Buying a piano is a long-term investment. Quality maintenance is crucial to preserve the value and extend the life of the instrument. The three basic factors that influence the acoustic and functional quality of the piano are tuning, voicing, and action.
This article focuses on the difference between those operations and advises how often to tune, voice, or adjust the action.
TUNING
Tuning means to adjust the pitch of each tone by tightening the strings. There are many factors that influence the tuning. Therefore, we recommend having the instrument tuned two or three times during the first year. Every following year depends on the usage time and intensity. However, it is necessary to tune the instrument at least once a year. Pianos, used for regular performance, should be tuned before every concert.
VOICING
Voicing adjusts the hammer felt flexibility in order to achieve identical intensity and tone strength throughout the instrument range. After some time, every instrument has the hammer felt densified, which makes the tone clearer but uneven, given by the intensity of playing each key, climate change, etc. We recommend having the instrument checked by a qualified technician at least once during the warranty period (5 years). Further voicing is up to you and the time of use of the instrument.
ACTION REGULATION
The adjustment means to evenly regulate the piano action. There are minor changes in the response in the action caused by the unequal usage of individual keys. Keeping the action in great shape is the basis for the functionality of the whole instrument and a good feeling from the performance. Every instrument should undergo regulation by a highly qualified technician at least once during the warranty period. In the case of regular use, please have the action regulated at least once a year.
Comments