Alex Fender © Fender Piano Services 2013 - 2019
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Some Frequently Asked Questions - with the answers!
I’m often asked these questions, but if yours is not there feel free to email and ask.
Q. How often should I have my piano tuned?
A. At least every 6 months. If you are playing a lot then best to have it tuned every 4 months.
Q. Should I put a jar of water in the bottom?
A. Most certainly not! This country is damp enough without adding to it!
Q. Where is the best place in the room to put my piano?
A. Ideally on an inside wall away from radiators, hot pipes and draughts
Q. I thought you had to be blind to be a piano tuner
A. Not a requirement! Blind people do not have better hearing either and sadly can’t carry out repairs very well.
Q. There is a funny buzzing noise coming from the piano when I play certain notes!
A. Most of the time it’s not the piano, but something close by vibrating in sympathy. First thing to do is clear everything off the piano and see if that helps. Check ornaments, light fittings, door handles, glass panels in doors etc - if it’s still there then it’s time to give me a call.
Q. Why do I keep playing wrong notes?
A. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for practice!
Q. What’s the ideal temperature for my piano to be in?
A. Really as long as you are comfortable in the room then your piano will be fine. Try and avoid extreme sudden changes though!
Q. I’m concerned about dust getting in - what can I do?
A. Dust isn’t really a huge problem, your piano will create it’s own dust from the felt hammers etc. but over a long time it will have a detrimental effect. Grands are more of a problem as they are quite open and I recommend that the tuner clean out the dust every few years. Specialist tools are required for grand pianos in addition to the vacuum cleaner.
Q. I’m thinking about a digital piano, aren't they better?
A. No they are not. Digital pianos are ok but they lack the richness and depth of a real piano. You need to pay as much too, if you want one that feels like a proper piano. If you want to be a good player, get a proper piano. A digital piano won’t last a lifetime either. I always say, “Real pianists play real pianos”
Q. Some of the keys are sticking, coming up slowly, can you fix it?
A. Yes I can! This is a common problem especially when the weather is bad, it’s normally a simple job to ease the keys using a special tool.
Q. Sometimes a few of the note plays twice, what’s happening there?
A. Your piano needs regulating, the hammer is bouncing back after being played. A few hours adjusting the action will sort that. Regulation should be done every few years.
Q. Where can I get piano lessons?
A. I recommend Music Teachers.co.uk for experienced teachers for all ages.
Q. How do I clean the keys on my piano?
A. Use a cloth that is slightly damp and rub the keys forward to back, don’t use any cleaners - just damp the cloth with plain water.
Q. What’s difference between a straight strung piano and an overstrung one?
A. Really old pianos were straight strung, where all the strings are vertical. In an overstrung piano the bass strings cross over the treble ones on an angle allowing the bass strings to be longer. The longer the string, the better the sound. Don’t buy a straight strung piano!
Q. I’ve noticed a crack in the soundboard - is that a total disaster?
A. No, not really! Many older pianos develop the odd crack in the board,
usually it’s one of the joins that has split. As long as it doesn’t buzz
it’s not too much of a problem