Piano Care & Maintenance

 

Keeping your piano in its best playing condition requires regular maintenance and care. While some of this maintenance calls for professional technicians, there are also some things you can do at home to protect the piano’s sound quality and your investment.


  • Where should I put my piano?

Vertical pianos should not be placed against a window or an outside door.  Many people have heard not to place a piano on an outside wall; while this is true for older homes built without adequate insulation, in most modern homes an outside wall is acceptable.

For acoustic purposes, a grand piano’s curve should face out into the room.  Exposing the piano to more than a few hours of direct sunlight per day may damage the finish, soundboard or pin block. It’s important to avoid having any heating or air-conditioning ducts directed towards the soundboard of your piano.  Feel free to contact your Amro Music sales representative for advice regarding placement.

 

  • How often should my piano be tuned?

Most piano manufacturers recommend four tunings the first year, and at least two tunings each year thereafter.  Many institutional settings require more frequent tunings, to alleviate some of the natural elasticity in the strings. Amro Music tuners perform additional tunings on most pianos before delivery; under some conditions, this additional tuning may limit the number of tunings that are required in the first year.

Environmental conditions, such as humidity, and frequency of use can affect tuning stability.

 

  • What is a Dampp-Chaser system and do I need one?

A Dampp-Chaser is a humidity control system for pianos.  If the humidity levels fluctuate significantly and often, your piano would benefit from a Dampp-Chaser system.  Tuning and regulation will remain more stable with a Dampp-Chaser. 

 

  • How often should my piano be regulated?

Depending on usage, your piano should be completely regulated every 5 to 10 years.  Regulation adjusts the mechanical actions of the piano that affect the responsiveness and tempo.  It is considered routine maintenance and is not covered under warranty unless it is caused by defects in material or workmanship.  If you have questions regarding regulation, consult your Amro Music representative, and a technician will check the regulation of your piano.

 

  • How do I care for the case of my piano?

Lacquer or varnish instruments can be polished occasionally with a high quality liquid or cream lemon oil polish.  Aerosol spray polishes are not recommended.  Excess polish should be removed.

Satin ebony instruments will sometimes streak when polished and should be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth or diaper using a weak solution of Murphy’s oil soap or a similar product.  Polyester- or polyurethane-finished instruments can be cleaned with a slightly damp soft cloth or diaper using water.  For stubborn oily spots, fingerprints, polish residue or spills, use a slightly damp soft cloth or diaper with Windex or a similar product.  Wipe excess cleaner with a clean cloth or diaper.

Amro Music stocks a few commercially available products that work well with certain finishes. 

If you are not sure of the finish of your piano, call a piano consultant at (901) 323-8888.

 

  • How do I clean the keys on my piano?

Use a slightly damp cloth with a solution of warm water and Ivory soap or a similar product.  Wipe off any excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth.  Ivory keys can be cleaned in the same manner. 

However, be careful not to pull up on the key tops while cleaning.  If a key top does come off, retain it, and a technician can reattach it on their next visit.  Cory’s Key-Brite Cleaner and Brightener works well on plastic and ivory key tops.

 

  • Should I continue to use the same technician provided by Amro Music?

Although you are free to use any technician, we recommend you continue to use the same technician.  Much like a barber or a physician, piano technicians become familiar with the individual characteristics of your instrument and are better able to diagnose and correct any problems.  Occasionally, technicians will ask another associate to consult.

Our service coordinator keeps detailed records regarding the services performed on your piano so that any of our technicians will be able to evaluate and perform the needed maintenance and repairs.

If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a technician to look at your piano, please give Heather Martin a call at (901) 474-6461 or email her here.