
Tuning
In order to maintain your piano
in proper order, and to protect the major investment you have in it, it
must be regularly serviced by a trained piano tuner-technician.
During the first year it is
advisable to have your new piano tuned four times. In the years that
follow it should be tuned as often as you feel necessary, but a minimum
of twice. A concert artist has his/her piano tuned before each
performance. The frequency of tuning depends on the use the piano
receives and the conditions peculiar to its location. A piano will stay
in tune better if the atmospheric conditions are uniform. Changes from
moist to dry air cause wood to swell and shrink, thus changing the
tension on the strings. Keep the humidity as constant as possible and
your piano will need less frequent tunings.
Repair
The working mechanism of the modern acoustic
piano is made from the same materials as those used in the manufacturing of
the first pianos - over 300 years ago. The main components of the action
are wood and felt. Even the most famed and modern piano manufacturing
facilities fully assemble the mechanism by hand. Because of its construction,
the piano action is liable to be affected not only by mechanical wear and tear,
but also by the ever-changing temperature and humidity levels surrounding the
piano. In order to prolong the life of the action and its optimal performance,
most manufacturers recommend that the action be regulated at least once every
two years. Depending on the climate and use, the schedule may be more
frequent. This job should only be performed by highly-trained, qualified
technicians because the quality and the life of the action depends on the precision
of the regulation.
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