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 place my piano?

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. However pianos should not be placed against a window, near a door or fireplace, or near heating/air conditioning ducts  as the temperature and humidity changes will make it difficult to keep the piano in tune and will eventually damage the piano's wooden parts. 

For best sound (and good looks), a grand piano’s curve should face out into the room.   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 due to heavy use. 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 around the piano fluctuate significantly and often, a Dampp-Chaser system can help the piano's tuning and regulation remain more stable. 

 

  • 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 action of the piano to maintain maximum efficiency and responsiveness as well as uniform feel.  Regulation is considered routine maintenance and is not covered under warranty.  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 off 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?

A slightly damp cloth with a solution of warm water and Ivory soap or a similar product cleans most keys (including ivory keys).  Wipe off any excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth.

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 and is available at Amro.

 

  • 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.  Piano technicians become familiar with the characteristics of different instruments and are better able to diagnose and correct any problems. 

Our service coordinator keeps detailed records regarding the services performed on your piano and can help remind you of needed maintenance and repairs.

If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a technician to look at your piano, please call Heather Martin at (901) 302-3361 or e-mail her here.