STAYING IN TUNE

The first step to maintaining your piano's condition and sound, is to keep it in tune. Tuning is the most basic service that will preserve the pitch of your piano and enhance the sound quality of your instrument. Have your piano tuned at least twice a year for stability and general upkeep. There are many factors that cause your piano to slip out of tune. The main reason being humidity changes in your home, church or school. Pianos are constructed mostly from wood, an iron pla

In a recent post we discussed the effects humidity has on your piano. If you have not read this post, you can revisit it here. Today we will touch on piano placement, hygrometers, room humidification, and Piano Life Saver systems. When choosing your pianos placement, keep in mind where humidity might fluctuate in your space. Windows, exterior doors, and outside walls can be drafty. Kitchens areas can have large swings in humidity. While fireplaces, air intakes, vents, and hea

If you are looking for a good read, the book Grand Obsession by Perri Knize details out a pianist's search for the perfect tone. This book can be enjoyed by all! Below is an excerpt from the book. If you find yourself wanting more from your instrument, we can help your piano find its voice. "In the autumn of my forty-third year, I remembered, quite unexpectedly, that I was meant to be a pianist. I was alone in my car, on my way to spend a weekend with friends. I fumbled throu

by Ashley and Justin Ducharme The journey of finding an acoustic piano for your home can be an exciting and overwhelming process. While choosing the right instrument that fits your specific needs can bring years of joy, having an understanding of quality and maintenance can help you avoid pitfalls during your search. When considering your budget, keep in mind that price is often reflective of quality and condition. Playing multiple pianos before making a decision is the best

Here in North Carolina, we see drastic humidity swings during the changes of the seasons throughout the year. These changes greatly affect the structure of your instrument. Your piano is made of mostly wooden components. The case, soundboard, bridges, keys, and action are all made primarily of wood and therefore susceptible to humidity fluctuations. Here we will focus on the soundboard in relation to tuning stability. The strings on a piano are stretched over a bridge that re

by Ashley and Justin Ducharme 1 min read One of the common questions we encounter is: What are the greatest techniques in learning piano and improving one's skills? In our professional opinion this question is best answered by covering the basics. As with many things we pursue, having the correct tools and proper instruction provides the foundation for the shortest path with the best results. 1) First, one must acquire an acoustic piano made with quality craftsmanship 2) Fi

by Justin Ducharme Shinichi Suzuki mirrors my thoughts in a book that "found me" in an old piano bench. If find myself returning to this passage, time after time. It reminds me of the true essence of music and value of its expression. Suzuki explains his realization about the essence of music after living with Albert Einstein and socializing with great musicians during his youth: "Love can be had only by loving. Our life is worth living only if we love one another and c

Written by Ashley and Justin Ducharme Deconstructed Piano Definition: pi·an·o pēˈanō noun A piano is a keyboard instrument that produces sound when its keys are depressed, activating an action mechanism where hammers strike strings. Cast Iron Plate with Strings What makes a piano a PIANO? All real pianos have a cast iron plate that looks similar to a harp. This plate makes up a good portion of the pianos weight. Running across the plate are more than 220 heavy gauge string

For centuries, since the invention of the piano forte, countless people have enjoyed exploring the intricate and fascinating world of sound this instrument presents. The infinite possibilities of endless harmonic voicings have captivated pianists and audiences around the world since its inception.