FAQ

Why Does My Piano Need Tuning/Servicing Regularly?

Just like your car needs regular servicing to keep it in the best possible condition, it’s no different to owning a piano. Piano parts can deteriorate or break down over time, which can cause your instrument to lose its overall effectiveness and playing ability.

Is there any difference Tuning a new piano to an old piano?

When tuning an older piano, there can be more issues arise due to the age and how much the piano has been maintained over its life. There can be string breakage and parts that may need repair.

What is concert pitch?

A piano is designed to perform and sound at its best when tuned to A440Hz concert pitch (international standard pitch). This pitch enables you to play along with other instruments tuned accordingly. However, not all pianos can be tuned to concert pitch because of their age or poor condition.

What is voicing?

Your piano’s tone can be extremely different depending on your room. When in a room with hard floors the tone could be quite bright. The same piano in a room with thick carpet and thick curtains could have soft tone. If the tone is too bright or harsh the hammers can be softened by using toning needles.

My child who is learning tells me the piano doesn’t sound like the Piano Teachers Piano, what do I do?

Contact your Piano Technician if its due for tuning. If not, they may not be used to playing on different pianos.

Every piano has its own unique feel & weight difference. Part of learning to play the piano is developing the skill to adapt to being able to play any Make of Piano including Digital Pianos & Keyboards which all have a unique feel. A good teacher would understand this & will educate your child as part of their piano education.

What can I do if a keytop has been broken or lifted or are yellowing?

We can help with either of those repairs. Call us for more information relative to your piano.

Why do my piano keys stick when it rains?

Primarily, piano keys will stick because of an increase in humidity. A piano is a complex piece of machinery consisting of thousands and thousands of moving parts made mostly of wood. When humidity changes wood expands or contracts causing keys to stick or become sluggish.

How should I clean my piano?

Feel free to ask Naaman to show what products you can purchase locally that he has found to be the most effective.

I can hear a Buzzing Vibration sound in my piano, what do I do?

Always remove any items on top or around the piano as they can affect the sound.

I have an old piano, is it money wise, to fully restored it?

Many European & Australian Built pianos have beautiful veneers that are often discoloured due to age & the French polish discolours over time. If you were to purchase a new European piano with various veneer finishes the cost significantly outweighs the cost of purchasing a common Black glossy finished piano. Most piano technicians don’t value these antique quality-built instruments due to the lack of skills and ability to know how to restore them to their former glory. Please see the numerous pianos we have restored with the original veneer, quality brass repolished & Ivories bleached & restored.

Generally, if the piano doesn’t carry a well known quality built brand, then most times it’s not worth the cost to restore unless there is sentimental value to you and your family. Then it has nothing to do with cost.

Can my Music Teacher advise what Piano I should buy?

No, as they are not trained to assess or service pianos, it is always recommended you contact a Piano Technician for advice.

Can I buy a cheap old piano?
Never buy an old piano without getting advice from piano technician.
It will cost you much more at the end

Is it Safe to Buy a Piano from a Piano Shop?

Yes & No. If you buy a new piano it should come with a warranty. If you buy a second hand piano, we would always recommend having a Pre Purchase Inspection before purchasing. Remember Piano Dealers are not Piano Technicians, they are there to sell you the instrument so generally are not aware of the Piano internally.

How long should I wait to tune my piano after moving it?

Schedule an appointment 2-3 weeks after moving to allow your piano to settle in.

I live by the water, does that affect my piano?

Yes, the salt in the air can cause strings to rust. A Piano Dehumidifier System is always recommended to protect your piano.

Should I keep my Grand Piano Lid Shut?

ALWAYS when not in use! This protects the piano from dust, temperature & humidity changes, rust and tuning stability.

Can I just have a quick Tune to keep the cost down?

A Tuning Service includes what the piano requires, not a choice between a standard or deluxe service. Like a Standard Car Service, they don’t just change the oil, they also check brake fluid level, brake pads &, disc wear & diagnostic checks to ensure the vehicle is maintained correctly so to avoid more expensive repair jobs in the future. So too with a Piano Tuning Service.

Why does a Pianola/Player System Require More Attention?

A Pianola is a Piano + a Player System. Both must be working correctly & regulated to work together. As they are all around 100 years old, if something is not working, it’s never just 1 part that needs fixing, many parts can require rebuilding. All manual Labour is done by hand. Bellows etc are airtight, glued & sealed, so have to be all unsealed by hand. A Pianola Restoration involves more than an antique car restoration.