As there seems to be a fair amount of confusion on this issue, please allow me to clarify. Piano tuning, by definition, is simply the process of bringing the strings up to standard pitch. That’s it! This, of course, assumes that the piano is tunable in the first place. Some pianos that have not received… Continue reading What is included in a typical piano tuning service?
Author: Ben
Should I Buy An Upright Or Grand Piano?
This is one of our most frequently asked questions, so I thought I’d expand a bit on the important features of each. Upright Pianos Are Serious Contenders Providing the particular upright piano you’re considering is in good operating condition, it can be an excellent instrument to learn on. Some of the taller uprights have soundboards… Continue reading Should I Buy An Upright Or Grand Piano?
Of Mice and Moths
Some of the greatest dangers to your piano are largely undetected. I’m talking about mice and moths. Over a period of months and years, they can destroy your piano from the inside out. Normally, pianos that are played often are less likely to harbor these pests, but don’t count on it! Piano damage from mice… Continue reading Of Mice and Moths
When should I “upgrade” my piano?
There are a number of reasons why you may be considering a piano upgrade: My child (or I) needs a better piano to get the most from lessons. There is no question that a properly tuned and maintained piano is a necessity when learning to play. Having a good piano not only cultivates the ear,… Continue reading When should I “upgrade” my piano?
Should I buy a digital or acoustic piano?
The Great Debate – Digital vs. Acoustic Pianos Ever since the first digital pianos went mainstream in the 1980’s, this question has been asked, to which I reply…it depends… I have both types in my house, and wouldn’t want to be without either. There is nothing quite like practicing in the middle of the night… Continue reading Should I buy a digital or acoustic piano?
What To Do When Your Piano Won’t Stay In Tune
Why won’t my piano stay in tune? Here’s what to do when your piano refuses to get in, or stay in, tune. Have your piano technician perform pitch map and pin torque tests. These will determine the condition of the pinblock – the most important part of any piano. If the test results reveal an… Continue reading What To Do When Your Piano Won’t Stay In Tune
When Your Piano Seems To Be Beyond (Reasonable) Repair
A piano that has been in the family for many years – even generations, is often an object of great sentimental value. After all, it has adorned the living room, endured many practice sessions, received many a dusting, and has stubbornly resisted relocation attempts. Perhaps the best reason why we keep it has to do… Continue reading When Your Piano Seems To Be Beyond (Reasonable) Repair
How not to buy a used piano
Love at first sight I thought of naming this post “How to buy a used piano,” but remembered how often the advice I give to clients is ignored. They fall in love with the magnificent cabinetry, the original ivory keys, the exotic finish, or any of a dozen other attributes – both tangible and intangible.… Continue reading How not to buy a used piano
Should You Have Your Piano Refinished?
Finishes that were applied to pianos during the heyday of their production – roughly from the 1870’s through the 1940’s – looked beautiful when they left the manufacturer’s facility. Period manufacturers chose to emphasize the beautiful wood grain of the cabinet instead of covering it in black lacquer or even polyester, as is common today.… Continue reading Should You Have Your Piano Refinished?
Has Your Piano Suffered Smoke Damage?
Smoke damage to your piano, although often devastating, can often be remedied. That being said, the corrosive nature of smoke makes it imperative that restoration be done quickly and effectively. All materials burnt during a household fire create a complex mixture of odors and other combustion products. Accurate assessment of the type of smoke damage… Continue reading Has Your Piano Suffered Smoke Damage?