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Frequently
Asked Questions
Tuning
| Regulating | Rebuilding
| Voicing | Appraisals
| Humidity control | Moving
| Finish care | Cleaning
| Buying a piano | Find
a piano technician | Learning the trade
| Basic piano care
How often should my piano be serviced?
Your piano is
an investment in your future. It can bring you and your family a
lifetime of music, adding immeasurable joy and beauty to your home.
Because it also is such a large investment, it should be maintained
with the utmost care. Regular servicing by a qualified tuner-technician
will preserve your instrument and help you avoid costly repair in
the future. Because your piano contains materials such as wood
and felt, it is subject to change with climatic conditions. Extreme
swings from hot to cold or dry to wet cause its materials to swell
and contract, affecting tone, pitch and action response of touch.
Most manufacturers recommend three or four tunings a year. For
the average home piano a minimum of twice a year is absolutely essential.
Every piano requires a different level of maintenance, depending
upon the quality of materials used, the design and level of craftsmanship.
Like your car, your piano is a major investment which deserves regular
servicing to keep it working well and preserve its value. Most importantly,
the well-maintained piano sounds better, plays better, and gives
you and your family a wealth of musical pleasure.
What happens to a piano as it ages?
In the short
term, leather and felt compact, affecting the adjustment (regulation)
of the parts. The action becomes uneven and less responsive, and
the piano's tone loses dynamic range. Squeaks and rattles may develop.
Routine maintenance such as hammer filing, regulation, voicing,
and tuning will correct these problems and maintain the piano in
near-new condition. After
extended or very heavy use, action parts become severely worn.
Leather and felt wear thin. Keys become wobbly, hammer felt gets
too thin to produce good tone, and the action becomes noisy. Regulation
adjustments reach their limit. In addition, piano strings may begin
breaking and the copper windings of bass strings lose resonance.
After
decades of exposure to seasonal changes, the wood of the soundboard,
bridges, and pinblock is weakened. This causes loose tuning
pins, poor tuning stability, and further loss of tone. By this time
the piano's finish will often be scratched or faded.
Why
does a piano go out of tune?
Piano strings change pitch for two primary reasons: the initial
stretching and settling of strings when the piano is new, and soundboard
movement due to humidity variation. In the case of new pianos, the
pitch drops quickly for the first couple of years as the new strings
stretch and wood parts settle. It's very important to maintain any
new piano at the proper pitch during this period, so the string
tension and piano structure can reach a stable equilibrium. (Most
piano manufacturers recommend three to four tunings the first year,
and at least two per year after that.)
Aside from this initial settling, climate change is the main cause
of pitch change. That's because the piano's main acoustical structure
-- the soundboard -- is made of wood. While wooden soundboards produce
a wonderful sound, they also react constantly to climate changes.
As the relative humidity goes up, the soundboard swells, increasing
its crowned shape and stretching the piano's strings to a higher
pitch. Then during dry times the soundboard flattens out, lowering
tension on the strings and causing the pitch to drop. The drop in
the dry season tends to exceed the rise during humid times, so the
net result is a drop in pitch each year that the piano isn't serviced.
Won't
tuning restore my piano's pitch to A- 440?
If a piano has gone without tuning for an extended period, its pitch
may have dropped far below A- 440. This means that each of its approximately
220 strings needs to be tightened considerably, adding tremendous
additional tension to the piano's structure. The problem is that
as each string is tightened, the additional load causes the pitch
of previously adjusted strings to change. Thus it is impossible
to make a substantial change in pitch and end up with a fine, accurate
tuning in one step. Instead, a process called "pitch raising"
must first be done, in which all strings are raised to their correct
average tension levels. (Likewise, when a piano's pitch is higher
than standard, a pitch lowering procedure must be done to reduce
string tensions to approximately correct levels.) Only then can
the piano be accurately tuned. In other words, accurate tuning is
only possible when all strings are so close to their proper tension
that only small further changes are needed during tuning. These
small changes then do not disturb the tuning of other strings.
How
far from standard pitch must a piano be before a pitch raise is
necessary?
Just when a pitch raise or lowering is necessary depends upon how
accurate the final tuning must be, and the size and quality of the
piano. Any net change in a piano's string tension during tuning
will distort the final result and reduce stability. Realistically,
a pitch difference of a few percent can usually be accommodated
successfully during tuning. For average situations, when a piano's
pitch is noticeably different from that of other standard pitched
instruments, a pitch correction procedure is necessary before tuning.
Whenever exact pitch level is critical, such as in concert or recording
instruments, any pitch deviation must be corrected before tuning.
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When does a piano need reconditioning or rebuilding?
Most pianos
can be played for many years without major repairs. However, the
tone, touch, and appearance will continually decline with age. When
regular maintenance such as cleaning, regulating, voicing, and tuning
can no longer provide satisfactory performance, a piano may require
reconditioning or rebuilding. Exactly when a piano needs rebuilding
or reconditioning depends on its original quality, the climate,
usage, and performance requirements. One piano may need rebuilding
after just twenty years, while another may need only reconditioning
after fifty years. The best way to decide is to seek out a qualified
piano rebuilder with the judgment, experience, and expertise to
advise you on such an important decision. If your Registered Piano
Technician does not offer rebuilding services, ask for referrals.
What
is a piano's action and why does it need maintenance?
When you look
inside your piano, you'll find a cast iron plate or "harp" strung
with steel and copper-wound strings over a large expanse of wood
which is the soundboard. If you look closer, you'll discover an
intricate system of levers, springs, and hammers connected to the
keyboard. The complex system which causes a hammer to strike
a string when you press a key is called the piano's action.
It is a marvel of engineering composed largely of wood and wool
felt. This mechanism needs to be responsive to every nuance of the
pianist's touch -- from loud, thunderous chords to soft, delicate
passages. We have technical drawings available for both vertical
and grand piano actions. When a piano leaves the factory, each of
its parts is adjusted to a tolerance of a few thousandths of an
inch. Because the wood and felt parts of the action may change
dimension due to humidity and wear, the action must be serviced
occasionally to maintain its responsive qualities. This process
is called action regulation.
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How
does humidity affect my piano?
Extreme swings
from hot to cold or dry to wet are harmful to your piano. Dryness
causes the piano's pitch to go flat; moisture makes it go sharp.
Repeated swings in relative humidity can cause soundboards to crack
or distort. Extreme dryness also can weaken the glue joints that
hold the soundboard and other wood portions of the piano together.
Moisture may lead to string rust. A piano functions best under
fairly consistent conditions which are neither too wet or dry, optimally
at a temperature of 68 degrees and 42 percent relative humidity.
Using an air conditioner in humid summer months and adding a humidifier
to your central heating system will reduce the extremes of high
and low humidity. Room humidifiers and dehumidifiers, as well as
systems designed to be installed inside of pianos will control humidity-related
disorders still further.
More>
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What
is voicing?
A piano also
periodically requires a service called voicing. Because the tone
changes as the felt hammers wear, periodic voicing of the hammers
is necessary so that your piano will have an even, full tone
throughout the entire scale, and produce the widest possible dynamic
range.
What is the difference between tuning and
voicing?
Tuning is the
adjustment of the tension of all of your piano's 220 (or more) strings
to the correct pitch or frequency. This ensures that notes played
in a musical interval (octaves, chords, etc.) will sound in harmony.
Voicing is the adjustment of a piano's tone or quality of sound.
Tone can be changed without affecting the pitch. For example, turning
the bass or treble knobs on your stereo changes the tone but does
not alter the notes the musician recorded. A skilled piano technician
can voice a piano to change its tonal personality from mellow to
bright or robust to delicate. The degree of change possible
depends upon the piano's design and condition.
How
can I know if my piano needs voicing?
Your piano may benefit from voicing if:
• Your piano sounds different than when you purchased it.
• You don't like the sound even after it has been tuned.
• Tone varies radically from note to note.
• You cannot achieve a range of tone (mellow to bright) at
different volumes.
• The piano has lost its ability to play softly.
Before deciding if a new piano needs voicing, make sure it is well-tuned
and well-regulated. Then, play a wide variety of music on it. Most
voicing procedures are long-lasting, so give yourself some time
to explore the sound of a new instrument before deciding to change
it. How often voicing is needed depends upon the piano's usage
and its intended audience. Pianos in concert halls and recording
studios often receive minor refinement of the voicing before each
performance. A home piano may need some initial voicing to customize
it to the owner's taste, then once every one to five years to maintain
its tone.
Your piano and your musical needs are unique -- your own schedule
for periodic voicing is a matter for you and your technician to
decide. To find out how voicing might improve the tone of your piano,
ask for a demonstration on one or two notes.
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How
can I find out how much my piano is worth?
There are many deciding factors in evaluating a piano's worth. One
of the first things to do is to ascertain its age. Knowing the name
and the serial number (usually found inside stamped on the iron
plate near the tuning pins), one can look to a reference such as
Pierce's Piano Atlas and find the year the piano was built. However,
age is not the most important factor in an appraisal. The reputation
of the maker, the overall condition of the piano, the integrity
of its structural parts, most notably soundboard, pinblock and bridges,
as well as the appearance of the case all figure into the assessment
of a piano's worth. A qualified piano technician (rather than
a furniture or antique appraiser) making a thorough, on-site inspection
of the piano will be best able to make such an evaluation.
What should I look for when buying a piano?
Firstly, you should always buy the best quality piano that you
can possibly afford. A good quality piano will not only last
longer than a less expensive one, but, in case you ever need to
sell it, it will also command a higher resale value and attract
more buyer interest than one of inferior quality. Good pianos sell
themselves, poor pianos just don't sell. When one has found a particular
piano than one feels is right for him or her, it is good advice
to hire the services of a qualified piano technician to carefully
inspect the piano. This is especially true in the case of a
used piano, although even new pianos can sometimes come through
the factory with defects that would be undetectable by the average
consumer. The fee for such a service is usually the same as that
for a tuning, and is indeed money well spent.
How
do I find a qualified person to service my piano?
The best advice
is to seek out a technician who is a member of The Piano Technicians
Guild, preferably a RPT, either in the Yellow Pages or through
their web site.
PTG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the knowledge
and skill of professionals in the piano industry. The largest
organization of its kind in the world, its membership includes tuner-technicians,
rebuilders, piano designers, and manufacturers, retailers, and enthusiasts
(We also have a list of other technician organizations). PTG certifies
Registered Piano Technicians (RPT) through a series of rigorous
examination designed to test their skill in tuning, regulation and
repair. Those capable of performing these tasks up to a recognized
worldwide standard receive RPT certification.
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What
is the best way to move a piano? Can one attempt to do this oneself?
Pianos are big and cumbersome, and can be deceptively difficult
to move. One must also keep in mind that not only do you not
want to damage the piano, but also not damage the floor or walls
of your home, and certainly not inflict any harm on yourself or
your friends or family. Vertical pianos are simpler to move
than grands, usually requiring only to be picked up and set onto
a dolly. However, the old tall uprights are extremely heavy, weighing
sometimes as much as 800 or more pounds, and must be treated with
caution. Grands must be carefully disassembled by removing the legs
and lyre, and sometimes the lid as well. Moving a grand should never
be attempted by yourself, unless of course it's to merely move it
to another location in the room, in which case it can be lifted
up by 4 or more strong people and carried. Again, keep in mind the
potential damage to rugs, walls, etc. The same can hold true for
verticals. Any move involving steps, or narrow or difficult turns
should be left to qualified, professional piano movers. (For
recommendations of movers, see Professional
Associates.)
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How
should I care for my piano's wood finish?
As with any
piece of fine furniture, keeping drinks off finished wood surfaces
is a simple rule always to follow. New piano finishes generally
require only occasional cleaning with either a dry or damp cotton
cloth. Older piano finishes may benefit from an occasional polishing
with a good quality polish, but frequent polishing is not recommended.
What
is the best way to clean the case of my piano?
Before using polish on your piano, be sure it is actually necessary
and beneficial. In general, most manufacturers recommend against
using polishes because of the potential for damage to the finish
and contamination of other parts of the instrument.
Common household products such as "lemon oil" or inexpensive "furniture
polish" should be avoided. Despite the labels' claims that they
"protect" the finish or "feed" the wood, they offer no protection
from scratching and can actually soften the finish if overused.
Worse, they often contain silicones and oils that contaminate
the wood, complicating future refinishing or repairs. Avoid
aerosol products altogether since the over-spray can contaminate
piano strings, tuning pins and action parts.
An appropriate polish can help to restore luster to a dulled finish
or reduce the tendency of some finishes to show fingerprints. However,
it should be applied sparingly and infrequently, and all excess
should be wiped clean with a soft dry cloth so no visible film remains.
To prevent scratching, always dust before polishing.
What about cleaning the keys?
Piano keys eventually become soiled with accumulated oil and dirt
from fingers. To clean your white keys, use a soft cloth dampened
with water and a small amount of mild soap. Avoid solvents.
Make sure the cloth is thoroughly wrung out, and wipe the keys back-to-front
rather than side-to-side, so excess moisture and dirt will not seep
down the sides of the keys. Clean only a few keys at a time drying
immediately with a clean cloth. Ivory keys are porous, and excessive
moisture can penetrate and loosen their glue joints. Also, a dirty
or brightly colored cleaning cloth can transfer stains into the
ivory. Clean sharps in the same manner, but use a separate cloth
for painted wooden sharps to avoid black stains on the white keys.
I noticed that there is a lot of dust and
dirt under the strings on the soundboard. Is there any way this
can be cleaned? Is this dirt harmful to the piano?
While a bit of this dirt can be picked up with a powerful vacuum
cleaner, most of it cannot. It is best to ask your piano technician
to clean the soundboard, the dampers, and the area around the tuning
pins. He has the knowledge and the special tools to do this
most effectively. While this dirt is not necessarily harmful to
the piano, it is unsightly, and can tend to further restrict moisture
and unwanted chemicals inside the piano, or even attract unwanted
pests. Also realize that the action and the underlever area of
the piano, which are not seen by you, are probably much more full
of dust and dirt than the visible areas are, and should be cleaned
at least once every couple of years. This dirt is much more
harmful, as it can impede the proper function of the action and
keys. For a nominal fee, your technician will be glad to do this
work as part of his service call. It is best to mention it at the
time of making the appointment, so as he or she can schedule some
additional time for the work.
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How
does one learn to become a piano technician?
In years past, there were few ways to learn the trade of piano technician.
Either it was passed down from generation to generation, or one
started out working in a piano factory and worked one's way up through
the various departments. And if one was very lucky, a master craftsman
would take you on as an apprentice, and after years of work and
study in this capacity, one could eventually go into business for
oneself. Today, there are several educational institutions which
either specialize in the training of piano technicians, or at least
offer a course in piano technology as an elective. For a list
of the most prominent ones, see Schools.
It must be said, however, that like any true craft, a technician's
skills are honed primarily "by doing". Experience is the real teacher,
and it usually takes many years of working in the field to really
become adept at this refined and multifaceted vocation. Lacking
the means or ability to pursue a full-time piano training program,
one good place to start is to contact your local chapter of The
Piano Technicians Guild, an international organization of some
4000 members, and start attending their meetings as a guest, eventually
becoming a member. Most chapters hold meetings once a month, with
a technical presentation on various piano-related topics an integral
part of the meeting. Many also hold seminars, or workshops, once
or twice a year, which are usually open to nonmembers. This is not
only a great means of learning more about the profession, but also
a good way to meet some of the prominent technicians in your area.
You can find the names of members of your local chapter through
the Piano Technicians Guild web
site, or look in the Yellow Pages under Piano Tuning and
Repair for a PTG member.
If you would like to attend a meeting of either the Baltimore or
the Washington chapter of PTG as a guest, please contact:
Baltimore:
Phil Gurlik, President
410-267-9608
gurlik@aol.com
chapter web
site (meeting info, topics, etc.)
Washington:
Rich Amelang, President
301-897-8087
richamelang@aol.com
chapter web site
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