What should we remember about using an acoustic piano?

• The piano is very sensitive to vibrations. Its frequent shifting or unskilled transport may harm both the tuning (string tuning) and the mechanism.
• The piano reacts to the sun, drafts, changes in temperature and air humidity. Wood, which is the building material of the piano, “works”, i.e. absorbs and releases moisture, expands and shrinks due to environmental changes. It may cause the instrument to become detached, so it should stay away from the radiator, fireplace, windows, places directly exposed to sunlight or, alternatively, cold and damp places. At the same time, after each sudden change of conditions (e.g. heating season, longer heating failure, flooding) the piano should be watched by the tuner.
• The piano has a wooden, varnished casing that does not tolerate accidental chemical cleaning preparations. For its care and cleaning the keyboard, you can use a damp cloth and then wipe the surface dry. You can also buy special preparations for cleaning the pianos.
• The piano’s interior is a very sensitive mechanism and you should not make any repairs and manipulate the instrument’s parts. Do not get dust in the piano, dirt, water or small objects. We avoid touching the strings with fingers because they react with sweat and can be destroyed. For safety, we do not put flowers, mugs with water, candles and objects on the piano cover, which may, for example, inspire children to climb the instrument.
• If the instrument, in addition to the sound qualities, is to be a room decoration, it must be protected against scratching and dirt (by children, animals), placed in a peaceful place, so as not to expose it to rubbing and bruising. The keyboard cap should be lowered when the instrument is not in use to protect the keys.
• The piano should be, on average, once every six months tuned by a professional who will assess the technical condition of the instrument at the same time.
• An instrument that has been stored in a place such as an attic, warehouse or basement should be particularly carefully examined by the tuner. A neglected piano could become a habitat of bark beetles, moths or molds, it could have dried up and cracked, rusted etc. Also after transport (e.g. moving a professional expert is necessary, or everything … game)
• Piano playing obviously leads to its use, so it is worth to protect them against unnecessary exploitation (too aggressive hitting the keys, leaving unattended children with the instrument, improper use of the keyboard, etc.).

A piano treated with respect, regularly checked in terms of technology and tuned can serve for many years, even several generations of users.

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