| On average, the lifespan of a piano is 50 years, but | | | | gradually compress and ought to be regulated every |
| the way you care for yours will determine how long it | | | | five years. |
| will create beautiful music. When deciding where to put | | | | Voicing - Voicing the upright regulates the hardness of |
| your musical instrument, consider the following factors: | | | | the hammer against the felt. Changes in the felt will |
| temperature, humidity, and position. | | | | brighten or soften the tonal quality. |
| Avoid extreme temperatures in the room where it is | | | | A grand piano is a delicate instrument and needs |
| located. The ideal temperature range is 65-75 degrees | | | | regular maintenance. Make sure you dust the |
| Fahrenheit. Also, take special heed to the humidity of | | | | instrument and its keys with a damp cloth often. If |
| the room. The ideal level is 45-60% relative humidity, | | | | used at a school or institution, the keys should be |
| but more important than the actual level is the | | | | locked up when not used to discourage unauthorized |
| consistency. | | | | use. Encourage all users to be respectful of your fine |
| During the day, central air systems dry the air and | | | | instrument. |
| draw moisture from the instrument's wood. At night, | | | | Another reason to close the fall (the cover for the |
| when the heat or air conditioning is turned off, the | | | | keys) would be if the room is dusty. But otherwise, the |
| humidity rises. This humidity change causes the wood | | | | fall should be left open to encourage the movement of |
| to shrink and expand which leads to tuning instability. | | | | air. Also, never place vases full of liquid on top of it. |
| To correct the humidity inconsistencies, a humidifier or | | | | Spills can cause severe damage to the wood. |
| dehumidifier may be used. Also wherever possible, | | | | Be aware that placing anything on the top of its body, |
| keep your instrument away from windows and out of | | | | may causes scratches in the lacquer. A piano cover |
| direct sunlight. | | | | can also be used to protect the finish on the wood or |
| Avoid locating it near a radiator or near a wall with | | | | if the room is dusty. Wait until the room is cooled after |
| heat or air conditioning vents. Windows, radiators, and | | | | a performance before replacing the cover. |
| vents produce changes in relative humidity which | | | | Another factor to consider is insect attacks. Your |
| causes tuning instability and other serious problems. | | | | upright is made mostly of wood and felt, both of which |
| Even though there are some brave souls that would | | | | are subject to moths and wood boring insects. If you |
| attempt to try to fix their own car without the proper | | | | suspect an insect problem, consult with a professional |
| training, you should not do so with the instrument. | | | | tuner immediately. |
| It's made up of over 5000 pieces and deserves yearly | | | | Grand pianos are made with a cast iron frame and |
| inspection and service from an experienced | | | | are very heavy and are dangerous to move. To avoid |
| professional piano tuner. They will give attention to the | | | | injury to you or your piano, call a professional |
| following three factors that affect its performance: | | | | instrument moving company to help you move it. |
| Pitch - The pitch will gradually drop if not tuned | | | | Treat your upright with respect and give it the regular |
| regularly. Make sure you ask your tuner to put it back | | | | attention it needs. By taking the proper steps to |
| in concert pitch, if possible. | | | | maintain and care for your keyboard, you may ensure |
| Touch - This refers to the piano action. The piano | | | | that it looks and sounds beautiful for many years to |
| action is the playing mechanism and includes all parts | | | | come. |
| such as the felts and leather parts. These parts | | | | |