As a piano technician, I’ve heard my share of fascinating, sometimes baffling, ideas about these beautiful instruments. From old wives’ tales passed down through generations to well-meaning but misguided advice, the world of pianos is rich with misconceptions. Today, let’s clear the air and separate some common myths from the undeniable facts when it comes to your beloved instrument.
Myth #1: “The big gold frame inside my piano is made of brass.”
Fact: While it certainly has a beautiful, metallic luster that might suggest brass, the massive frame inside your piano (called the plate or harp) is actually made of cast iron.
- Why it matters: Cast iron is incredibly strong and durable, designed to withstand the immense tension exerted by the piano strings. This tension can be upwards of 20 tons in a grand piano! Brass, while a lovely metal for decorative elements or certain instrument parts, simply isn’t strong enough to bear that kind of sustained load without deforming. The gold color is typically a special metallic paint applied to the cast iron.
Myth #2: “Putting a jar or bowl of water inside my piano will help control the humidity.”
Fact: While the intention is good (pianos do need stable humidity!), placing a small open container of water inside your piano is largely ineffective for humidity control and can even be detrimental.
- Why it matters: A small amount of water won’t significantly impact the humidity level of the large volume of air surrounding the piano, let alone the wood itself. More importantly, introducing standing water can lead to localized humidity spikes, potential spills, and in the worst case, promote mold growth inside your instrument, which can be very damaging and costly to remediate. For proper humidity control, especially in fluctuating environments, you need a dedicated climate control system designed specifically for pianos, which typically involves a humidifier/dehumidifier unit installed discreetly within the piano itself.
Myth #3: “My piano only needs tuning if it sounds really bad.”
Fact: This is one of the most common and damaging myths I encounter! Pianos are dynamic instruments made primarily of wood, felt, and metal, all of which react to changes in temperature and humidity. Even if your ear can’t detect it, a piano is constantly going slightly out of tune.
- Why it matters: Regular tuning (typically every 6-12 months, or more if the piano is played heavily or in fluctuating environments) isn’t just about making it sound good now. It’s crucial for the long-term health of the instrument. When a piano is left to drift too far out of tune, the strings can experience extreme tension changes, making it harder for them to hold a tune in the future. It can also lead to pitch instability and, in extreme cases, even string breakage during the tuning process. Think of it like regular oil changes for your car – preventative maintenance is key!
Myth #4: “If I don’t play my piano much, it doesn’t need any service.”
Fact: While playing a piano does contribute to it going out of tune (the vibrations and hammer strikes subtly shift things), the primary culprits for pitch drift are environmental changes. Humidity and temperature fluctuations cause the soundboard and pinblock (the parts that hold the tuning pins) to expand and contract, directly affecting string tension and pitch.
- Why it matters: Whether it’s a concert grand in a bustling studio or a cherished family heirloom sitting quietly in the living room, every piano is susceptible to its environment. Even an untouched piano can drift significantly out of tune over time, especially if it’s located near a window, vent, or exterior wall. Beyond tuning, mechanisms like the keys, hammers, and pedals can stiffen or become misaligned over time, requiring periodic regulation and maintenance, regardless of how often it’s played.
Myth #5: “Moving a piano causes it to go out of tune.”
Fact: This is a common belief, and it seems logical because pianos often are out of tune after a move. However, the actual physical act of carefully moving a piano doesn’t directly cause it to go out of tune. The true culprit is the change in its environment, specifically fluctuations in humidity and temperature.
- Why it matters: Pianos are incredibly sensitive to their surroundings. When a piano moves from one location to another (e.g., from a dry house to a humid one, or from a cool storage unit to a warm room), the wood components like the soundboard and pinblock will expand or contract to adjust to the new humidity and temperature levels. This expansion or contraction changes the tension on the strings, thereby altering the piano’s pitch. The jostling during the move itself rarely has a significant impact unless the move was truly negligent or damaging. We typically recommend allowing a piano to acclimate to its new home for 2-4 weeks before scheduling a tuning. This gives the instrument time to stabilize in its new climate, ensuring the tuning will hold better and last longer.
Hopefully, this clears up some common misunderstandings and gives you a better appreciation for the intricate world of piano care! Your piano is a magnificent instrument that deserves proper attention. If you have any doubts or questions, always consult with a qualified professional.
Is your piano due for a check-up, or do you have more questions about its care? Don’t hesitate to reach out!