4
Jun
Humidity is the biggest factor in pianos going out of tune.
As the air dries out, the wood in the piano shrinks and the strings lose tension.
When the air becomes moist again, the wood swells and tends to increase tension.
This tension and release causes the string to gradually go down in pitch.
Some people have a special humidifier installed called a Damp Chaser which tries to control humidity around the piano. These can help, but require refilling with water periodically and many people end up not keeping up with that.
One tip is to try and avoid having the piano near a window where direct sunlight would hit it.
Technorati Tags: piano maintenance.
15
Jul
I just bought a 6 feet 4 grand piano from my friend. The piano is close to 30 years old. It does not come with a protective cover nor a cloth to protect its ivory keys. Are these 2 items essential and a must for me to buy for proper maintenance? Must the material of the piano cover be only made of any specific material like velvet etc? I am thinking of buying the material and make my own cover so please advise me the material which I should buy. As for the cloth which protects the keys, do most piano shops sell it? If piano shops do not sell, can I also buy the material and make it myself? What is the material of the cloth? Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Long and short of it is Yes you should buy them for the protection of the piano and for the protection of the tuning of the piano. You piano reachs to sunlight and dust. Unless you want to have to keep cleaning the piano every day and vacuum the keys and or strings cover the piano and the keys.
Keys yellow with sunlight and the vanier on the pianoe fades. Dust and debris can find their way into nooks and crevaces. and that can throw off the strinking of a note. You should also make sure to clean you hands before using the keyboard because your ands may be oily or dirty.
What you need is a dust free slip resistant material to line an opague material through wich no light should pass, Stain resitance is always a plus. I hope you have a professiona sewing machine other wise you may have difficulty getting things seemed up.
Good Luck
Technorati Tags: piano maintenance.
14
Jul
What exactly does it indicate when the keys are a little lower than the rest on the rail? Is it a costly repair? Do the hammers need to be replaced?
The lady only wants $250.00 for it and it’s only 5 years old, but has not been played in 3.
You did not specify the make or model. As for the action, it can be adjusted. NO big deal there. As for the tuning, figure about $125. If you tell me the model and make, I will tell you what it is worth 
Technorati Tags: buying a used piano, piano maintenance., piano repair
