Piano Knowledge

Something you might wish to know……

A piano without maintenance will affect the player's performance and hearing.

• What are the reasons to make piano go out of tune?

  Most of the people think that out of tune is solely caused by frequent or heavy usage, the more you play, the faster it sounds out of tune. This is no doubt one of the reasons.
  
  The other factors are:
  

  • Changes in humidity

  • Fluctuation in temperature

  • Expansion or Contraction of strings

  • Slipping of tuning pin (for old pianos)

• Why need to put the Heated or Dehumidifier?

  Singapore has a hot and high humidity climate. The relative humidity level is in the range between 70%-80% and the idea humidity level for piano is about 45-50%. Placing a heater will be the most effective and economic solution for the issue.
  
  The humidity level fluctuates rapidly in four-season country. Therefore, dehumidifier is more appropriate to use compared to heater.
  
  Dehumidifier is always useful to control the humidity level whereas the heater produces heat to deal with the “extra” moisture. Heater has always been a standard practice locally and is usually installed inside the piano cabinet to protect the string from getting rusty. The dehumidifier can be placed beside the piano to control the humidity level around it

• What are the benefits to tune the piano regularly?

  Tuning twice a year is highly recommended in Singapore. As mentioned, high humidity level will promote rust to the strings. Not tuning will also caused the piano to lose its standard pitch. That will require a pitch raise and during the process of raising that pitch, there is a risk in breaking the strings.
  
  Pianos that have not been tuned for more than 5 years will have a hard time in getting back to concert pitch, this will eventually depreciate in value.
  
  Regular tuning allows technician to check the piano too. There are thousands of parts in a piano action, so thorough and regular checks are necessary to ensure that any worn or damaged parts are identified and repaired or replaced .
  Early detection can prevent it to become worst and avoid large repair cost.
  Besides the above mentioned, if the piano is tuned and checked regularly and properly, the ear gets to enjoy a harmonious sound.