Piano Guidance
Piano Guidance
Photo: Charles Parker
If your piano has gone without tuning for an extended period of time, its pitch may have dropped well below standard pitch at which it was designed to perform. It may require a procedure called a "pitch raise"or "pitch correction".
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Read More »The recommended minimum for a household piano getting moderate use is tuning once a year. However, there are several factors that may necessitate more frequent tuning; the environment, the mechanical condition of the piano, frequency of use and performance requirements. Variations in the relative humidity is generally the most important criteria in determining how often a piano needs to be tuned. Extreme changes in humidity levels, as occur in the North East, can drastically affect tuning stability. The pianos soundboard, upon which the strings are attached via the bridge, is 3/8" spruce wood. The soundboard will expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity and the string tension will fluctuate accordingly. You can reduce the severity of these climatic effects by placing your piano in the room, so that it is away from windows or doors that are opened regularly. Avoid heating and air conditioning vents, fireplaces and areas receiving direct sunlight. Because of these seasonal variations, many piano owners opt for tuning their pianos twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter. An excellent option for controlling tuning stability and protecting your piano from the harmful affects of excess humidity, is to install a humidity control system inside the piano. (See my detailed answer on this subject below.) The age and mechanical condition of the piano is also an important factor in how frequently a piano needs to be tuned. For new pianos, most manufactures recommend four tunings in the first year to compensate for the elasticity of new piano wire. Pianos with a compromised pin-block (the pin-block is a block of hardwood laminate that holds the tuning pins) can also be a source of tuning instability. In some cases, the pin-block must be repaired or replaced. Cracked bridges are also a source of tuning instability and may need repair. These conditions usually occur in old or neglected pianos. Frequency of use will also determine a pianos ability to stand in tune. Pianos in performance venues or that are used for teaching and serious practice will all need more frequent tuning and service.
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Read More »Are old pianos better than new ones? The answer is: it depends. Old pianos can continue to sound wonderful for many years with regular maintenance and care, but even pianos that have deteriorated can often be restored to their former glory, and in many cases made to sound even better than when they were new.
Are old pianos better than new ones? The answer is: it depends. Old pianos can continue to sound wonderful for many years with regular maintenance and care, but even pianos that have deteriorated can often be restored to their former glory, and in many cases made to sound even better than when they were new. New pianos need a great deal of preparation right out of the box to ensure that they sound as good as their potential. In both instances, the quality of an old or new piano will largely be determined by the skill of the technicians and craftsmen working on the instrument. It’s also important to note that every acoustic piano, old or new, has its own unique voice. That’s why it’s so important to try out pianos in person whenever possible. Watch the video below for a full explanation by Rich Galassini, co-owner of Cunningham Piano Company, and pianist Hugh Sung.
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