Freaquently Asked Questions
Q. How often should I tune my Piano?
A: There are several factors to consider, including the piano's location, how often it is used, and the environment in which it is placed. However, in this area, the minimum recommendation is every six months. Even if the piano is rarely played, it should be tuned at least once a year to maintain its playability. Tuning a new piano is also essential to maintaining the warranty.
Q: Do I need to tune my piano after a move?
A: If you move your piano to a different location within your home, it probably won't need to be tuned again until its next regularly scheduled tuning. However, if you move the piano from one location to another, such as from your home to another location, it will need to be tuned again.
We recommend waiting two to four weeks after the piano is moved to its
new location before having it tuned.
Q: Do I need to do anything else other than tuning?
A: Pianos need more than just tuning. Like cars need more than oil changes, pianos need what's called regulation. This is the adjustment of the moving and non-moving parts so they play as well as possible. A piano needs regulation every few years, just like a car needs a tune-up.
Pianos are a lot more fun to play when in regulated.
If the piano isn't played much, regulation doesn't need to be done as often.
Q: Do strings need to be replaced?
A: Yes, piano strings do need to be replaced, but not as frequently as one might think. In fact, strings can last for decades, unless the piano is located near an ocean. Bass strings are usually the first to go bad, and they can be replaced without having to replace all the strings. Plain wire strings last much longer, unless they are near an ocean. Tuning pins are another reason for restringing. They are driven into a multi-lamination pin plank, and each lamination is made of a very hard wood. There may be five to nineteen or more laminations, and each time the humidity increases or decreases,
the wood swells or contracts, eventually causing the pin to loosen.
When this happens, total restringing becomes necessary.
Q: How do I clean the piano?
A: How do I clean my piano? That depends on the age of the piano and the type of finish. Older pianos have a variety of finishes, including lacquer, shellac, oil, and urethane. Consult your technician at your next tuning for advice on cleaning an older piano. Newer pianos have two-part polyester or catalyzed urethane finishes, which are both tough and durable.
Q: How do I clean the keys?
A: With a soft, clean rag that's been sprayed with a glass cleaner, wipe the keys. Be sure nothing is sprayed directly on the keys!
Q: Can a piano be placed by a window? Outside wall?
A: Placing a piano near a window in direct sunlight is not a good idea. In the past, older homes had little or no insulation in the walls, so there could be huge changes in temperature in very short time frames, which could damage a piano. In an older home, it is best to place your piano on an inside wall. Most homes today have good insulation, so there aren't massive temperature changes during the day, and in this case it is okay to place a piano on an outside wall. However, we suggest testing the temperature of the wall in the heat of the day prior to placement.
Pianos by Paul
service@pianosbypaul.com
+1 951-440-4442
located in Menifee, CA