How to take care of your piano in Melbourne

When you buy something brand new, you expect it to be in its best condition, both externally and internally. However, pianos are different. Pianos age through stages, each requiring different levels of care and maintenance.

Stage 1: 0-3 Years

• Infant Piano - Needs the most regular tuning, at least once every six months to a year. Tuning may not be stable during this period. Even high-end pianos, like a Yamaha YU3, can be out of tune by a half or full semitone three years later without tuning. The first tuning, or what we might call the first service, is crucial. It's the best time to adjust hammer alignment, as there are no grooves on the hammer yet.

Stage 2: 3-10 Years

• Teenage - You can forget about tuning occasionally, but every time you hire a technician, ensure they are capable of both regulation and voicing. About 80% of piano tuners cannot perform both tasks correctly. If regularly tuned during Stage 1, this period marks the best time of the piano, with stable tuning and minimal wear, maintaining factory settings. Slight regulation may be required if the initial setup was good.

Stage 3: 10-20 Years

• Adults - Regulation and voicing become necessary. The piano starts to deviate from its factory settings; measurements begin to change. Adverse climate conditions can lead to sticking keys from deteriorating bushings and a lack of lubrication.

Stage 4: 20-40 Years

• Mid-Age - Regulation and voicing are necessary as everything ages. The soundboard ages, affecting the volume and color of the sound. Voicing provides the most benefits at this stage.

Stage 5: 50-100 Years

• At this stage, everything gradually deteriorates. With consistent servicing, a piano can last another 100 years, but it will never match the quality of a brand new piano. The soundboard, hammers, and strings show significant wear, and the action may become either too stiff or too loose.

In Melbourne's climate, marked by its warm summers, cool winters, and moderate but unpredictable rainfall, achieving the ideal humidity (40% to 60%) and temperature (around 20°C or 68°F) for pianos can be a challenge.

While climate control systems are the best solution for maintaining these conditions, they are not strictly necessary for every piano owner.

However, taking simpler measures such as positioning pianos away from windows, direct sunlight, and heating or cooling vents can significantly mitigate the risks of damage from temperature fluctuations and excessive moisture or dryness.

Additionally, using humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed, depending on Melbourne's season, can help maintain a more consistent environment for the piano. Regular maintenance by a skilled technician is advisable to address any climate-induced wear or necessary adjustments, ensuring the piano remains in good condition. Thus, while climate control offers the best protection, thoughtful placement and care can also preserve a piano's integrity in Melbourne's variable climate.