4 November 2022 4 Ways To Make Your Piano Last For 100 Years

4 Ways To Make Your Piano Last For 100 Years

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Many people put a piano on display, proud of their family heirloom. It sat in their parent’s home, their grandparents owned it too. It can be traced back further than that, even back to their great-grandparents. 

Yes, if you invest in a quality piano, it can last for 100 years. Not every piano is up for the job; here’s what it takes. 

Pay attention to brand

Brand matters for longevity. If you want a piano to be around to hand down to the next generation, start by looking at pianos built for a lifetime of play. A reputable dealer will be able to point you toward pianos that stand the test of time. They are the very same manufacturers that built pianos during your grandparents’ time. They know how to produce high-quality instruments, and they stand behind their work. 

Regular tuning

Tuning is one of the most important maintenance items to keep your piano healthy. The Piano Technicians Guild recommends that a piano be tuned four times during the first year, then twice a year beyond that. Time it with seasons change to ensure heat and moisture don’t leave their impact. This allows a professional to find minor problems that could quickly escalate into bigger issues. 

Care and maintenance

Location is everything. Ensure the right level of humidity, and low fluctuations in temperature. Keep a piano away from drafts, and avoid streaming sunlight. Don’t put drinks on the edge or lid; water is one of the most damaging items. Carefully dust the keys, and keep things away that can block function. 

Restore when it’s time

Pianos have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, no matter what brand it is or how well it’s cared for. Eventually, certain things may need repair. New pins. Update strings. Replace the soundboard. 

A reputable piano restorer will keep it as close to original as possible. They will upgrade where necessary, with the end goal of quality. 

If you want to make your piano last for generations, start out by buying a piano built for the task. 

We can help. Just ask. 

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24 September 2022 Is Upgrading Your Piano a Good Investment?

Is Upgrading Your Piano a Good Investment?

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Is a piano a good investment? It depends on your purpose. 

When most people buy a starter piano, it’s to move into a hobby they’ve been considering for a while. They enjoy music, and the thought of creating it is exciting. They are ready for all of the rewards that come with playing the piano. 

Yet upgrading brings something else to the table. You’ve played the piano; you understand what it brings to your life. Now you’re ready to upgrade and have a higher quality sound. 

A new learner requires stability of the notes to hear what you’re playing while you practice. With a higher quality instrument, it takes the sound to the next level. You can hear the difference. 

Of course, piano brands have a lot to do with it. Certain brands hold their value better than others. What matters the most is a high-quality soundboard. Choose a soundboard made from solid wood rather than one created from composite materials. The soundboard is the heart of the piano, it creates the tone and voice of the sound. High-quality materials will ensure a high-quality sound. 

In most cases, you’ll also find pianos that maintain their value and become a good investment using more timeless finishes, like polished ebony. It’s classic and endearing, and has become synonymous with a high-quality instrument. 

Once you’ve upgraded, you’ll have to provide regular care to ensure the value remains high. That includes things like:

Regular tunings – most piano brands suggest tuning the instrument on a yearly basis. But that changes depending on your situation. New pianos need several adjustments during the first year, as the strings adjust to their positioning. If you move the piano, tuning can help ensure it stays in good playing condition. Stick with a regular tuning professional, and they can recommend a schedule that works well for your situation. 

Proper conditions – pianos can be very finicky instruments if the environment is constantly changing. Move it away from windows or doors where it might be in the line of drafts. Keep it away from vents and registers where it will receive a constant stream of conditioned air. Avoid direct sunlight as UV rays will impact the finish. Avoid too much humidity, as it can lead to warping. Avoid dry air, as it can cause the wood to crack. 

General care – be cautious of what you clean your piano with regularly. Dust it to avoid buildup along the keyboard. Keep the lid closed then it’s not in use. Constant pounding of the keys can cause them to stick; be careful to clean them with a mild solution of soap and water, and never let moisture saturate between the keys. 

Is a piano a good investment? Should you consider upgrading to one that currently suits your needs? Yes! If you enjoy playing and are ready for a better sounding instrument, it will help you become a better player. 

Music is something you can carry with you for life. Upgrade to a higher quality piano today, and enjoy making music for life. 

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14 September 2022 Do I Need a Piano If My Child Is Starting Lessons?

Do I Need a Piano If My Child Is Starting Lessons?

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Children often have many desires, running from activity to activity as they try to find what they enjoy. As a parent, that can be difficult on the budget, trying to keep up with the costs required to enter every activity. Should you rent? Should you buy? Should you wait until your child shows real interest? 

What’s a parent to do? 

Is a piano necessary?

Like all activities your child will start, they need to have the basic equipment at hand before they sign up for lessons. And to play the piano, you’ll need to bring a piano into your home. 

This isn’t the time to pick up a small keyboard at your local big box store. It may look like a piano, but it definitely doesn’t play like one. If it’s nothing more than a toy, your child will never pick up the nuances of what it takes to play the piano. 

Pianos have weighted keys to aid in playing. They use 88 keys for an entire span to play every song. Without a proper instrument, they won’t develop the correct technique. 

When should you buy a piano?

Pianos can be expensive. It isn’t easy to put out the money necessary for your child to start lessons and see if they enjoy making music. 

Yet like every activity, it’s a journey, not a destination. Are you prepared to help your child develop a love of music? If so, you’ll need to get them proper tools to help them learn. 

You wouldn’t expect a child to learn soccer without the proper shoes or a flat ball. You wouldn’t expect them to fall in love with cooking without investing in pots and pans. Every hobby, every activity, has its own tools of the trade. It’s required to learn properly and fall in love with the activity. 

What’s a parent’s best plan?

Luckily, there are many ways you can get the best tools without breaking the bank. 

You may be tempted to look online, and give the “free” piano on Craigslist a try. That can be an expensive endeavor. With nothing to compare it to, you may wind up with a piano that barely plays, and is way out of tune. That’s like playing soccer with a flat ball. 

By trusting a piano dealer, you’ll be able to compare used pianos with new ones, and hear the difference between price points. You’ll learn what makes a quality instrument, and discover the best instrument for your budget. 

Starter pianos are great places to start – they give your kids a great chance at falling in love with music, while keeping the price low to fit within your budget. 

Have more questions? Stop by today. When you need a piano, we’ll help you find the right selection to suit your needs. 

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28 August 2022 How Often Should Piano Hammers Be Replaced

How Often Should Piano Hammers Be Replaced

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A piano hammer is the part of the action that strikes the strings when a key is pressed. Hammers are responsible for producing sound as you push down on each key. 

They are manufactured with a thick, stiff felt stretched around wooden molding using tension. This tension creates a “bounce” factor that causes the hammer to “bounce” off the string after it strikes it, creating a specific vibration or tone. 

As one of the most moveable action items in a piano, it should be no surprise to learn how durable this mechanism is. Over time, the piano’s strings tamp down on the felt, breaking down the fibers with each repeated strike. This impacts the piano’s sound. When you press a key without a clean blow, it strikes without intensity, generating a harsh sound that isn’t pleasing to the ear. 

Once you notice this, it’s time for the piano hammer to be replaced. 

Is this something you’ll have to do often? It depends. A concert piano that is used regularly for performances will undergo much more maintenance and care than a piano used periodically in a home environment. 

Playing is one factor, but it isn’t the only one. Location matters – is the piano in harsh conditions with direct sunlight, changing temperatures, and lots of humidity? That can wear down the felt quickly too. 

There isn’t a specific lifespan for when you’ll replace piano hammers. Instead, it’s important to watch for signs of change, guiding you to make repairs long before they wear down and need total replacement. 

Piano hammers have a characteristic egg shape. As they connect with the strings and begin to harden into grooves, a professional is able to reshape the hammers back to their original condition. Most piano hammers can be reshaped up to three times before the shape and hardness require repair. This restoration process involves using fine sandpaper to return it to the required shape. 

How do you know when it’s time? 

The first step is with an audible clue. When hammers are worn down, the piano will create a harsh and unpleasant sound. The tone will be different from what you’re accustomed to. 

The second is by looking at the hammers. If the grooves in the felt are half the diameter of the strings themselves, then the hammers require reshaping at a minimum. As the tracks move closer to the same width as the strings, then the hammers will require replacement. 

Do all pianos need to have hammers replaced? Yes, eventually. This is where the action happens, where sound is created, and where the most stress is created. 

Regular maintenance will ensure its quality to keep your piano in good working condition. That includes replacement of items like the piano hammers from time to time. It’ll keep your piano playable.

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24 August 2022 When Should You Replace Your Piano?

When Should You Replace Your Piano?

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How often should you replace your piano? Pianos are one of the most durable personal items you own. Still, they can’t last forever. What should you watch for? How will you know?

Pianos aren’t like other pieces of furniture. For many households, it’s one of their prized possessions. It may have been handed down from a favorite grandmother. They may intend to hold onto it until their children want to bring it into their own homes. 

Yet even though pianos come with the stigma of strength and longevity, they are delicate instruments that will wear down over time. Each piano is built from more than 10,000 pieces, all working together to create a classic design. Wooden parts are connected to metal wires, held together by adhesive glue. Even with proper maintenance and repair, it won’t last forever. 

Here is an example of the average lifespan. 

Year one

Your piano needs a lot of TLC during its first year. With wood and metal recently formed and fitted together, it requires consistent tunings during this time to ensure it stays in proper condition. Without these tunings, it will need more repair, including voicing and pitch correction, in the future. 

Year two to year ten

With proper care in the first year, the piano stabilizes by the second year. As long as your piano acclimates well to the surroundings, and isn’t placed in a volatile environment, (humidity swings, drafts from windows and doors, direct sunlight, etc) it should settle in and require regular tunings. The tone may change as the hammers flatten or change their shape from the constant wear of moving against the strings. Voicing is a part of a regular maintenance plan. If you work with a piano technician regularly, they will be able to offer guidance on keeping your piano in the best shape. 

Year ten to year thirty

Maintenance is critical as your piano settles in. If it’s a high-quality piano, it should wear in nicely as it’s well cared for. Hammers will continue to wear over time. The action will start to wear depending on how often it’s played. This is where well-cared-for piano ages well compared to one neglected and pushed aside. With temperature variances and humidity swings, soundboards can crack, strings and pins can rust, and the finish can dull. 

Year thirty to year fifty

This is where a piano wears down. Hammers wear down. Action starts to fail. Tonal quality disappears. Even with regular tuning, a technician may start to recommend repair and restoration. 

This is where people start to wonder if replacing your piano is better than making significant repairs. This is where it’s time to ask questions:

  • Does the piano hold significant meaning to me:
  • What does a reconditioned piano look like? Is it worth it to me?
  • Would I be better with a new piano? 

This can be a difficult decision, especially if there is an emotional attachment to the piano. 

Need help? That’s what we’re here for. 

We can help you make the right decision to suit your needs. Whether repairing the piano you have, or purchasing a new or used one to suit your needs better, we have the answers you’ve been looking for. 

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21 August 2022 How Often Should We Be Tuning Our Church Piano?

How Often Should We Be Tuning Our Church Piano?

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A general rule of thumb is that a piano should be tuned twice a year. Yet that isn’t always true. 

When your piano is in constant motion, when you play your church piano day in and day out, it may need to be tuned more frequently. 

Playing isn’t the only thing that impacts playability. Where is your piano located? Is it in the line of drafts from windows and doors? Are there temperature fluctuations? Do the humidity levels change frequently?

How often should you be tuning your church piano?

Pianos may appear to be large, bulky pieces of furniture that can withstand much abuse. Yet inside a piano is 10,000 tiny intricate pieces that need care to keep them working well. To keep those 10,000 parts working well, schedule maintenance like you do with other assets you care for. Seasonally works well – once when you turn off the heat, and again when you turn off the air conditioning. Both of these modern conveniences can have a profound impact on the condition of your piano. Tuning them at these intervals will ensure it’s in good working condition. 

Tuning … or service?

If you hire a well-educated piano technician, they will have lots of experience in caring for a piano. From fine tuning to voicing, to repair work and restoration, they will be able to pick up on tiny nuances that can impact the quality of your piano. Pianos are expensive, isn’t it better to care for them over time than to replace them before their time? 

Why do pianos need to be tuned regularly?

Every time you touch a key, the string moves, hammers jump, notes are created, and a sound is produced. This action is repeated every time you sit down and play a song. That’s a lot of stress that goes into the makeup of the piano. Regular tuning ensures each of these systems are well maintained and cared for. 

What if you don’t tune the piano?

It happens more often than not. In time, strings go out of tune due to stress. If you don’t put these strings back in proper position, they can cause damage to other parts of the piano. If left uncorrected, the pitch may diminish to a point where it can no longer hold a tuning. That can require extensive repair or restoration. 

What if a piano is never tuned?

We see this occasionally. At this point, it depends on the quality of the piano. Does it make sense to spend the time necessary to restore the quality to what it was before? Does it make sense to restore the piano to working condition? Or is replacement a better option?

The best way to keep your church piano in quality working condition is to provide the correct care throughout its life. That includes regular tuning, action regulation, and tone adjustments. 

When was the last time your church piano was tuned?

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18 August 2022 Are Pianos Eco-Friendly?

Are Pianos Eco-Friendly?

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“It might sound strange, but lately, I’ve been trying to bring more sustainable, eco-friendly items into my house. I’ve been looking at pianos, and started wondering how they’re made. Are pianos eco-friendly?”

Great question. 

When people purchase a piano, they bring all sorts of questions with them. And occasionally, we are asked about sustainability too. 

Overall, pianos are created from more than 10,000 pieces. Some of its wood. Some of its metal. But it all comes together to create an instrument you can enjoy for life. 

New or used?

Before diving into the way pianos are made, it’s essential to talk about lifespan too. When you purchase a high-quality piano, you can reasonably expect it to last for a generation or more. When well cared for, a piano can be enjoyed for decades. 

If you look back at some of the top piano brands in history, you’ll find many of them still make good investments today. Because dealers understand quality, they often purchase used pianos back from clients, ensure they’re in good working condition, and then resell them to families looking for a good investment. 

New or used, if you pay attention to quality, you can expect decades’ worth of use. This isn’t something you’ll use and throw away anytime soon. 

Ivory piano keys

A lot has changed in the past century. 

When pianos were first invented, they were made from a variety of materials. Ivory became popular for both looks and playability. Musicians enjoyed the feel of ivory underneath their fingertips, and it created a valuable item that people enjoyed showing off inside of their homes. 

During the Great Depression, manufacturers began using plastic in place of ivory as a way to save money. They also found plastic was easier to work with, especially in manufacturing lines. 

By 1989, the use of ivory was officially banned from use. You can no longer purchase ivory. If you own or buy a piano built before 1959, there is a strong possibility it is made with ivory. How you feel about owning something made with this product is up to you. 

Eco-friendly

Many of today’s manufacturers work hard to create products that won’t harm the environment. Some brands create manufacturing processes designed to be sustainable and ethical. They pay attention to energy reduction and how they source their materials. 

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures wood is sourced and harvested sustainably. You can check if the brand you’re purchasing follows their guidelines for the wood used in manufacturing. 

It’s your choice

If you truly wish to be more eco-friendly with every purchase, stop by and chat about what instrument may be the best choice for you. We can help you identify top brands for consideration, and provide details to help you make the right decision. 

What questions can we answer for you? 

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4 August 2022 Yes, You Can Afford a High Quality Piano

Yes, You Can Afford a High Quality Piano

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How much does a piano cost? If your child has expressed an interest in playing piano, you might be a little nervous about investing in an instrument. The size, the complex features, all point to something that’s going to hit your budget hard. 

Yet you want what’s best for your child. And they want to play. 

Can you afford a high quality piano? Or will you resort to finding something less-than-stellar at a garage sale, or pick up a toy piano and hope for the best?

How to afford a high quality piano

Before settling for a poor quality piano based on price alone, let’s talk about the importance of a high quality instrument. 

Would you attempt to start playing basketball … and use a flat ball?

Or start downhill skiing … with toy skis?

Of course not. We understand that to make the most of a hobby, and to stay safe while doing so, it’s important to have the right equipment. Without it, you’ll never pick up the nuances of settling into your new hobby. Nor will you enjoy the process. 

While you might need professional level equipment, you do need certain standards to ensure you make the most of your time practicing. It has to make the process enjoyable. 

Can you imagine playing a piano where the notes were all out of key? Or the sound was tinny, anything but pleasing? Eventually, you would no longer participate in the process. 

How piano dealers can help you

When you hunt through Craigslist, you might find a high quality instrument if you weed through all of the listings, trying to find one that suits your needs. What you’re more likely to find is a lot of pianos that have been abandoned, without playing, without maintenance, until someone decides to move them out of their home. 

This rarely offers a high quality sound. 

Dealers only sell high quality pianos. They offer new and used, at every price point, and of varying degrees of quality. From startups to professionals, a piano dealer offers every level of piano to suit your needs. 

They can also help with financing. Because they are a retail dealer, they have a variety of options available for you. 

But it all starts with a first step … coming in and discussing your needs and desires. 

Whether you’re just starting and have never touched a piano before, or have specific wants and desires in mind, we have a solution to suit your needs. 

Yes, you can afford a high quality piano. 

It starts by stopping by today. We look forward to working with you. 

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18 July 2022 Making Sure Your Piano Keys Are Never Sticky Again

Making Sure Your Piano Keys Are Never Sticky Again

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When you first purchase a new piano, it looks perfect sitting in your home. Yet as your family plays over time, something can start impacting the way it plays. 

You may have a rule of no food or drink near the piano. That’s a good rule to make. But it isn’t the only thing that can impact the piano keys. Humidity, dust in the air supply, or a small object wedged between the keys can stop playing in its tracks. 

You’ll know it when it happens. Sticky piano keys mean your fingers won’t be able to move up and down the keyboard nimbly as you play. You’ll hit a key, and your finger will stop. It won’t feel right. It won’t sound right. 

It’s time to jumpstart piano maintenance, and ensure your keyboard is ready to play again. 

Cleaning the keyboard is quite easy. But there are a few tricks to learn first. 

What are the keys made of?

Start by determining the key material. Most modern pianos use acrylic plastic. Ivory is no longer used, but if you have an older piano, it may still be in place. Ebony is a hard, tropical wood often used for the black keys. Sometimes cellulose is used, which is known as imitation ivory. 

If your piano is known, it is probably made from acrylic plastic. The older it is, the more chance it has of being ivory. You can tell it’s ivory by looking for a horizontal seam where the white key starts to narrow. 

Cleaning plastic piano keys

Plastic keys are fairly resilient. That said, you should still avoid using too much water, as it can seep between the keys and cause damage underneath. Use a mild dish soap and a slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove dirt and stains. Be sure to place the cleaning solution on the cloth; never pour solution directly onto the keys. Don’t use a scrub brush or anything harsh that may scratch the surface. Clean one key at a time, back to front, until all the keys are cleaned. 

Cleaning ivory piano keys

Ivory is a porous material that is vulnerable to certain cleaning products. Less is more. Start by rubbing with a clean microfiber cloth to remove the top layer of dirt. Then using a mixture of one part dish soap to four parts water, clean the notes from left to right, back to front, one key at a time. Make sure to use a light color cloth as darker colors can transfer to ivory keys. Wipe down the surface after cleaning to ensure they are dry.

In all cases, avoid using harsh chemicals on the keys. Vinegar can be harsh, scratching and dulling the surface. Alcohol can also cause damage to the surface of the keys. When in doubt, refer directly to the manufacturer, or give us a call. We can make recommendations. 

Are your keys still sticky?

Cleaning should be a regular part of your routine. Yet if you’ve cleaned the keys and they still stick, it may be time to call in a professional. They can pinpoint and fix the problem quickly, having you back to playing in no time. 

Have you experienced sticky keys before? 

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7 June 2022 Sanitizing Your Piano To Stay Healthy

Sanitizing Your Piano To Stay Healthy

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The last two years have changed our approach to cleaning. We are more conscious about what we touch and how germs are spread. 

That makes any item that’s touched regularly more susceptible to spreading germs. It makes us more consistent in our cleaning methods. 

Yet pianos are different from door knobs or desktops. You can’t clean piano keys the way you can a smooth surface. Spray and wipe down a desktop, and you’re ready to go. Spray keys, and you may cause extensive damage to the internal workings of the piano. 

Still, you want the surface area clean, germ-free, and reduce the chances of it becoming a super spreader. 

What should you do?

First, learn what’s safe and what isn’t. 

Hydrogen peroxide is available at any pharmacy, and is safe for piano keys. Simply dampen a cotton pad with hydrogen peroxide and use it to wipe down the keyboard. Wipe from back to front and ensure the pad isn’t saturated, leaving trace amounts of moisture to sit on the surface for long. Follow up with a dry towel to ensure liquids are removed. 

Do not use bleach-based disinfectants or any cleaning product with a citrus base. These will damage the keys over time. 

For the exterior of your piano, it’s quite easy to keep it clean and germ-free. Using a soft cloth, dampen it with plain water to remove any dust or fingerprints that may occur. Never apply any liquid or cleaning product directly. Instead, spray the cloth first to ensure the piano doesn’t receive too much moisture during the cleaning process. 

Do not use solvents or chemicals of any kind. When in doubt, refer directly to the manufacturer to find recommended cleaning and disinfecting products. Or give us a call; as a piano dealer, we can recommend the best ways to keep your piano in good working condition while being germ-free too. 

Avoid dampness at all costs. If moisture is allowed to seep down between the keys, it can cause swelling. This prevents the keys from moving, and hampers the movement as you play. 

You can have a sanitization station near the piano before playing. Before sitting down, use a hand sanitizer, ensuring that it’s thoroughly rubbed in before touching the keys. Keep it and any other liquids away from the piano – vases, drinks, or other liquid products can ruin the finish and the sound. 

Do you practice good hygiene before sitting down to play the piano?

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