What Is A Pitch Raise?

What Is A Pitch Raise?

How long has it been since you hired a technician to tune your piano?

Something happens to a piano when it is left untouched, untuned for a long period of time. With every year that passes, the pitch of your piano drops further and further from where it should be.What Is A Pitch Raise?

Overall, as a piano sits and absorbs the elements from the surrounding area, it will in general go flat in the colder winter months, than rise up in the summer, though in most cases the movement isn’t proportional. If this process continues time after time, it will be the job of the technician to bring it back into tune. And if and when you decide to tune it, it becomes more difficult for a piano tuner to pull it back up to its proper tension levels.

The piano contains over 200 strings, all that need to be adjusted during tuning. As a technician raises the tension of each string, it puts a lot of strain on the piano’s structure. It’s impossible to make a large jump and have a stable tuning in one pass. So the technician must spend the time raising each of the strings up to their average tension levels, then move forward once again to accurately bring it into tune. This is called a pitch raise.

The process continues until the piano is deemed to be in tune.

Also keep in mind that when a piano goes through this much adjustment at one setting, the likelihood of it moving back out of tune increases as well. It is recommended to have the piano tuned again within a six month period of time to help keep the tension level of the strings more stable.

Once a piano is back in tune, a regular tuning schedule (every six months to one year) will prevent the need for a pitch raise in the future. Like many things, regular maintenance will keep your piano in the best possible performance level.

Rebuilding A Steinway Does It Have To Have Steinway Parts

Rebuilding A Steinway Does It Have To Have Steinway Parts

What do you do if you have an old Steinway piano filled with meaning, but it simply doesn’t play the way it used to? Rebuild it of course.

Rebuilding a piano is common practice in today’s world. Some of the best pianos in the world we’re made years ago. And through age and playing, they may need a little bit of work to continue being in peak condition. If you have a highly regarded, well made piano, why replace it when a little bit of work can have it in mint condition?rebuilding-a-steinway-does-it-have-to-have-steinway-parts

And in many cases, a top piano can have more value for resale than a new piano from today. Piano’s have history, that’s part of their desire. But rebuilding a piano can leave you filled with questions if you’ve never gone through the process before.

If you rebuild a Steinway piano, will it still be a Steinway?
This is one of the most frequent questions we receive. After all, a Steinway piano was originally created in house using parts and manufacturing processes exclusive to Steinway. If you use anything other that Steinway parts, is it still a Steinway?

The answer is yes. If you go with a reputable rebuilder, his first goal will be to repair your piano so it is in top playing condition. He won’t cut corners or use parts that will undermine the playability of the instrument. If Steinway parts are the best for the fix, they will be used. But in some cases, especially with older pianos, Steinway parts may not be available. In which case the most important thing is to use the best part for the repair.

Is there such a thing as imitation parts?
A Steinway piano has over 12,000 parts. A reputable rebuilder knows that to keep a piano in top condition, using the parts already there can be the best. If they are repairable, by all means use the existing parts.

But in some cases, a part is beyond repair. In order to be playable, it has to be replaced. But a part isn’t automatically inferior just because it doesn’t have “a name” on it. In all cases, the most important part of rebuilding is making sure everything fits and reacts perfectly together.

Do all parts need to be replaced?
Not always. Old hinges and hardware aren’t always broken or non-working. They simply have dulled with age. Polishing them up can make them look like new again. And because they were original to the piano, nothing will fit better on your piano. Besides, in order to be environmentally friendly, why throw away something that still works and can be made to look as good as new?

Have additional questions about rebuilding your Steinway? Give us a call or stop by today.

How To Free Sticking Piano Keys

How To Free Sticking Piano Keys

If you have a piano, and have played for any length of time, chances are you’ve experienced sticking piano keys. They play fine, until one day you press down a key and its sluggish, and simply won’t make a sound. There are a lot of reasons this can happen, including:

  • Jamming partsHow To Free Sticking Piano Keys
  • Broken action
  • Food or other particles between the keys
  • Warped keys rubbing together
  • Broken keys
  • Excessive moisture

One of the most common reasons a key will stick, causing a note to not make a sound when pressed, is moisture within the action. A key is guided in its up and down motion by two metal pins, a balance pin and a guide pin. Both pins are extended up into the key channels through a thin felt bushing cloth.

The guide pin can be the problem, especially if the piano resides in humid conditions. Even a small amount of moisture trapped in the bushing can cause the felt to swell, and cause it to grip the pin too tightly. The result is a sticking key, or a key that fails to return to its normal position after being depressed. This is also a frequent problem with new pianos, as the bushings are made to fit tightly, and it may take time to allow the felt to wear down and compress. The pin can be freed by working the pin through the bushing a few times in order to open up the space. Work the key up and down using moderate pressure to compress the felt bushing.

Another easy to fix problem, especially with new pianos, is an out of position keyslip. The keyslip is a thin strip of wood located in front of the keys. The distance between the keys and the keyslip is an eighth of an inch or less. If moisture or swelling impacts the keyslip, it can easily rub against the keys, causing them to stick. Sometimes you can gently work the keyslip back into position with your fingertips, pulling towards you. If the keyslip is warped, it may need replacing.

If the problem isn’t easily fixed, and you continue to have problems with sticking, its time to call in a reputable tuner to fix your keys and bring them back to playing condition.

Restoring The Pinblock

Restoring The Pinblock

What’s one of the most important parts to any piano? Arguably, many people would point towards the pinblock.

The pinblock is designed to hold the tuning pins tightly in place so the piano does not go out of tune. Pinblocks are usually made of hard maple or beech wood, and are usually laminated so that the end grain of the wood presses up against the tuning pin from multiple directions.Restoring The Pinblock

Tuning pins are about 2 ½ inches long and are made of steel. They are embedded into the pinblock about an inch in depth, with the remaining inch being visible above the wood.

In most cases, tuning pins become loose for one of two reasons.

First, the pinblock may simply be worn out. After years of tuning the pins and moving them back and forth, they simply cause the hole in the wood to be larger than the pin itself. Its similar to a wood screw that has been stripped.

Second, the more serious of the two problems can be a cracked pinblock. Cracks can form in the pinblock between two or more of the tuning pins. The crack causes the holes to open up and the pins become so loose they will not stay in place. Cracks can be caused by a number of things, including an excessively dry environment, or by an inexperienced technician who pounds the pins in without the proper support from behind.

Is the pinblock worth replacing? That all depends on the piano and the pinblock. If a pinblock is cracked in an inexpensive upright, its often not worth the cost of fixing it. If a name brand grand piano is suffering from a worn out pinblock, a trained technician may be able to restring the piano using oversized tuning pins, and give your piano several more decades of life.

The only way to know for sure is to have a trained technician inspect your piano. Give us a call today.

The Best Value In Pianos: The Restored Piano

The Best Value In Pianos: The Restored Piano

Want to know the best kept secret in the piano industry? It’s the restored piano. Very few items exist that appreciate in value the older they get. Whether you own an heirloom piano in need of repair, or are looking to purchase a piano for your family, your school, your church, or your place of business, a restored piano may be the perfect choice for you.The Best Value In Pianos: The Restored Piano

A restored piano has the advantage of:

  • Having a higher quality level of materials than you’ll find in many modern day pianos
  • Having hand crafted construction with embellishments to match
  • Having historical value that will continue to appreciate with age
  • Producing musical tones that will only come with time-aged wood
  • Giving you the opportunity to lower your costs while increasing your ability for a better piano

What’s the difference between used and restored?

The words “used” and “restored” are not synonymous.

As time goes by, fewer people are purchasing pianos, and therefore production of new pianos has decreased as well. In many cases, people of today want a piano as much for the beauty of the instrument as they do for the sound it produces.

If a piano has been built in the last 40 years or so, and is a lower priced piano, it may be a mass produced piano from China or Indonesia, built with particle board or compressed paper. They are considered be entry level by some, but in most cases will have a limited life.

Pianos built around the turn of the 20th Century were considered the best of its class. With state of the art craftsmanship, decorative embellishments, and the rich beauty of hardwoods, the detail can rarely be found in today’s production. While they may need restoration to enrich the wood, improve the sound quality, or repair well used pieces, its quality will never be matched by a mass produced piano.

Is my piano worth restoring?

Many people come across old pianos as they head to estate sales or are gifted with a piano from friends and relatives. While they may be a welcome addition to your household, as you play a few notes you may question the value. If the notes sound a little off, the first thing you may ask yourself is if its repairable?

Some pianos are worth saving; some are not. Some have value because of the manufacturer or the era they originated from; some are beyond repair.

While you can start with the manufacturer and do a little research online, the best way to understand your piano’s value is to have a reputable dealer evaluate its condition.

In many cases, the restored piano is the best kept secret of the piano world. Whether you have a specific make or brand in mind, or are simply shopping for your first piano and want an exceptional deal, the restored piano may be just what you are looking for.

Can Anyone Repair A Piano?

Can Anyone Repair A Piano?

We’re a nation of do-it-yourselfers. We love tinkering with small projects, fixing things up and saving a little money in the process. Yet in some cases, a little do-it-yourself project can do more harm then good.

Such is the case with a piano. Grand piano owners are advised to leave all repair work to a professional piano technician. And while upright piano owners are advised to seek professional help as well, there are a few things you can learn about the repair process that will help you pinpoint the problem, and make communicating the process easier with the technician who comes in for the repair.Can Anyone Repair A Piano?

Gaining access to piano parts…

With an upright, you can gain access to the working piano parts by opening the top lid and reaching in to undo the clips inside at each end. The top is secured to the back of the bottom lid by two dowels. The bottom panel is removed by swinging back the top catches at each end. Carefully stow the panels away to keep them safe while working inside the piano.

If your piano sounds out of tune…

A piano tuner uses a special tool to properly tune your piano. Without that tool, you cannot tune your piano. If only a note or two sound bad, it could be that one of the three strings of a particular note has gone flat in comparison to the rest.

If your piano has a broken string…

If a string is broken and has cut off sound to other notes, it must be removed by removing the action and identifying where the string is attached to the piano. The string can be removed from the hitch pin where it is connected. However, chances are the string is shared with adjacent strings, making removal even more difficult. Do not cut a string in order to remove it. Any string that is successfully removed should be stowed away until a technician can evaluate the situation.

If a note doesn’t sound…

First determine if it’s the key or the action that is malfunctioning. If the key stays down after it has been pressed, the key is causing the problem. If the key sticks, first check that it is clear of the key slip – the finished piece of wood that runs along the front of the keys. Next check to see that nothing is wedged between the neighboring keys. It is common for crumbs, dust, or other debris to accumulate and cause sticking problems. To access the key, the key slip can be removed either by removing screws or pins at either end of the key slip. Removing the key can reveal the cause of the problem, and give you access to be able to thoroughly clean between the keys.

If however, the problem lies with the hammer not connecting properly with the string, then the problem is in the action, and a technician will have to be called in to rectify the problem.

If a group of adjacent notes don’t produce sound…

If several adjacent notes do not play, a foreign object may be causing the problem. Even something as simple as a ball point pen can block up to six adjacent keys very effectively. Inspect along the action to see if you can find the blocking object.

Keep in mind that when keys stick, its not for the same reasons that other mechanical items throughout your home stick. You cannot and should not use oil, or silicon sprays such as WD-40 to free sticking parts. It leaves a sticky mess, which is difficult to remove, and can in many cases cause more harm to the piano.

If the soft pedal has no effect…

Check to see if the rods connecting the pedal to the action are intact and adjusted. In the case of the soft pedal, the steel bracket may have become detached from the hammer rail. Older pianos use a piece of leather to connect the two pieces together. If it has come loose, simply regluing the pieces together may solve the problem.

If the pedal squeaks…

As with other noises, try and locate the origin of the problem. Start with where the pedal comes through the opening to the front of the piano. The felt around the inside opening may be worn or missing after continuous play, and may be rubbing against the bare wood. If there is no felt at the opening, you’ve found your problem.

These are just a few of the many things that can cause your piano to not work at its optimal level, therefore reducing its sound quality. If you have questions, contact us for a reputable piano technician to evaluate your piano’s condition, and provide you with results.

When You Should Consider Restoration Of Early Pianos

When You Should Consider Restoration Of Early Pianos

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.

Why Piano Rebuilding Is More Than Changing Out The Piano Parts

Why Piano Rebuilding Is More Than Changing Out The Piano Parts

All of a sudden, your piano doesn’t play the way it used to. The notes sound a little off. Songs begin having that out-of-tune pitch that makes you cringe more than enjoy.

So like any good do it yourselfer, you buy a few parts and attempt to fix the problem yourself. But can you really fix a piano yourself? Is it possible?

The answer, of course, is it depends.Why Piano Rebuilding Is More Than Changing Out The Piano Parts

If you happen to get lucky, and find one piece that truly is defective, and replace it in such a way that it improves the sound, then the answer is yes.

Chances are though, this will never be the case.

Piano rebuilding is an art form. Its not merely the act of changing out a few parts to make a better sound. You can’t run down to the local discount store, by a few generic parts and expect your piano to provide you with the quality sound you’ve come to expect.

Because in many cases, it starts with selecting the right parts. There are many different dimensions, and it takes a specialist to recognize and understand the nuances to make the right selection. For example, we always analyze the action to determine the appropriate parts required to maintain and match the action.

We also know that rebuilding can include analyzing and changing out the action, sound board and pin block. It may require resetting the down bearing during the stringing process, which will drastically affect the quality and tone of sound from your piano. It may also include changing the pressure the strings exert on the bridge and sound board.

The bridge – the vertical portion of the soundboard – is a delicate piece made of hardwood with pins in it. The higher the bridge, the more down pressure the string is going to exert on the bridge and the soundboard. This is where sound balance occurs. Its also one of the most important parts of your piano, the part that needs to be carefully analyzed to avoid stress on the crown of the soundboard, therefore inhibiting your piano’s performance.

Rebuilding means making sure all pieces are in proper placement, proper dimensions, proper performance. If its original equipment, its in the best working condition possible. If its new, it’s the perfect match for your piano.

When it comes down to it, piano rebuilding is best performed by someone with training, skills and knowledge. Rebuilding is as much an art form as it is a science. Trust someone with over 50 years of experience in the piano industry. Give us a call today.

How To Find A Piano Tuning Company In Memphis

How To Find A Piano Tuning Company In Memphis

When was the last time you had a professional come in and tune your piano?

Piano tuning is necessary to ensure your piano is in top condition. Imagine learning to drive a car if the engine keeps dying at every stop light. Or learning to bake when the oven can only be set to one temperature. Yes, you have access to the right tools, but they aren’t performing in an optimal way. And without optimal performance, you can’t get the results, and your desire to continue with a project quickly goes away.

Learning to play on a piano that is out of tune impedes the experience. It is difficult to play notes that sound just a bit off, or have lingering notes caused by defective hammers and strings.How To Find A Piano Tuning Company In Memphis

When looking for a piano tuner, keep in mind that there are varying levels of expertise. A piano tuner tunes a piano – he tightens or loosens the strings to find the right pitch, so they play the correct tone when struck by the hammer.

A piano technician will tune your piano, but can also provide more skills on an as needed basis. He can regulate, repair or voice your piano so that it sounds and plays its best. Keep in mind that a piano does not need all of these services every time, but depending on age, conditions, and hours played, like anything, it will need work over time. The key is recognizing a problem early and fixing it before it becomes critical.

A repair can include a variety of issues with your piano. Anything from fixing a broken string, to replacing a worn out or broken part would help extend the life of your piano. Pianos need to be played to stay in top condition. And when played, the moving parts can become old, brittle, and crack over time.

Regulating a piano is the process of making sure all moving parts are moving at the same distance at the right time. A properly regulated piano is easier to control, more rewarding to play, and produces a better sound. Which overall helps you become a better player.

Voicing a piano helps it sound its best. Have you ever listened to a choir or an orchestra where one voice is out of tune? It stands out. Pianos are like that too. Each has its own voice, capable of making a variety of sounds and tones. When one part is off, it stands out every time that note is played. With a few simple techniques, the range can be brought back into tune, and once again provide beautiful, quality music that is a joy to play.

With all of these services available and in need to keep your piano at its best, where do you find the ideal person to work on it?

Start by asking the people around you. As a piano player, you probably know other piano players as well. Piano teachers, orchestra members, even local schools all have their pianos tuned and regulated on a regular basis, and would be happy to provide a referral. And if you are here in Memphis, you can also stop by or give us a call at any time. We’ve been in the industry for over 50 years, and are experts at all things piano. Whether you have a simple question, or are in need of a new piano, we can provide you with advice at any time. We love pianos, and look forward to sharing that love with you.

Why Vertical Piano Maintenance Is Important

Why Vertical Piano Maintenance Is Important

When buying a piano, you have two choices: a vertical piano or a grand piano. The difference lies in the size of the instrument and the way it is constructed.

A vertical piano is made to save on space. Also known as an upright, it is meant to fit into to tight spaces, lie flush against a wall, and give optimal sound in a condensed format.

All pianos, whether vertical or grand format, need routine maintenance and tuning to keep it in peak performance. One of the benefits of purchasing a vertical piano from a dealer – whether you look at a new or used vertical piano – is you can also use them as a reputable piano technician that will be able to provide regular tunings and maintenance on an as needed basis.Why Vertical Piano Maintenance Is Important

Vertical pianos are different than grand pianos in the way they are constructed. Therefore when hiring a technician, its important to hire someone that works on vertical pianos regularly, as they have their own unique nuances.

Regular tuning is needed as a piano is played, strings and hammers stretch and wear, and the sound changes based on every day circumstances. Care and maintenance depends on where your piano is located and the types of influences it has on a daily basis.

  • Is your home regulated for temperature and humidity?
  • Is the piano subjected to direct sunlight?
  • How often is it played?
  • What conditions does it have within the room itself?

When problems start to arise, it usually begins with the piano’s inner workings … in other words, with the piano’s soundboard.

The soundboard will move due to changes in the humidity of the room, and its really not something that can be changed. Because it’s a moving, working, breathing unit, changes will happen. You can use a humidity control system to keep humidity regulated, but keep in mind that wood will change. And as it changes, the sound will change as well.

Regular maintenance is the key to giving your piano the best care possible. If its been a while since you’ve had your piano tuned or repaired, give us a call today. We can help you maintain your piano’s sound, and provide you with top quality care.