At McMurry Moving Company, we understand the value of your piano and the importance of proper care when moving it. To ensure the longevity and performance of your investment, here are some essential tips for long-term piano maintenance.

Piano Maintenance Essentials

Your piano, whether a grand or upright, is a complex instrument made up of approximately 5,000 parts. Its lifespan, which averages around 50 years, depends on factors such as:Climate: The conditions where the piano is kept.Maintenance: How regularly it’s serviced.Usage: How often it’s played.Proper care and attention can significantly extend your piano's life and preserve its value.

How to Care for Your Piano

Protect It Like Fine Furniture:

• Keep your piano clean and free of clutter.
• Avoid placing drinks, flower vases, or plants on it. Spilled liquids can cause costly damage.
• For newer pianos with a polyester or satin lacquer finish, use a damp cloth to clean and dry it gently. No polish is needed.
• Older, French-polished pianos require more delicate care. Use a polish reviver and a soft cloth to maintain their finish.

Maintain the Action and Keys:

• The action and keys are vital for performance. Like any instrument, they experience wear and tear over time.
• Have a qualified technician service these parts periodically to ensure every note is regulated for optimal playability.
• Don’t forget the pedals—they may also need occasional adjustment.

Ideal Placement for Your Piano

To maintain its stability and tuning, consider the following:

• Temperature: Keep the piano in a room where the temperature is consistently between 65°F and 70°F (18–21°C).
• Humidity: Pianos thrive in relative humidity levels between 45% and 60%. Sudden shifts in humidity caused by heating systems can lead to tuning instability and structural damage.
• Position:
  • Avoid placing your piano near windows, radiators, or heat sources.
  • Ensure it’s not on a wall adjacent to a radiator in another room.
  • A dining room or dedicated music room with stable conditions is often ideal.

If the environment isn’t ideal, consider investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate moisture levels. Your piano tuner can provide specific recommendations.

Tuning and Servicing Your Piano

Regular tuning and servicing are crucial to maintain sound quality and performance.

• Tuning Frequency:
  • Tune your piano at least twice a year, depending on environmental conditions.
  • Older instruments may require more frequent tuning. Always request your tuner to bring the piano back to concert pitch.
• Regulating the Action:
  • The piano’s action should be regulated every five years on average, depending on usage and environmental changes.
• Voicing and Tone:
  • Uneven tones can be corrected by voicing the hammers to achieve a balanced sound. Concert and professional pianos often require regular voicing.

At McMurry Moving Company, we not only specialize in safely moving your piano but also care about its long-term well-being. Contact us for expert advice or to schedule your next piano move with confidence!