When you think about a piano, you probably think about longevity. People pass down pianos from generation to generation, right? They are more than a simple instrument – they are actually an item of décor that you build your room around.

Whether you have a piano that’s been in your family for a long time, or you’re thinking about buying either a new or used one to bring into your home, how long will a piano last?

Yes, pianos are among the most durable of personal possessions. They have beautiful cabinetry and elegant design. They produce beautiful sound. And you may even have a room in your home especially designed to showcase its quality and abilities.

While pianos will last a long time and be a part of your family for a long time to come, remember, they are just large machines made of wood, felt and metal. Any change can impact the quality of the piano. How often the piano is moved. The conditions of the environment in which the piano exists in. Daily use and abuse. All of this and more will impact the quality of your piano.

While all of this has an impact, overall you can look at a piano by the year to determine how long your piano will last.

First Year

The first year is where most changes can occur. Pitch will change and drop as the new strings stretch and settle in. Make sure you stick with the manufacturers recommended three to four turnings during this first year to keep things in equilibrium. Without these first important tunings, a piano will be more unstable in the future.

Two to Ten Years

During the next few years, pitch stabilizes, assuming regular tunings and few moves and changes in environment. Your piano will continue to settle at a much slower rate than during the first year. Periodic tuning and maintenance will make sure the piano’s responsiveness and tone continues to stay in top working order.

Ten to Thirty Years

The action parts of a piano continue to wear, depending on the extent of use and abuse. If the piano suffers wide temperature and humidity swings, deterioration will occur quicker. While tuning is important, its also important to focus in on correcting loose pins, replacing rusty strings, fixing soundboard cracks, and working on improving finishes.

Thirty to Fifty Years

After years of playing, hammers and action parts become worn. Strings may provide dull sounds, and tones may lose their clarity. Eventually adjustment loses its potential. Instead, parts may need replacing to keep tone quality in how the overall piano works.

Fifty Years and More

From this point forward, full maintenance can mean different things. Should the piano be replaced? Should it be reconditioned or rebuilt?

Sound quality is what is impacted most. Its hard to enjoy playing when tone quality is compromised. Good performance requires a piano to be in good condition. If your piano means a lot to you, staying in touch with a quality piano maintenance contractor will be your best course of action.

Eventually, it becomes less practical to continue maintaining a very old piano, unless it reaches rare or antique quality. However, that’s a long way off, right?

No matter what piano is currently in your home – or which piano you are considering to purchase – a piano will enrich your life for a long time to come.