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Individuals, when purchasing a high-ticket item, want to know the life expectancy of the item. They question the price when buying a home, car, or appliance, but may overlook doing so when purchasing a musical instrument. They focus on the style, color, placement in the home, and use. Nevertheless, the life expectancy needs consideration as the owner wants to get the most from this asset.

How Long Do Pianos Last?

Men and women might ask how long the average piano lasts. Many factors play a role in the answer to this question, but maintenance remains one of the most important. The environment in which they place the piano, the care taken by the owner, regular maintenance, and more influence the longevity of the instrument. The quality and materials likewise influence the time the piano will remain playable. However, owners learn they can take steps to protect their investment and enjoy their instrument for years to come.

Play Regularly

Individuals invest in a piano so they can play it and get enjoyment from the instrument. In fact, playing the piano regularly offers other benefits that people might overlook. Regular use of the instrument ensures the sound quality remains consistent and the keys function as they should. If problems arise, catching them early helps to keep repair costs down, and regular playing of the instrument allows the owner to know what is normal and when something isn’t right.

Temperature and Humidity

The internal health of the piano depends in large part on temperature and humidity in the surrounding environment. The ideal temperature range for this instrument remains between 70 and 72 degrees, while the ideal humidity range is between 45 and 70 percent. However, the humidity range remains dependent on the temperature. Ensure the home, storage facility, or other location where the piano is placed falls within these guidelines in terms of the temperature and humidity to extend the life of the instrument.

Have the Piano Tuned Regularly

Be sure to have the piano tuned a minimum of once a year. The play the instrument receives influences the frequency at which this task needs completion. Any time the piano is moved, whether this is within the home or to a new location, have it tuned again to ensure nothing moved during the relocation process.

Pianos remain susceptible to environmental changes, which is why this task remains critical. A professional piano tuner carries out several tasks beyond tightening the strings of the instrument. They check all internal parts of the piano to detect any problems and examine the structural integrity of the instrument.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Besides ensuring the piano remains in a temperature regulated area, owners must care for their piano to extend its lifespan. This remains true whether the piano was recently purchased or handed down through the generations. Older pianos and specialty instruments might require additional care to ensure they function as intended.

New pianos need care as well. By caring for the piano from the date of purchase, owners find they prolong its lifespan while keeping it in excellent condition. Ensure it is placed in a climate-controlled area and have it tuned annually. Follow all recommendations of the piano tuner regarding care and additional tasks that need to be carried out.

Older pianos often need additional work to ensure they remain in playing condition. Professional piano maintenance technicians become of great help in providing the piano with a facelift while strengthening its parts. They may restring the piano or replace the hammers if they wear down. Interior and exterior parts might sustain damage over time, and the technician identifies any problem areas and offers recommendations on repair or replacement.

Daily Care

Never assume yearly maintenance checks and tuneups suffice in caring for the instrument. Owners need to carry out steps daily to increase the longevity of the instrument. Wipe away fingerprints with a soft microfiber cloth and use a feather duster to remove all surface dirt. Keep a polish or wood cleaner on hand to treat the piano when needed and never play with dirty hands.

Avoid placing the instrument in an area that receives direct sun, as doing so could harm the piano. Furthermore, don’t place items on the piano, as this could lead to spills and scratches. Finally, keep the lid closed when the piano is not in use to protect the keys from damage.

Moving the Piano

Owners might find a time comes when they need to move or store their treasured instrument. Hire professional movers to take on this task to make certain the instrument doesn’t sustain damage. Choose a certified piano moving company, one with insurance and experience in relocating an instrument of this size. If storage is required for the instrument, find a climate-controlled facility to ensure it meets the temperature and humidity requirements. What else should one know at this time?

Storing a Piano Long Term

Individuals might find they need to store the piano for an extended period. This involves more than renting a storage unit and placing the piano inside. As mentioned above, the piano needs a climate-controlled space to protect it from damage. In addition, space must allow for the piano to be stored upright as opposed to on its side. Wrap the piano in protective cloth sheets, using multiple layers to ensure nothing remains exposed, and follow up by putting a layer of the plastic film around the instrument.

Prior to moving the instrument into storage, clean it thoroughly to remove any dust and grime. Begin the process by cleaning the keys. Use oil on the keys so they move fluidly and apply this oil to the felts and rail pins as well. After using the oil, spend a few minutes playing the piano to ensure the oil is distributed. Polish the piano case, including the fallboard and lid, before moving the instrument to storage. Hire a professional piano mover to take on these tasks. They work to ensure the instrument remains in great shape while in storage and won’t overlook any vital tasks when carrying out this job.

The care of the piano now plays a large role in its future condition. A piano that is only a few years old might have more damage than one that is 100 years old and has received proper care and maintenance. Contact Piano Movers of Texas with questions you have regarding your instrument. The team works to help clients keep their instruments in excellent playing shape for their lifetime and beyond. In addition, the company offers storage for owners who must part from their instrument for a period and want to ensure it will remain protected until they come together once again. Ask about this service when you call. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.