From the name alone, you can tell that the strings on an upright piano are set up vertically. This makes the piano smaller, allowing it to be placed and played even in small areas.
An upright piano is easier to move than a grand piano, which looks like the original piano and has strings that are strung horizontally. But it still has complicated parts that need to be handled with care.
On top of that, it needs to be taken care of. Even though the phrase “regular and proper maintenance” might sound scary, it shouldn’t be. With the right know-how, these care tips won’t be as hard to do as they seem.
Upright Piano Maintenance Tips
To keep your upright piano in good shape, you need to take care of it properly. Here are some tips to help you keep your instrument in good shape and make it last longer.
A. Cover the instrument if you won’t be using it for a long time.
Suppose you are leaving and won’t be using your upright piano for a long time. In that case, it’s best to cover it with a fitting piano cover or a breathable fabric sheet. This will keep dust from building up on the piano, which can hurt its sound and look.
B. Clean the piano regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Your piano’s surface needs to be cleaned regularly to get rid of dust, fingerprints, oil from your fingers, and other dirt. Use a soft, lint-free cloth that has just a little bit of water on it or a gentle piano cleaner. Please don’t use harsh cleaners or too much water, as they can damage the glossy finish of the piano.
C. Don’t put anything heavy on top or around the piano to keep it from getting damaged.
Putting heavy things on top of pianos has been practiced by many people as it is a good place for displaying valuable objects like family portraits. However, putting heavy objects and having a lot of stuff around it can put their structure and parts at risk. Don’t put books, decorations, or other things on and around the piano because they can drop, scratch, or put too much pressure on the piano’s sensitive parts.
D. Keep the room’s temperature and humidity at a good level.
Extreme changes in temperature and humidity can hurt your piano’s tuning, sound, and health as a whole. Even though modern pianos are made to work in all kinds of weather, keeping the temperature and humidity under control will make them last longer. Consider using a humidifier or dehumidifier in the room to keep the humidity at the right level, especially if you live in a place with extreme weather conditions.
E. Get it tuned by a pro once a year or whenever you think it’s necessary.
To keep the piano’s pitch and sound quality in good shape, it needs to be tuned regularly. It is best to have a piano expert tune your upright piano at least once a year or as often as they tell you to. Changes in humidity, weather, and use can make the piano go out of tune, so it needs to be tuned regularly to keep it in the best shape for playing.
F. Don’t put the piano in direct sunlight or near open flames.
The finish can fade or change color if it’s exposed to direct sunlight. It can also cause the wood to buckle or split. In the same way, putting the piano near open fires or other sources of heat can hurt it. Make sure your piano is not near a window or a direct heat source to protect it from these issues.
G.When moving, especially in long-distance or tight spaces, have a professional do the task.
It can be difficult and dangerous to move an upright piano. Hiring professional upright piano movers Charleston with the knowledge, experience, and specialized tools needed for safe and secure transportation is best. They know how to move the piano through tight areas, up and down stairs, and over long distances. This makes it less likely that the piano will get damaged.
If you keep these tips in mind, you can keep your upright piano looking nice, working well, and lasting for a long time. With regular care and attention, your instrument will continue to give you years of artistic pleasure. Talk to a skilled piano technician if you have any concerns or questions about specific maintenance tasks.