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How should we keep pianos |
| 1.Basic requirements when placing the piano： |
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The location of pianos usually varies according to different situations in different families. Since wood composed 80% of the piano, excessive humidity would result in malfunction that was caused by swelling of parts and detachments of glue joints. So, pianos should not be put closed to windows or water sources to avoid rain and water. Pianos should not be put closed to kitchen or refrigerators neither. Kitchens usually have high humidity and large amount of humid gas will be release when opening the refrigerators. Both will erode metal parts. Besides, high temperature may break or may deform parts. So, piano should stay away from stove and heater for at least 2m if possible. In addition, if the piano is located in the 1st floor or bungalow that heading north with poor ventilation, the piano should stay away from wall, especially misted walls, misted corners and rooms with leakages. When putting pianos in these rooms, the piano should be installed with dehumidifying tube. It is not recommended to open windows in raining seasons or when outdoor temperature is higher than indoor temperature. But windows can be opened for ventilation when outdoor temperature is lower than indoor temperature. In dry seasons or when heating is used, attention should be pay on humidity and temperature. When the temperature is higher than 25°C with less than 40% relative humidity, humidity should be increased and temperature should be decreased. To increase humidity, we can spray water onto floor or put a glass of water inside piano by opening lower panel of piano. To keep a consistent level of humidity inside piano, water should be added periodically. |
| 2.How shall we maintain new pianos |
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| After purchasing a new piano, the first thing is to make a cover for it. Generally, the cover was made of soft cloth. It should be beautiful and easy to open. Covers are available in piano stores. The textures, styles and colors of the materials should match the atmosphere of the house. Moreover, you can cover the top surface of the piano with another mesh fabric or a piece of white laid fabric. However, it is nor recommended to cover with packaging plastic on the top of the piano or to place a plastic foil on it for troubles-saving because the ventilation is poor under plastic and moisture would go into the piano from the bottom.. As time goes by, it would result in dump parts, degrade acoustic quality, corrode metal components and decrease gloss of cabinet. All will definitely shorten the service life of the piano. Some people cover keys with a special cover that made of thick woolen fabrics. Actually, it is unnecessary as for the lid shall be closed after playing. Besides, sweat from hand stays on the keyboard which will be absorbed by the key cover but peoples seldom dry it. Moisture accumulated will cause swell of the keys and affect touching. So, this is not worthwhile. Vigorous playing or heavy stamping should be avoided or it would caused damage to action mechanism or pedal springs. In addition, do not damage the keyboard and painted surface with sharp objects. When closing the lid, fold-up the music desk first to avoid damaging keys. Finally, after playing, close the lid and put on the cover to protect it against dust. |
| 3.How can we make the piano paint become more shinny |
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| Use soft cloth to wipe the surface of the piano frequently to keep it clean and shinny. If fingerprints or sweat were left on the surface of the piano and does not be wiped off, stains will be formed in a long run. “Pledge” can be used to clean the stain formed by fingerprints or sweat. |
| 4.Decorations are not suitable on the piano |
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| It is not recommended to place unnecessary decorations or sundries on the piano. They may fall into the piano and may result in its failure. Besides, these sundries may cause resonance and influence your play. Burning cigarette and matches, and hot glass should be kept away from the piano to avoid damaging surface. Of course, any containers with liquid inside should stay away from the piano to avoid unnecessary damage when fall-off and resulted in swelling and rusting of its components. |
| 5. How shall we protect felt against insects and mice |
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| Many parts of the piano like action parts are made of felt. In order to protect against moth-eaten or mice-bite, insecticides like anti-moth pill are recommended. Put anti-moth pill in beanbags, hang them on action bracket bolt of both sides as well as between the keys and key bed and change them regularly. If the piano will not be used for a long time, put adequate insecticides and desiccants into it, block all pedal holes, put on the cover and place the piano in a place of good ventilation and normal humidity. |
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