Piano Basics

Unlike pianos, piano tuners and technicians are low maintenance. Just give them time to work in a quiet, well-lit space, and they’ll give you a happy piano. Need more etiquette tips than that? Here’s everything you need to know about your first piano tuning appointment. Book your appointment in advance. Just like you, your friendly neighborhood piano technician is a very busy person, especially around the holidays. Ask your tech how long the appointment will take, then make sure to set aside plenty of time. Booking early helps both of you plan ahead and avoid disappointment.  Make sure there’s adequate space and...

Choosing where to put your piano is more than a design choice – it can affect your instrument's sound and even its longevity. Think of it this way: if you wouldn’t be comfortable sitting in that place day in and day out, neither would your piano.  To get the most out of your piano, choosing the right space is key. First, understand where NOT to place your piano: Below windows Next to exterior doors Against non-insulated exterior walls Next to heating ducts, air conditioners, or radiators Near fireplaces or wood-burning stoves On concrete floors On in-floor radiant heating units In attics or...

Choosing the right bench cushion can make you feel a bit like The Princess and the Pea. There are tons of piano seating options to choose from, but if you don't know what you're looking for, they can all seem too large, too thin, too fancy, too.. orange.  But that's what makes bench cushion shopping great. There are enough options out there, that there's the perfect pad for everyone. And once you have found the ideal seat, you'll want to spend more time actually playing your piano! Because the right piano bench pad makes all the difference. We're not just talking about aesthetics -- the...

With trees, you know to count the rings. Horses, check their teeth. But how can you tell the age of your piano? Finding your piano's serial number is the quickest and most reliable way to determine its age and, combined with the brand and condition, estimate a ballpark resale value. You may need it for insurance purposes, too. Ah, but that little code can be tricky! Pianos have hundreds of models and thousands of parts -- and each brand does things a little differently. So put on your detective hat, because we're going to find your piano's serial number, wherever it's...

Pianos come in a variety of sizes and names for each type.  Essentially, there are two types of pianos: vertical (also known as an upright piano or horizontal) or grand pianos.  The sizes listed are commonly followed but there is some flexibility in the length. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons   Measuring Your Piano You should be able to determine at a glance whether your piano is a grand or some type of upright, but when identifying your piano's size and variety, it's important to measure correctly.   Grand pianos are measured in length from the front of the keys all the way to...