Piano Tuner Geelong (Harmony Piano Tuning)

0476 428 052

Topics, Questions and Answers (if you have any suggestions for other topics and questions, please contact me!)

CONCERT PITCH

What is Concert Pitch?

   Concert Pitch, A440,  is the internationally recognized standard pitch for the tuning of music instruments. It has been the accepted standard for many decades, although there are some variations and continued debate about this.

Should I have my piano tuned to concert pitch?

   For newer pianos concert pitch is the best option. However, for seriously flat pianos (especially very old instruments), it is often best to tune them to their current pitch. A piano with very low pitch can be brought up to concert pitch by a special tuning process called a pitchraise.

TUNING FREQUENCY

How often should I have my piano tuned?

   Usually once a year is a good standard. This means your piano will be kept at a regular, even pitch, and any small problems can be dealt with by a technician who is familiar with your piano.

REPAIRS

What are the most common repairs in pianos?

   Strings, hammer assembly, keytops, bridal tapes and dampers are parts which can break or perish over the years. Piano technicians are generally equipped to repair these parts. Less common, but far more serious, are breakages and deterioration of the pinblock, the metal plate, the soundboard or the bridge.

ACTION REGULATION

What is the piano action?

   The action is a bit like the engine in your car. It's the basic driver of your piano. When you press the key on your piano, a whole series of processes are set in motion which result in your piano creating sound. The effect of this is almost instantaneous. An important aspect of regular servicing from a tuner is to ensure that the action parts, the keys, hammers, dampers and pedals are functioning as efficiently as is reasonably possible.

INTERIOR CLEANING

Why have the piano cleaned inside?

   Over years and decades, layers of dust can build up. This happens mainly on areas which sit horizontally, such as under the keys, behind the strings and in the cavity behind the pedals, On grands, the worst area for dust build up is the soundboard. Dust can be a breeding ground for vermin (eg felt grubs, spiders, mice, etc). Dust build up and vermin infestation can therefore be a health issue. It can also cause serious degradation to action parts such as cloths and felts.

PIANO INSPECTIONS

Why have a piano inspected?

For Purchase - if you are buying a piano you will want to know that it is in good working order. You don't want to fork out large sums of money for the piano and its transport only to find out that it belongs on the tip!

For tuning and repair assessment - You might need to decide whether your piano is worth tuning or repairing.

For selling - You want to know if your piano is worth passing on, and if so, how much it is worth. Good on you for being honest enough to do this! Too many old wrecks get passed on (often for free), and they turn out to be expensive headaches - either they need extensive repairs, or need to be taken to the tip (another hefty expense). 

Of course there will be a fee for piano inspection. But it's better than having to pay huge amounts for repairs or for dump fees.

Chris tries to keep the cost of this service fairly low, because it save him trouble as well as you!

JUST REMEMBER: IT'S AMAZING HOW EXPENSIVE A 'FREE' PIANO CAN BE!

LOOKING AFTER YOUR PIANO

There are a number of basic steps you can take to keep your piano in good condition

1. Keep it clean! A simple wipe over with a slightly damp cloth (using common household cleaners or furniture polish) can work wonders for the piano's appearance. Avoid cleaners that have alcohol in them. These could damage the finish on your piano.

2. Location: Try to avoid direct sunlight and external walls. Keep it away from airflows from heaters or air conditioners. The ideal location is a southerly interior wall (this is not always possibly of course!).

3. Some kind of covering can be beneficial  - they help protect your piano against changes in you home's interior climate and help keep the interior humidity stable.

4. Have your piano regularly tuned and serviced by a piano technician. He/she will usually pick up on any issues or repairs, as well as keep the piano tuned to appropriate pitch (hopefully A440!)

GRAND PIANOS: Because of the different layout of a grand piano, there are certain aspects concerning care for grands which are less relevant for uprights. It is a good idea to have a discussion with your piano technician about this.