Dave Steel Pianos is an established small Bristol based business with nearly 30 years experience providing a service both the public and the trade. Specialising in all aspects of restoration ranging from the tuning and simple repairs, to complete rebuilds.
YES. As does any source of heating whether natural or artificial. Central heating in particular dries the air and consequently draws moisture from the wooden parts of the piano. DO NOT have the heating too warm. Failure to do this can cause tuning instability and in many cases permanent structural damage. Older pianos are particularly susceptible and utmost care should be taken. As well as too much warmth being harmful to the piano, excess humidity can also cause damage so make sure the room, or the wall it’s against, isn’t damp. If in doubt about any of the above, please ring for advice.
Never put your piano up against or near a radiator, radiator pipes, heating vents or any other source of heating. Neither put it against a wall that has a radiator, or any other source of heating, on the other side [in the next room]. DO NOT put your piano where it is exposed to direct sunlight or in a room which gets too warm, i.e. rooms with patio or french doors, large windows or conservatories. Do not put your piano up against a drafty window or a damp wall. Pianos are best situated against an inside wall, in a dry cool room with little or no heating, where the temperature stays fairly constant all year round.
Pianos are made of many different types of materials such as top quality woods, iron, steel, copper,brass, plastics, felts etc., all of which are affected differently by age, wear and use, temperature and humidity. All pianos vary to how long they stay in tune, but generally a piano should be tuned at least twice a year. This is important as tuning a piano not only keeps it in tune with itself, but also prevents the whole pitch from dropping flat which will happen if tuning is neglected. I offer a regular tuning service which will ensure your piano is kept in tune and good working order. Keeping your piano in tune will not only inspire your playing but will also stop you loosing your friends, family and neighbours!
Older pianos are usually french polished and can be polished using a polish reviver or wax polish, that is safe to use with french polish.Modern pianos are usually finished in a polyester or a lacquer which needs only to be wiped with a damp cloth and dried. Clean the keys with a damp rag [not wet, as any water spilt in between the keys will cause damage]. If keys become very dirty then use a small amount of Brasso or T Cut on a rag, and this will clean without scratching or scouring. Avoid standing vases, fish tanks, drinks, pot plants or anything containing water, on your piano, as spilled liquid can cause serious damage.
Pianos are very rarely troublesome. Providing you do not abuse or mistreat your piano, follow the above guidelines and have it regularly tuned and serviced, then it should give years of trouble free playing. If you do get problems then contact your piano technician. Do not attempt to tamper with it yourself as pianos should only be repaired and regulated by an experienced technician.
Pianos are extremely heavy! They are also very fragile and can easily topple over, or be damaged, if handled incorrectly. It is best to have your piano moved by someone who has the necessary equipment and expertise.
Should you have any other queries or questions about your piano, I will be pleased to advise.