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For years Ken Smith has kept my Steinway piano in tune and going strong for me and my students. From all of us a big thank-you!
Rosemary Olsen
Piano Teacher
Bridgewater, NJ
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PIANO MAINTENANCE
Maintenance is a type of service done on a regular basis to ensure proper continuous functioning and player satisfaction. Consistent maintenance is also important in preventing serious failures that may require expensive repair.
- VOICING
This term defines the modification of hammer density at the striking end. This is generally adjusted by using needles to fluff or aerate the felt, removing too harsh or too bright a sound. Voicing is important for maximizing your piano's tone potential and allowing for a truly beautiful sound.
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REGULATION
Piano regulation consists of the readjustment of all internal parts and mechanisms to operational specification. This includes all inner workings of the piano action, which are triggered into motion by depressing the piano key. A detailed description is available upon request. This servicing should be done within the first two years of the piano being used and should be rechecked based on amount of usage thereafter. Normal home use calls for this servicing every 5 to 7 years. Regulation is essential for bringing out your piano's best playability. While unregulated pianos can cause difficulty in playing, most customers are surprised at how large a difference a properly regulated piano can make.
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CLEANING
Dust pits the surfaces it sits on and slows moving parts. We recommend having your piano cleaned every 10-15 years depending on your environment.
The piano cabinet should never be cleaned with any cleaner containing wax. A damp cloth followed quickly by a soft dry cloth is recommended.
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TIGHTENING OF SCREWS
There are many screws securing wooden parts or metal/plastic parts to wood in a piano. Shifts in humidity cause the wood to swell and shrink which in turn causes screws to become loose. Vibration also plays a minor but existing role in this situation. The duration of necessity of tightening of screws varies due to environment and quality of material and craftsmanship. Average home use and location requires this service to be performed approximately every 10 years.
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CLIMATE CONTROL
This is generally the responsibility of the owner of the environment in which the piano is located. In New Jersey the four seasons cause major changes in humidity and temperature. Pianos are almost always located indoors and the heating and cooling equipment installed determine the levels of humidity and temperature in the environment. The desirable environment would be a constant 50% humidity and 70° temperature. This being difficult and/or costly to maintain, the target range is 30% to 70% humidity and 60° to 80° temperature. You should check out our page on the Dampp Chaser humidity control system. This system will control the humidity directly at the piano which is far better than relying on the house system to protect the piano.
If you would like to request an appointment, please
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