All musical instruments require a high standard of care and a certain amount of maintenance to keep their tone sweet and their mechanism in the fullest working order. The piano, with its thousands of internal moving parts, is-despite heavy construction-a relatively sensitive instrument. As this is built largely of wood and felt it should come as no surprise that, without regular servicing and care, its touch and sound will deteriorate over time.

Some people expect a piano to perform well year after year with little or no attention. Yet, like other instruments, it needs to be cared. Purchasing a new piano is a considerable investment and, with the high expectations placed on the instrument’s performance, it is essential for every pianist to know how to care for his or her piano. The amount of use and skilled maintenance a piano receives, and the climatic conditions in which the instrument is kept, determine not only how long a piano lasts but how well it performs.

Here are some piano care tips:

Maintain the ideal humidity level for the piano. The ideal is in 35-45% humidity, but up to 55% is okey as long as it is constant. Humidity fluctuation will cause harm to the piano. The high humidity can cause wood casing to warp; and lower humidity can cause wood to crack. A humidifier or dehumidifier can regulate the humidity.

Maintain right temperature for the piano. Climate fluctuation will also harm the piano. It will damage the wood and affects the tuning. The ideal room temperature for a piano is a constant 70-72° F (21-22° C). Keeping the piano away from exterior walls, drafty windows and doors, fireplaces, and climate-control vents will help regulate the temperature. Using air conditioner or heater will help.

Regular piano tuning. Every pianist can recognize a key that sticks or does not quickly repeat, but most will grow accustomed to an action that is not working efficiently and adapt their playing technique to compensate for it. Likewise, the piano’s tone can change considerably over a period of time. A piano tuner can readily evaluate the actual and potential condition of the instrument and its parts. Primarily required to tension the strings so that they vibrate in harmony. Most tuners also regularly adjust or repair other minor developing faults before they become harmful to the action parts, keyboard, or strung back. They can also judge when a piano needs regulating and voicing, the results of which can dramatically transform the touch and tone of any piano, providing that its individual parts are structurally sound and are in good condition.

Keep piano from harmful elements. Direct sunlight, condensation, dust, pollen and smoke can harm the piano. Direct sunlight can harm the finish of the piano over time, and the heat can cause damaging changes in the soundboard, and pinblock. Also, it can cause cracks and other major problems. Dust and pollen can easily goes through the piano sensitive interior and may cause sticky piano keys. Keeping the lid close if not in use will help. Also, condensation is most threatening to electric keyboards.

Piano is a valuable investment. Caring for piano seems an endless responsibility, yet it should not be taken for granted.