REQUEST PRE-OWNED STEINWAY & Bösendorfer INVENTORY LIST

Caring for Your Acoustic Piano: A Guide to Longevity & Sound Quality

April 30, 2025

Caring for Your Acoustic Piano: A Guide to Longevity & Sound Quality

An acoustic piano isn't just a musical instrument—it’s an investment in artistry, craftsmanship, and tradition. To keep it sounding beautiful for years to come, regular care is essential. Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or a beginner, here’s how to maintain your piano and ensure it remains in excellent condition.

1. Keep It Tuned

Pianos naturally go out of tune due to environmental changes, string tension, and regular use. To keep your instrument sounding its best, schedule professional tunings at least twice a year. Regular tuning also prevents long-term damage to the piano’s internal structure.

2. Control the Environment

Pianos are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations.

  • Keep your piano away from direct sunlight, windows, and heat sources like fireplaces or radiators.

  • Maintain stable humidity—a piano humidifier or dehumidifier can help, depending on your climate.

  • Avoid excessive dryness, which can cause cracks in the soundboard and brittle key action.

3. Clean the Keys Gently

Dust and dirt accumulate on piano keys over time. To clean them:

  • Use a soft, damp cloth and wipe each key gently.

  • If keys feel sticky, try a mild solution of water and white vinegar on a soft cloth.

  • Never use harsh chemicals or spray cleaners—these can discolor or damage the material.

4. Dust & Polish the Exterior

A piano’s finish can be delicate, so treat it with care:

  • Dust regularly using a microfiber cloth.

  • If needed, use a piano-friendly polish (check with a technician if you’re unsure).

  • Avoid placing objects like drinks or decorations on the piano to prevent scratches and spills.

5. Take Care of the Pedals

Piano pedals should function smoothly.

  • Dust around the pedals frequently.

  • If a pedal squeaks or feels unresponsive, have a technician inspect it.

6. Protect the Internal Mechanics

The heart of your piano—its action, hammers, and strings—requires care:

  • Never attempt to repair internal components yourself.

  • Have a technician check the felt hammers and internal mechanics periodically.

  • Close the lid when not in use to prevent dust accumulation inside the instrument.

7. Play It Regularly

A piano thrives when played! Regular use keeps the strings, hammers, and keys in good condition. Even if you don’t play often, pressing each key occasionally can prevent stiffness and mechanical issues.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your acoustic piano ensures that it remains a reliable, beautiful instrument for years to come. A little attention goes a long way—cleaning, tuning, and climate control are all simple steps that will keep your piano in peak condition.

 





Also in NorthWest Pianos Blog

Portable Piano Revolution — Play Anywhere, No Cord Needed
Portable Piano Revolution — Play Anywhere, No Cord Needed

October 21, 2025

One of the most exciting shifts in the piano world right now is the rise of battery-powered, portable pianos. Instruments like Roland’s GO:PIANO88 show that full-sized keybeds, high-quality sound engines, and wireless operation can coexist. Roland

Continue Reading

Why Piano Sales are Dropping — And What It Means for the Next Generation
Why Piano Sales are Dropping — And What It Means for the Next Generation

October 21, 2025

Across the U.S., piano sales have taken a nosedive. A recent CBS News article reported that in 2024, only 17,294 pianos were sold — compared to hundreds of thousands in past decades. CBS News The reason isn’t lack of interest in music; it’s economics, cultural change, and preference shifts. Young people are renting, using digital subscriptions, or choosing digital pianos as introductory tools.

Continue Reading

AI & Robotics in Piano Performance — When Machines Learn to Play with Feeling
AI & Robotics in Piano Performance — When Machines Learn to Play with Feeling

October 21, 2025

In 2025, one of the most fascinating developments in piano technology is happening at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and musical expression. A research team recently introduced PANDORA, a diffusion-based policy learning framework that enables robotic hands to play piano pieces with precision and expressive nuance. The system uses language models to measure stylistic quality and musicality, blending human emotion with algorithmic accuracy. arXiv

Continue Reading