easy to quickly do damage beyond repair. That can be a costly mistake, especially if it ends up requiring a new piano instead.

Filed Under: Owning a Piano, Piano Playing Tagged With: ,
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