Caring for your Steinway

A Steinway piano is a lifetime investment that is passed on to generations. Like any other investment, you must take care of it. Here’s some information on how you can take care of your Steinway piano and enjoy it in the many years to come.

 

WHERE TO PLACE YOUR PIANO

 

LOCATION

Choosing the location on where to place your piano is very important. Pick a place with the right atmospheric conditions, preferably against the inside wall of a room and not close to windows, outside doors and air-conditions that may be prone to dripping. The surface of your piano is highly sensitive to sun, so make sure it is not affected by direct sunlight.  To protect your flooring, you may use castor cups.

Wood and felt are highly sensitive to extreme changes in temperature and humidity. The Philippines is a place with high humidity almost all throughout the year. A standard good-quality de-humidifier should be used to control and regulate humidity. The most favorable environment for your piano is a relative humidity range between 45% and 70% and a constant temperature of approximately 20°C. Sudden fluctuations in temperature must be avoided as the tuning and regulation might be influenced.

 

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PIANO

 

SURFACE OF THE PIANO

Irrespective of whether high polish or satin finish, your piano should only be wiped with a soft, dry piece of cloth. We strongly advise you to refrain from using furniture polish as it contains waxes and in some cases silicone. Any later re-treatment of the surface will then be very expensive.When not in use, you should ensure that the top of your instrument is closed, to prevent dust collecting inside.

KEYBOARD

Use a slightly moistened cloth to clean the keys. Make sure that no moisture trickles down the sides of the keys.

 

SERVICES TO MAINTAIN YOUR PIANO

 

REGULATION

Regulation is the adjustment of the action and should be carried out at regular intervals, in order to ensure an optimal uniformity of touch and play. Even if ambient conditions are satisfactory, regulations should be carried out at regular intervals.

TUNING

The proper pitch (440 Hz = concert pitch a1) is set by stretching the strings. We recommend frequent tuning during the first year, as the material must adapt to the immense tension. It takes a year for tuning to “settle.” Afterwards your piano should be tuned at least twice a year. The pitch should be kept at a constant level. When the pitch is frequently lowered or raised, the instrument is much less likely to remain in tune.

VOICING

The character of each individual note is formed by pricking the hammer felt in a radial fashion. Voicing demands extensive expertise and should be left to the judgment of an authorized Steinway technician.

REPAIRS

Very particular care is given to the manufacture of a Steinway, and repairs are very rarely necessary. However, if the need arises, do make sure that repair work is solely carried out by an authorized and skilled technician. It is essential that only originally packed Steinway spare parts are used.

TRANSPORT

In the event that you need to move or transport your piano, remember that a Steinway has a high value. Do not settle for less, and only allow professional piano movers or specialist carriers to transport your piano. Make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage for this.

SPECIALISTS

A Steinway requires expert care. You should leave all services, like inside cleaning, tuning, voicing, regulation or eventual repairs, in the skilled hands of an authorized Steinway technician; otherwise you will lose your right to claim under warranty.

 

Steinway Boutique Manila offers different piano services executed by Steinway trained technicians. If you are interested to know more about these services, you may inquire by filling up the form below:

 

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