We recommend tuning new and newly restored pianos 3-4 times the first year to maintain a standard pitch of A-440 and to establish pitch stability. After that, most pianos should be tuned twice a year. Using the piano for performance most often requires the piano to be tuned prior to each performance.
Changes in humidity effect pitch stabilization and intonation of the instrument. Adverse degrees of humidity change should be avoided. A normal relative humidity level of 42 percent has been established for both humans and pianos. While it may be nearly impossible to maintain a constant humidity level, we recommend a range to be within 35% - 55% if at all possible. Because adverse low and high levels of humidity will within a short time destroy an instrument, we recommend the Piano Saver System™ by Damp Chaser™ to be installed when needed. The system adds moisture when dryness exceeds 35% and dissipates excess moisture above 55%. Alternatively, room humidifiers will also do an excellent job in keeping your piano at the correct humidity level. Be sure to avoid placing your piano over or near a heating register or close to a heat source. Close the register securely to avoid heated air blowing directly into the piano. If it is not possible to keep your home or room at the recommended humidity level, we do offer a piano climate control system that we can install on your piano.
The recommended ideal temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees. Excessive high temperatures above 90 degrees and freezing temperatures adversely affect the finish and mechanical parts of the piano.
Direct sunlight bleaches wood finishes and breaks down lacquer and polyester finishes. Over time any light source will cause some fading including florescent lighting. Most windows today are made with UV protection which retards fading and maintains a cooler surface temperature.
Dust and other airborne contaminants can infiltrate the fine mechanical components of the piano. Be sure the filters are changed on a regular basis when using a forced air heating, cooling and/or humidification system. This will prolong the mechanical life of the piano. Other foreign sources of contaminants such as alcohol, soda pop, water, food, oily substances, etc., spilled inside can cause thousands of dollars of damage. We recommend that such substances never to be in the same room.
Keeping the finish of the piano beautiful is an important factor in retaining the value of the piano for its long term musical investment. In addition to the protection and care as mentioned above, cleaning and polishing will enhance finish patina for many years. Microfiber, Swiffer™ or cloths of other softer materials are best for dust removal on all types of finishes. Feather dusters are not recommended because dust particles collect and cause minute surface scratches. Guardsman™ cleaning polishes for nitrocellulose lacquers require a cleaning polish application usually of no more than on a yearly basis. Always dust and clean with the grain or the direction of the original hand polishing. Polyester finishes require only dusting, cleaning and occasionally hand polishing with materials designed for use on high-polished surfaces. Always follow directions written by the manufacturers of polishes and cleaning materials. Never apply fluid directly to the finish. As time passes, Nitrocellulose lacquer and Polyester finishes can be upgraded by the professional finisher.
Never place plants, vases of flowers and heavy objects on the tops of grand and vertical pianos. Refrain from placing objects that can imprint the finish on a new or newly finished restored piano. New finish cure time may take a full year.
We recommend that the fall board or key cover be open to allow light on and free circulation of air around the keys. Cleaning with a dampened cloth is all that is generally needed to keep the key surfaces from grimy build-up. Never use an alcohol based cleaning polish, or other strong cleaning agents on acrylic key tops. Never put fluid directly on the keys.