Category Archives: Interesting Piano Points

Major Parts of the Piano

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As the illustration shows, the pianos is a composite, intricate, piece of machinery that combines ingenuity with graciousness.  Here are some of the major components of the piano: A: Soundboard  B:  Front Stretcher  C:  Action Stack  D:  Pedal Lyre  E:  Cast … Continue reading

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Step 6: New Felting/Pedal Plating or Chroming/Final Coats of Piano Lacquer

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As the project nears completion, all the previous labor-intensive steps are producing fine results.  Lacquers come in a variety of sheens and in this project I used the highest sheen possible.  Piano lacquer has a rich amber tone to it … Continue reading

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What is involved in piano refinishing and why is it so expensive?

Piano refinishing is a very labour intensive project.  I will endeavor to demonstrate this through the following pages to show the various steps that are involved in doing a proper job.  Please go to the category called “The Piano Shop” … Continue reading

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My piano guy says it’s not worth it to fix my piano because its too old. Can this be true?

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Yes, this could very well be true.  In particular, we have some pianos that have come from England which were made as far back as the 1850’s.  It’s just not possible to find parts and the structure many times is … Continue reading

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How Long Will Hammers Last?

Will I have to replace the hammers? There are times when the hammers have to be replaced.  They may be damaged by water or heat conditions that have affected the piano.  They may just be worn by years of heavy … Continue reading

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Can Piano Keys Break?

Can keys break in the piano? Yes, they certainly can.  They break for a wide variety of reasons from manufacturing defects to just hitting them too hard.  This can be repaired-usually in conjunction with the piano tuning service.  Just ask … Continue reading

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What does “tapping the pins” do?

My technician said that he can ‘tap the pins’ to increase the holding capability of the tuning pins.  What does that mean? Your technician was probably referring to his driving the pins a little deeper into the pinblock (see earlier … Continue reading

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What is the Difference Between a Grand and Upright and can I have a hybrid and have both in one?

What is the difference between a grand and upright piano?  Can I have a hybrid and have both in one? The answer to the first question is that grand pianos and uprights obviously look quite different.  Grands are built on … Continue reading

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When Does My Piano Need New Strings?

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There are several factors that might require new strings.  Maybe the piano was subjected to extreme moisture or heat as in floods or fires. Perhaps the piano is just old and the bass strings have lost their tone.  In the … Continue reading

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My Grand Piano is hard to play. Can anything be done about it?

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All pianos need to have a complete regulation at least once every five years.  This sets the distances in the action back to factory spec.  Please go to the YouTube tab and watch the video for grand piano regulation.  There … Continue reading

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