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Acoustic Piano Buying Guide

Acoustic Piano Buying Guide

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You can always go to a showroom and purchase a brand new piano, but doing so will be very expensive. Brand new professional pianos can cost as much as a car! We highly encourage purchasing all acoustic pianos used. You can find some amazing deals and used instruments for sale on the internet. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Reverb, and other applications are perfect for finding your next piano. However, there are some general safety tips and guidelines that you should follow when meeting a stranger from the web: know how to recognize a scam, take a friend with you, and trust your instinct. It also worthwhile to ask the seller pertinent questions and to do your research about the item before the sale occurs.

Acoustic Pianos

Acoustic pianos are the ‘real’ instruments that you know and love. They usually come in five types:

  • Spinet (36-38” tall and 58” wide)
  • Upright (45-60” tall and 58” wide)
  • Baby Grand (4.5-7.5’ long and 5’ wide)
  • Grand (4.5-9.5’ long and 5’ wide)
  • Player or Specialty (50-60” tall and 58” wide)

When examining acoustic pianos before purchase, ask the seller if he or she can provide any information about the piano’s age, how much time has passed since it has been tuned, and the amount that it has been used. If you decide to purchase the instrument and a part later breaks, the information that you gained with these questions may help point you or a piano technician in the right direction for repairs.

Be sure to play every single key. Take your time. Every note needs to play cleanly. It’s likely that several keys may get stuck or be sluggish – this is generally an easy repair and should not change your overall opinion of the instrument. Be wary of pianos that have multiple keys that do not make any sound at all. Repairing “dead” keys is often more involved and can be expensive!

Next, hold down the right foot pedal at the base of the instrument and play several notes. All the notes should ring out without stopping until you release the foot pedal. Be wary of right (sustain) pedals that do not function as they should. Repairing it should be relatively easy, but it may inform you of other problems with the instrument.

Ask the seller to open the lid of the piano. Upright-style pianos all have a top panel that can be removed. There is also a second panel below the keyboard and above the pedals that can be detached. These steps are not necessary but removing the panels can help you visually identify any problems or broken pieces that may be present. Do not worry if the instrument is dusty, dirty, or has spiderwebs in it. Carefully examine the piano hammers (the oblong felt pieces that strike the strings) to ensure that none are broken or missing. Hammer repair is tedious and time consuming. Consider how much energy and money you want to invest in the instrument if it has broken hammers. Likewise, string repair can become costly. If several notes do not make sound due to missing or broken strings, move on to a better piano.

It’s likely that some of the piano key tops will be broken or missing. Do not let this deter you from the instrument if nothing else is wrong. Replacement key tops are cheap and very easy to install. Likewise, do not be afraid if the instrument is severely out of tune. If a piano has been neglected for many years, it will simply take several tunings to return it to its correct pitch. This will not have any effect on its value or condition.

Some Absolute No-no’s

Do not buy the piano if it has been exposed to water, has water damage, or has been outside. Water and humidity are devastating to all acoustic instruments.

Do not buy the piano if multiple keys do not make any sound and you are unable to discern the cause. For example, a foreign object may get lodged inside the piano and block keys from working. If you can’t figure out why the keys isn’t working, it will likely cost time, money, and new parts to repair.

Do not buy the piano if it has been sitting in a garage, attic, outdoor storage unit, shed, or any area without air conditioning for an extended period. Any unregulated climate changes will destroy the piano felts. It will also be very out of tune!

Final Notes

Don’t worry about scratches or dents in the finish, broken key tops, tuning issues, unleveled keys (piano keys that vary in height), varying key weight (some keys may be easier to play/require less force than others), dust and dirt, and excess echo or ringing. All of these repairs are easy, and some can be done on your own!

If you feel good about the seller, you can likely trust what he or she is saying. Don’t be afraid to seal the deal!

It’s unlikely that the piano will be perfect. If you know for certain that the instrument will require repairs, you might consider bargaining with the seller for a reasonable reduction of cost. This does not include tuning.

Be sure that you plan accordingly for pickup and transport of the piano. You will need a large truck or trailer (Uhaul is great for this!), at least two strong people (four is best), two piano rollers or rolling carts, tie-downs, water for drinking, and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Keep in mind that instrument value does not equate to actual price. A nice baby grand may be worth several thousand dollars, but because very few people are looking to buy it (plus, baby grands are so difficult to move!), it may only sell for several hundred. Most upright and spinet pianos can be purchased for less than $150, and often for free. Take all of this into account before seeing the actual instrument.

If you are lucky enough to find a great baby grand piano or grand piano in your price range, it is best to pay extra for professional piano movers to move it for you. These types of pianos are also extremely heavy and may need to be dismantled. Leave this kind of move to the professionals.

Moving the Piano

Move the piano away from walls and furniture. Have the strongest member of your party stand at one side of the piano and grip the instrument. Lifting with the legs, the first person should lift the piano until a second person is able to slide the roller under the instrument. Most pianos have lifting bars or handles on the back side. The process should be repeated with the other side so that, when finished, the piano is resting on two rollers. For upright pianos and spinets, most of the weight is towards the back of the instrument. Once the piano is securely on the rollers, load it onto the vehicle by using a ramp. Be sure to secure the piano with tie-downs once it is the in vehicle. It is best to remove the rollers for transport. Drive slowly and carefully. If the piano falls, it will break.

When you get your piano to its new home, try to find a location in the house that is away from intense sunlight or in the direct path of cooling vents. Placing the piano against an interior wall is best, but don’t worry if this is not possible with your home setup. Protecting the instrument from temperature fluctuations and humidity will reduce the number of tunings that it will need throughout its life.

Specialty Pianos

Avoid specialty pianos unless you have a specific need and thoroughly understand the instrument. Examples include house organs (big, heavy instruments from the 1970s. They usually have two parallel rows of keys and one row of foot pedals. They also often have an electric component.) and player pianos (acoustic pianos with a player mechanism which allows the instrument to play songs by itself). Player pianos are often antiques and can be a nice piece of history to own. They also double as functional pianos but moving them is more difficult because they are several hundred pounds heavier than their acoustic counterparts. If you find a player piano in great condition, be extra careful (and bring extra help!) when moving it.

Good luck with your search for a new-to-you piano, and as always, the team at Songbirds Music, Art, & Dance Center is here to help! Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions about instruments you may find or send us pictures if you are unsure. Contact us here. Happy Hunting!

Digital Piano Buying Guide

Digital Piano Buying Guide

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Purchasing a Digital Piano

For beginners, some important considerations should be kept in mind when purchasing a digital piano. This piano buying guide will provide information on reliable brands, pricing, and equipment.

Choose a reliable Brand. Cheaper brands may entice you with their pricing, but be wary. They have poor sound quality, break quickly, and usually end up costing you more in the end. A quality brand gives you a proven and reliable product. Reliable brands include Roland, Yamaha, Korg, Casio, Kawai, and Williams.

Do NOT buy a MIDI keyboard. This is not a digital piano. It is a piano controller that can only be used with specific computer software. You will NOT be able to practice with a MIDI controller. However, some digital pianos have MIDI compatibility as an extra feature. This is acceptable and is often a hallmark of a quality instrument.

The Two Keys for Success

88 Keys: It is important to get a full 88 key piano from the start. Piano keys have standard spacing and any keyboard with less than 88 keys tends to adjust that spacing. Even a slight adjustment will cause huge headaches. Practicing on a sub-par piano at home will make it difficult to adjust to performance on a real piano. It is also important that a student gets the opportunity to explore the different octaves on a standard piano. All students are instructed to use the entirety of the keyboard from the beginning of their musical education.

Touch Sensitivity: The most common feature that gets overlooked is touch sensitivity. This is also know as weighted keys. If a keyboard is weighted or semi-weighted, a student can press lightly on the keys for a soft sound and hard for a loud sound. If keys are not weighted, a student will press the key at varying velocity and the volume will not change. This prevents the student from practicing dynamics. All instructors teach dynamics from the very beginning as they are vital for expressive playing. Keyboards that do not have weighted or semi-weighted keys are not considered “real instruments” by most instructors. Most keyboards that don't have this feature also have oddly sized keys (width), meaning that as soon as the student gets to a real piano, everything will feel completely off.

Keyboards we recommend

Keyboards (none of the following keyboards come with stands or benches). Make sure to get a bench and either get a basic x stand (https://amzn.to/2D3TiTv) or the customized stand that goes with the keyboard you choose (more expensive, but they look and feel nicer).

Alesis Recital 88-Key Beginner Digital ($219) https://amzn.to/2CZIVjx

The Alesis Recital keyboard has been around for a few years and has made itself a staple in the beginners market. It covers all of the basics necessary in a keyboard- 88 semi-weighted keys, built in speakers, and the capability to attach to a pedal. Everything about this keyboard is good for a beginner, but not recommended towards an intermediate or advanced student. The feel, sound, and instrument quality can be described as good, but nothing to write home about. That said, if you are looking for a basic and economical beginner’s keyboard, that should last a young student a year or two, this is definitely our choice. Don’t forget to get a pedal (even beginners need these), a stand, and a piano bench!

Yamaha P71 ($399.99) https://amzn.to/33OFd8r

Yamaha is an excellent and reliable manufacturer, so you know you are getting a quality instrument and not a toy. This Yamaha piano is a solid choice for any beginner- intermediate player. It has 88 fully weighted keys and is solidly made. I would suggest upgrading the pedal, as the one included does not give you the same feeling as a real piano. 

Yamaha P45 ($449.99) https://amzn.to/2siqOng

This may be Yamaha's most popular beginner piano. It is extremely similar to the P71 with a few extra features. It has the ability to record songs, features a built in metronome, and is able to split voices between hands.

Casio PX-160BK ($499.99) https://amzn.to/2qRZvPF

Casio is another reliable manufacturer. Some professional musicians can be picky about the sounds color, but their Privia line is considered to be comparable to a Yamaha. This model boasts an advanced speaker system and cool functions like duet mode. This keyboard does not come with a pedal, which is a necessity when playing piano (even for beginners), so make sure you grab one when purchasing.

Roland FP series (starting at $499.99) https://amzn.to/38798eH

Roland is by far my favorite keyboard brand. Not only do their keyboards sound amazing, they just feel better. In this Amazon listing, there are 4 different models. All are great choices for a variety of price ranges. The basic one (FP10) has your true-feel weighted 88 keys, speakers, a variety of functions and modes, and both Bluetooth and MIDI capabilities. As you get higher in price, the speakers become more advanced as do the extra functions of the keyboard. Even though these do come with a pedal, I do highly recommend upgrading the pedal.

Yamaha P125 (starting at $649.99) https://amzn.to/2QCD37T

Another Yamaha, so you know it’s a reliable and great sounding instrument. The P125 also boast 88 fully weighted digital keys. What’s really nice about this model is that the action is heavier in the lower keys and lighter in the higher keys, just like an acoustic piano. The tone and quality of sound in this piano is what makes it geared towards professionals rather than beginners. Again- upgrade that pedal! (Bundle with stand, bench, upgraded pedal: https://amzn.to/2reZLZ2)

Basic Pedal Recommendation: My recommendation for a great usable universal pedal is the M Audio SP 2 (usually on amazon for ~$20). They have always worked well for me and conveniently have a quick polarity switch on the back (enables you to switch the function of the pedal, to sustain when pressed or when unpressed) https://amzn.to/2qnk0UG

Pedals

Students will also need a pedal. Many digital pianos come with pedals, but don't feel or function like a regular piano's pedals. Learning how to use the pedal is important even for beginners, and making sure you are using a pedal that feels the same as a standard acoustic can make a huge difference. A fantastic universal digital pedal is the M-Audio SP-2 (~$20). A traditional piano has three pedals, but most students will only ever need to use one. The pedal should be plugged into the “damper” or “sustain” port on the keyboard.

Sometimes digital piano pedals seem like they are not functioning as they should. If your pedal is acting up (making sustained sounds when up instead of down), it isn't broken! The polarity has simply been reversed. The M-Audio SP-2 has an easy switch on the back to switch polarity. Pedals that do not have a polarity switch can usually be switched by turning the piano off and back on while depressing the pedal. If that does not correct the issue, unplug the pedal while keeping it depressed. All digital piano pedals are susceptible to polarity reversal.

Use this digital piano buying guide to make a great and informed purchase! If you are interested in purchasing an acoustic piano, view our guide here.

This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from our links, which we almost always blow on new guitars!

How to Handle a Microphone

How to Handle a Microphone

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You’ve been there before – a presentation at work, an assembly at school, a karaoke night – and the person holding the microphone has no idea what to do…There are all kinds of terrible noises! Popping, squealing, hissing, you name it. It’s enough to make your ears hurt and ring for hours. At some point in your life, you will need to use a microphone. Use these 10 Best Practices When Using a Microphone tips to make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved, and be sure to pass these tips on to those who need them most! *These tips apply to standard vocal microphones.*

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Never Tap or Hit the Microphone to Test If It Is Working.

Almost everyone does this, and although it may be tempting, it can be seriously damaging to the microphone. Inside the mic, there is a small diaphragm that picks up the sound. Tapping the mic forces air against this diaphragm and may cause it to rupture. Tapping a microphone is the equivalent of giving it a concussion. In order to test if it is working, snap your fingers near it or speak into the microphone.

Use a Microphone Pop Filter.

These look like big black marshmallows that cover the grated end of the microphone. They cut down on air that may push past the mic due to wind or voice production. Using one will make your performance sound balanced and will cut down on excess noise. If you don’t have a pop filter, be aware of plosive consonants. A plosive consonant most commonly occurs during words with the letters “p and b” and is the result of air exploding from your lips and hitting the diaphragm of the microphone. This results in that annoying pop that we all have heard before. Try to pronounce these consonants less clearly or hold the microphone farther away from your mouth when saying them.

Never Cup the Microphone.

Cupping the microphone blocks air flow in and around the diaphragm. It will NOT make a singer sound better. All parts of the microphone grate, including the bottom and sides, are vital for the best sound quality.

Beware of Proximity Effect.

Holding a microphone close to your lips will accent the lower bass tones in your voice. Likewise, holding the mic too far away from your mouth will accent the high frequencies. The ideal distance for a microphone is about three inches away from your lips.

Never Hold a Microphone By Its Cable.

Similarly, always wrap the cable around the microphone stand if using one. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Know Where the Speakers Are.

The face of a speaker creates an invisible plane that stretches in all directions. If you break this plane and stand in front of the speaker with your microphone, feedback (that high-pitched, annoying, painfully loud sound) is bound to occur. Remain behind the speaker plane at all times to prevent feedback. Note: this applies to the main speakers, not monitors. Be sure to know the difference!

Use Your Ears.

If it sounds like your voice is too loud or too quiet, it probably is. Adjust the sound system or where you are holding the microphone accordingly.

Be Aware of Sibilance.

Sibilance is an extra hiss or whistle that is caused by the “s” consonant. There isn’t a lot you can do about sibilance while performing live, but be cautious of not over-accenting your words that use the letter “s”.

Make Sure That Your Equipment Is Turned On.

When something goes wrong, it is almost always because something silly wasn’t done correctly. Before worrying about broken cables or mics, take a moment to make sure that your microphone and the sound system are turned on and that your mic is connected to the right inputs.

There you have it! Use these 10 microphone best practices tips to guarantee that your next microphone experience will be sounding the best that it can.

Looking for a microphone? Here are my top 3 choices:

1. SENNHEISER E835 DYNAMIC CARDIOID VOCAL MICROPHONE

I prefer this for live performance over the Shure SM58 because it is a little brighter and crisper in the upper frequencies. It is very clean but may thin out the voice.

2. SHURE SM58-LC CARDIOID VOCAL MICROPHONE

This microphone is an absolute workhorse – capable of taking a beating while still providing quality results. Every vocal performer and sound engineer should have one in their arsenal. It is slightly more bass-heavy and muddier than the Sennheiser E835. 

3. SHURE SM57-LC CARDIOID DYNAMIC MICROPHONE

While no longer a first-choice vocal microphone, the SM57 has stood the test of time. It is an excellent all-around microphone and can be used for many applications, primarily on guitar cabinets, overhead drums, and (in a pinch) vocals.

This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from our links, which we almost always blow on new guitars!

Guitar Care and Maintenance

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Guitar Care and Maintenance

     The guitar is an incredibly versatile instrument that can provide a lifetime of musical enjoyment. While it is not as complex as an acoustic piano, there are still several factors to consider in its care and treatment. Read on to discover great advice from our Songbirds Music, Art, & Dance Center staff that will ensure longevity, great sound, and a beautiful finish on your guitar.

Tuning

     If you would like your guitar to be happy and healthy, it is important to keep it regularly tuned and in shape. Depending on the size, scale, and model of your guitar, the strings exert anywhere between ninety and two-hundred and fifty pounds of constant tension on the guitar neck and body. In order to keep the guitar in a constant state of playability, it is important to keep the tension consistent and accurate. Even if you do not play your guitar frequently, you should check in every so often to make sure that the strings are in tune.

     If you are planning to put your guitar away for an extended period of time, such as in climate-controlled storage, please do not remove the strings of your guitar. Doing so may allow the guitar neck to warp out of shape as it adjusts to the lack of pull along its neck. It might be a good idea to very slightly loosen the strings to allow for any fluctuations in temperature, and therefore expansion and contraction, however. Much like an acoustic piano, the guitar craves the most constant conditions, temperatures, and environment possible. Be sure to purchase a great and reliable electronic tuner!

Action

     Action refers to how high or low the strings of the guitar are in relation to the fretboard. Unless you have some unique compositional or playing needs, it is best to keep the action relatively low. This closeness of the strings to the fretboard allows for smoother, faster playing, less erroneous noise, and better tone. In fact, if the action is too high, certain notes may not play in tune at all.

     Every model of guitar has a different recommended string height per its manufacturer’s specifications. You can usually find this information pretty quickly online by visiting the manufacturer’s website or calling their customer support. If you measure the height of your strings and find that they are too high, too low, or the guitar doesn’t play as well as you’d like, it is time for an action adjustment. This can also be called a guitar set up.

     Guitar set ups and action adjustments are best completed by an experienced luthier, or guitar technician. While there are many guides online on how to accomplish this yourself, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Action adjustments involve special measuring tools that focus on incredibly small distances. Plus, you wouldn’t want to hurt your guitar! Ask us for our luthier recommendations here at Songbirds Music, Art, & Dance Center.

String Gauge and Care

     No matter how hard you try, you will need to change your guitar strings at some point. If you play frequently, it’s usually a good idea to change them once per month. Experiment with different brands of guitar strings to see which kind fits your playing the best. Some strings, especially for electric guitar, are even manufactured with special coatings to give them extra life. They may be slightly more expensive, but in my experience, the general feel and quality is often worth it.

     If your guitar is not staying in tune as well as it should, your strings appear to be tarnished, the strings rattle or buzz, or you can see or feel corrosion on the strings, it is past time to change them. Fortunately, changing strings is a very simple process that is not difficult to learn. All you need is a screwdriver, wire cutters, new strings, a tuner, and some patience! It’s a good idea to change your strings for the first time with an experienced friend or with the help of an online tutorial.

     You may have noticed that guitar strings come in all sizes, or gauges. String gauge refers to the overall thickness of each string and is measured in fractions of inches. Normally, strings come in extra light, light, medium, and heavy gauges. Please note that there is no correct answer! The best players in the world use all different kinds of gauges based on their musical needs. In general, heavier gauge strings stay in tune longer and are more stable, although they are harder on your fingers. Some techniques, such as string bending, may be very difficult or even impossible on heavy gauge strings. Lighter strings, on the other hand, are very flexible and allow for more artistic expression. They do have a tendency to break easily and go out of tune, though. It’s a good idea to experiment with several gauges to find what fits you best. Please do not fall into the common trap of thinking that medium gauges are “average” or the most common (what you should be using). This is not true at all! I encourage you to be curious in order to find the best fit for your playing. Having the correct gauges for you will make a world of difference. You fingers and your guitar will thank you!

     Lastly, there are two common types of string winding: flat wound and round wound. Most players use round wound strings as they are more brilliant and responsive. Flat wound strings are best for jazz artists and musicians who desire a more mellow tone. Like with gauges, experiment to see what type fits your musical needs best!

Cleaning, Polish, and Corrosion

     In order to keep your guitar looking and playing its best, you will need to frequently clean it. It’s best to purchase a microfiber cloth to store in your guitar case or near where you practice. This unique fabric is great for removing dust, sweat, and oil buildup without spreading chemicals and cleaners on your guitar. Microfiber cloths also do wonders for extending the life of your guitar strings. I highly recommend giving your strings a thorough wipe-down after every time that you touch them. Be sure to wipe the entire surface of the strings as well as the underside of each one. Really go for it! Your strings will thank you and will definitely live longer. So much sweat, acid, and oil is excreted from our skin as we play, and those byproducts don’t interact well with metal strings! It is also a good idea to wipe down any metal, brass, or chrome part on your guitar, such as tuners, pickups, and the bridge. Those pieces experience skin contact as well, and they have a tendency to build corrosion, rust, and pitting before you know it!

     If you do have corrosion on the metal parts of your guitar, you can easily remove it with a simple home remedy. Some players recommend purchased chemicals from your local hardware or grocery store. While these may work on some instruments, you can never be certain how those chemicals will react with your guitar until it is too late. It’s better to be on the safe side! To remove corrosion, rust, and pitting on your guitar’s metal pieces, mix equal parts toothpaste and baking soda in a small cup or bowl. Apply this mixture to the affected areas with a gentle toothbrush and scrub gently. Allow the paste to sit on the metal for approximately five minutes before wiping it off with a clean, slightly damp towel. This should remove any blemishes while protecting the integrity of the metal. Be careful to not get any paste on the wood, though! Once the procedure has been successfully completed, and your guitar smells minty fresh, it’s a great idea to get in the habit of regularly cleaning the metal pieces with your microfiber cloth. It’s much better to be proactive than reactive! Please be careful when cleaning corrosion from electric guitar pickups. Some players prefer to leave corrosion on pickups as a certain right-of-passage, although it has little to no effect on tone variance. What you do with your pickups is up to you!

     It is a great idea to purchase special guitar cleaning kits online or from your local music store. Most of these kits come with several microfiber cloths and protective chemicals that are specifically designed to prolong the life of your strings and protect the finish of your guitar. Most importantly, they are safe for you and your instrument. Keep your guitar clean and fresh in order to help it play its best!

Moisture

     Moisture, especially water, is the absolute enemy of the guitar. I have had one too many outdoor gigs where I have had to run for cover and throw garbage bags over my equipment in order to keep it dry and protected from an oncoming rainstorm. Your instrument should never get wet. If it does, unplug it immediately and do your best to wipe away any visible water and moisture from the guitar. You can’t be too careful! Then, it’s best to place it in a safe, dry place for several days. Be sure to leave it out of its case and try not to disturb it. Usually, your instrument will be more than fine after it has been allowed to properly dry out.

     Even if your guitar does not get catastrophically wet, humidity that is present in the environment can do a number on your instrument and its strings. If your guitar is an antique, particularly valuable, or delicate, it is best to leave it in its case at all times when it is not being used. I recommend purchasing small pacs of silica gel or other safe desiccants to place in the guitar and in its case in order to cut down on humidity. This is especially a good idea in Florida! If you choose to display your guitar by hanging it on your wall or leaving it on a guitar stand, that is fine. Just be aware that you may have to change your strings more frequently – humidity can corrode them!

Electronic Gear

     If your guitar gets wet, it is usually salvageable with care and patience. However, wet electronics are fried electronics. If you use guitar pedals, effects, or amplifiers when you play, be extra careful to never put them close to water. There’s a reason why all of the salesman at my favorite guitar store say, “Want to buy the warranty? You never know when you might spill a drink on it!”

     Although most guitar pedals and amps are built to last, it’s inevitable that they will eventually fail or need repair. If you are handy with a soldering iron, you can do most simple repairs yourself! Otherwise, the staff at Songbirds Music, Art, & Dance Center is happy to recommend some affordable, local technicians that can help you. Please be aware that tube amplifiers often need to have their tubes replaced. If your tube amp begins to fail, do not panic! It’s likely that the tubes are old, and although this can be costly, it is not a complicated repair.

     Lastly, be sure to always check the voltage requirements for your gear. If you are using several guitar pedals and effects, it is important to use isolated power systems. This prevents extra noise, hum, and clutter in your guitar’s signal chain and is all-around safer for you and your gear. Always use extension cords and sockets that have three prongs! Never, ever use two-pronged equipment as it is a danger for fire and electrocution. Most guitar pedals come with specific connecting cables for the power source. Be sure to connect the right pedals to the right cable! Also, when setting up your gear for the first time or at a new location, make absolutely certain that the power source is built for the correct voltage load. If you plug in to an outlet that has the wrong voltage by accident, you will become a human lightning rod as soon as you start playing your guitar. Your fans want to hear an electrifying performance, but not in that way! Please remember to have patience, think carefully, and set your gear up thoroughly when playing with electronics.

     We hope that this article helps you maintain, care for, and enjoy your guitar and equipment. As always, we at Songbirds Music, Art, & Dance Center are more than happy to help answer any of your questions. Happy music making!

Piano Care and Maintenance

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Piano Care and Maintenance

     For such a large instrument, the acoustic piano can be surprisingly delicate! Pianos require frequent care and maintenance to remain happy and healthy. If your instrument is experiencing problems or is not playing as well as it used to, we are here to help! This article includes a short list of common piano maladies and ways that they can be quickly addressed. Most importantly, it includes tips on how to extend the life of your piano and prevent possible issues in the future. As always, our experienced Songbirds Music, Art, & Dance Center staff is here to help you and your piano!

Common Piano Maladies:

Tuning

     The most common and frequent issue with pianos is that they go out of tune. Fortunately, reliable tuning technique has been around for as long as pianos have! Did you know that the average piano has around eighteen tons of pressure that is constantly exerted on the strings? That’s crazy! With so much force and pull, it’s not wonder the tuning has a tendency to slip over time. If your instrument sounds funny, some notes sound “sour” or poor, you hear excessive beats (vibrations in resonance when two or more notes are struck together), or you can’t remember the last time your instrument was tuned, it’s definitely time for a tuning session.

     We recommend that your piano receives proper tuning once every six months. If the piano is old or hasn’t been taken care of for some time, it may need extra tuning sessions until the strings get used to the appropriate tension again. Oftentimes, pianos that have been neglected for years dramatically shift in pitch. In these cases, it isn’t uncommon to find instruments that are a whole step (one white key) flat! A piano tuner will have to slowly wind the strings tighter and bring the piano up to standard concert pitch over several visits.

     Fortunately, piano tuning is a relatively easy process for an experienced tuner. A standard piano takes between one and two hours to tune and costs anywhere between $60 and $150 depending on the technician. Please be advised that you should not attempt to tune your piano under any circumstances. Piano tuning is a tedious process that often requires years of training, patience, finesse, and a very good ear. If you do attempt to tune on your own, you may risk breaking piano strings or harming the integrity of your instrument’s tuning pegs and soundboard.

     While having a piano tuner come to your house may seem like a vexatious cost, it is completely worth it for your instrument. Having frequent and proper tuning ensures that your instrument will have a long and happy life. Your piano will thank you!

Action

     Piano action refers to the weight and feel of the keys as you play. If your instrument requires excessive force to make the notes sound, the keys drop too quickly and easily, some notes are easier to play than others, you can visibly see changes in key depth, or your fingers and wrists get too tired while playing, it is definitely time for an action adjustment. This process is also referred to as regulation.

     Luckily, action adjustments are usually simple and do not take a piano technician long to complete. Key leveling, or fixing variations in key depth, is a more lengthy process, however. Please be aware that, although action adjustments are not complex, they require special tools to complete correctly. It is strongly advised to hire an appropriate piano technician in order to adjust your piano’s action.

“Dead” Keys

     A piano key is considered “dead” when it does not make a sound when struck. This is a common occurrence with pianos both new and old, especially in Florida. The usual culprit for our climate is humidity. Many modern pianos have dehumidifiers built in to the cabinet. If your piano has one, be sure to leave it plugged in at all times. If not, appropriate piano dehumidifiers are available online for reasonable prices.

     Sometimes, fixing the humidity problem requires some extra work that you can do on your own. When excessive moisture is present in the air, it often gets into the felt strips and pieces on the piano and causes them to swell. If the piano key in question does not rise quickly after it is depressed or only makes a sound when hit with excessive force, the extra moisture is likely in the felt pieces that are located around the key pins. In this case, carefully depress the neighboring keys and firmly grasp the key in question. Move the key side to side with slow, firm pressure and depress the key several times. If the key moves more freely and strikes as it should after performing this technique, moisture is definitely the problem. You can repeat this method for any key, although the problem may occur if the environment regains moisture or extra humidity. In extreme cases, you can dry out the felt by applying a hair dryer to the key on low heat for approximately ten seconds at a time. Please be very careful to not melt your piano keys, though! Alternate the hair dryer technique with the above pressure technique should allow the key to return to normal operation.

     If the key moves freely and returns to its correct height without problem but still does not sound, the issue may be with an internal part that has failed. A string might be broken, a piano hammer might be cracked or missing, or a foreign object might be resting against the string. If there is not a visible obstruction within the piano cabinet, a piano technician will need to examine the piano in order to determine the cause of the problem. String, hammer, and general internal reparations can be difficult and time-consuming and are best left to professional technicians.

“Locked” Keys

     A piano key is considered “locked” when it does not move when pressed, it offers considerable resistance to pressure, or it feels jammed. Sometimes, a locked key may still produce a tone, although often with extreme difficulty.

     If a key on your piano is locked, it is not recommended for you to attempt to fix the problem. Oftentimes the key failure originates with the hammer mechanism which includes some of the most fragile pieces of the instrument. If one of those pieces breaks from improper handling or attempted reparation, it is often difficult and costly to get it replaced.

     If you are particularly lucky, a locked key may result from a foreign object, such as a pencil, resting against or wedged in the hammer mechanism. Carefully remove the object, and your key should be as good as new. A locked key is one of the more serious maladies on this list. Under no circumstances should you attempt to force the key to respond or move without the aid of a professional piano technician.

Rattle or Foreign Noise

     Pianos can sometimes produce some weird and unusual noises when played. In fact, there is an entire sub-genre of musical compositions for “prepared piano”. These pieces focus on the amazing and funky sounds that can be manufactured by placing foreign objects such as rubber stoppers, pens, rulers, metal sheets, and more at strategic locations on the piano strings.

     You probably have guessed by now that the leading culprit for unwanted piano noise, rattle, or unusual sound is an object that has somehow fallen into the piano. This is a very easy fix. Simply open the piano cabinet, locate any items that don’t belong inside a piano, and carefully remove them. The use of a flashlight and tweezers to get into the nooks and crannies may be necessary. You’d be surprised what can be found, especially in second-hand, old pianos. My most interesting finds to date include money, a screwdriver, all kinds of writing utensils, sheet music, index cards, and a folding hair comb.

     If you have opened your piano, removed any foreign objects, and your instrument still produces rattle or an unusual noise, the problem may be more complex. In rare cases, cracks in the piano cabinet or soundboard produce rattle or unwanted hum when the instrument is played.  Unfortunately, these issues are difficult to fix and require extra time and funds. If you are certain that your instrument is in tip-top shape and is not cracked, hum can be produced by a nearby source of vibration in the room. Be sure that your piano is not resting against things that go shake in the night, including, but not limited to, space heaters, radiators, refrigerators, air conditioners, sound systems, televisions, and electrical outlets.

     Fortunately, rattle or foreign noise is the easiest piano problem to identify and fix! You can definitely do this on your own, and you might even find some lost treasures in the process!

Echo or Reverberation

     Sometimes, old pianos or instruments that have not been properly maintained develop an extra echo or reverberation that rings out after the key has been played. This sound can range from a short, quiet harmonic pitch to a full-out sustain as if the right pedal were depressed. Fixing this malady is rather involved and is best left to the hands of an experienced technician.

     If your piano is experiencing this problem, open the cabinet and notice the small felt pads that contact the strings. When a key is struck, the pad in question should move away from the string and return to its resting position as soon as the key rises away from the key bed. You can also find the correct felt piece by watching what happens when you depress the pedal to the right. More often than not, this echo is caused by the felt not completely or firmly returning to its home against the string. This improper contact allows the string to still vibrate which produces the sound that is bothering you so much.

     The most common fixes for this issue involve the felts themselves and the right piano pedal. If your piano is old, the felt pieces may need to be replaced entirely. This process is not difficult, but is rather time consuming and usually requires the hammers to be removed from the piano. If the felts seem to be in good condition, the extra reverberation may be caused by a misaligned sustain pedal. Both of these fixes need to be completed by an experienced piano technician.

Mellow or Woody Tone

     If you piano has lost its musical shine or if it sounds a little too mellow for your taste, it may be time to adjust the hammer felts. Open the piano cabinet and locate the large wood and felt hammers that strike the piano strings. You’ll notice that many of the notes are actually produced by three identical strings that are tuned to the same pitch. In the lower registers, this number is reduced to two and then one string as the string gauges get larger. After many years of play, the felt on the hammers actually gets compressed and begins to form hardened grooves that match the shape of the steel strings. In order to breathe new life into the tone of your piano, you will need to have the old and hardened felt shaved down so that new and fluffy felt can strike the strings. An experienced piano technician can accomplish this rather quickly and with little effort.

     If you are particularly handy, you can attempt to try this on your own. Take a piece of medium-grit sandpaper and glue, staple, or tape it to a small piece of wood. A paint stick works well. Alternatively, you can use a flat, not rounded or circular, wood rasp or file. Take your instrument of choice and, very carefully, begin to shave the old felt away. Be absolutely certain to change the angle so that uneven bumps and patches do not appear. While completing this repair, you may wish to wear a face mask as the felt dust has a tendency to go everywhere. Please remember that a little bit goes a long way. Any felt that is removed can never be replaced, and if you shave too far, you risk compromising the entire hammer. Never shave far enough that the wood is exposed, and please remember that the goal is to make the hammer felt light and fluffy. A botched job will result in felt replacement, so please proceed with caution.

Broken or Missing Key Tops

     We’ve all seen it: the piano with a slew of missing keys. This is particularly common with old pianos that have (or had) original ivories. Due to animal cruelty laws and regulations, ivory key tops are no longer legally produced. If you have a piano with original ivory, you can purchase imitation piano ivory that looks an feels exactly the same. Most modern pianos are made with hard and durable plastic key tops.

     Luckily, you can replace your own key tops in order to save yourself time and money. There are plenty of reputable piano part dealers online – please do not hesitate to ask what we use as we will happily point you in the right direction. Once the parts have been ordered and have arrived, you can quickly apply a strong specialty glue or adhesive to the empty key and replace the key top. Super glue is a quick alternative, although be careful not to get it on anything else! You may need to scrape old glue, ivory, or plastic remnants from the key before replacing its top. This can be done with any razor blade or sharp craft knife. As always, please be careful with blades and be sure to use strong adhesives in a well-ventilated area.

     If the idea of replacing key tops makes you nervous, any piano technician will be happy to replace them for you. If you have ivory keys and there are gouges, cracks, or scars on the key tops, you or a piano technician can easily repair them with imitation ivory repair kits.

Jammed or Immobile Key Cover

     Is the key cover on your piano stuck in a certain position? Will it not close or open completely? No sweat! Luckily, this issue is very easy to fix. It is most commonly caused by, you guessed it, something lodged in the piano that doesn’t belong there. If you can’t see anything from the outside, or if you can but are not able to reach it, you will need to take the piano cabinet apart. Find a reliable screwdriver (most older pianos use straight ones, not phillips) and carefully remove any nearby screws. Be sure to draw yourself a diagram or place the screws in a pattern so that you can remember how to reinstall the cabinet pieces when the reparation has been made. For grand and baby grand pianos, there is usually a row of large screws under the keys that are only accessible from the floor.

     Once the cabinet has been dismantled and any foreign object has been removed, simply reinstall the screws and your piano should be as good as new. While you are at it, you may wish to check on the hinge mechanism that connects the key cover to the sides of the cabinet to make sure that it is clean and functioning properly. If you cannot discern what is causing the malfunction, you may wish to contact a professional piano technician.

Key Not Striking Properly

     If a key or several keys on your piano are not striking the strings reliably, you may have a malady that requires the help of a piano technician. Each note should sound as quickly as you are able to repeatedly press it. If, when you quickly press one key several times, it “skips” the note and does not sound, you have a key striking issue.

     This problem is not incredibly common, but if it is occurring with your instrument, a piano technician will need to make a visit. There are several small internal parts with the hammer mechanism that can fail and cause a key striking issue.

Tips for Piano Health and Happiness:

Piano Placement

     If you read through the above common piano maladies, you might have already realized that pianos respond very sensitively to their environment. A lot of tuning and regulation problems can be avoided by placing your instrument in an appropriate location in your home. Try to avoid areas that have excess humidity. Also, please place your piano where it can avoid any unnecessary bumps or motion. Acoustic pianos are happiest where they are able to rest in one spot for a very extended period of time. Most importantly, temperature fluctuation inside and outside your home has a massive effect on piano tuning and wellness. Drastic changes in weather, especially during winter, will certainly have an effect on your instrument as it will swell, expand, and contract with the seasons. There is nothing that you can do about nature, but you can ease the strain on your instrument by keeping it reasonably far away from heat sources and drafty areas. Try not to put you piano directly in the sun, under an air conditioning vent, or by a heater. Your instrument (and your checkbook) will thank you for not requiring excessive tuning sessions!

Tuning

     As previously mentioned, a well-maintained piano requires tuning once every six months. This is extremely important – if the tuning is allowed to slip, it will be more costly and time consuming to bring the instrument back up to the correct pitch. It’s much better to be proactive than reactive. Please be aware that a piano should be tuned anytime that it is moved. While it may not seem serious at first, moving a piano puts undue strain on its internal parts, especially its soundboard and strings. It is always good to have a check-up after a move just to make sure that everything is in working order.

Regulation

     If you play your piano frequently, you will need to have it regulated at some point. The frequency of regulation, or action adjustment, is unique for each instrument and musician. An experienced piano technician can help determine how often regulation is required for you and for your piano. For now, you should only need to have an action adjustment if you are experiencing a lack of dynamic contrast, uncomfortable resistance, or general unwanted response from your keys as mentioned above. Regulation should not occur frequently, but if you are unsure if you need it, please ask a piano technician for his or her advice.

Cleaning

     Please be sure to clean, dust, and sanitize your piano as frequently as other pieces of furniture in your house. Spiders and other creepy-crawlies have a nasty habit of hiding in pianos, so it’s always a good idea to keep them pristine. Be sure to use cleaners that are safe and will not damage the finish on your piano. For very old and antique pianos, microfiber cloths with little to no water may be the only option in order to preserve the patina. Regularly cleaning your instrument will ensure that lives a long, happy, and shiny life.

General Care

     In general, it is a good idea to treat your instrument with care as if it were a living thing. Like an expensive houseplant, your piano has specific climate needs and wants. Be careful to not expose it to adverse conditions and damage, and if you have to move it, please hire professional piano movers. If you attempt to move your piano without professional help, it is strongly encouraged to purchase rolling dollies from your local hardware store. You will certainly need several helpers, and no matter what, you will need more people than you think. As always, Songbirds Music, Art, & Dance Center staff are here to help and answer any questions that you might have. I hope that this article has helped and that you and your piano will enjoy many happy years of music making together.