Patty Stevenson 

Tuning 

Pianos need regular tuning… at least once a year.  More than 220 strings in the piano exert 18- 20 tons of pressure in a properly tuned piano.  This pressure relaxes over time causing the piano to go flat, sometimes as much as a whole note lower if it has been a long time since the piano was last tuned. 

We can talk about options if this is the case.

 

Some customers tune their pianos twice a year because pianos change with seasonal changes. The strings are attached to the wooden soundboard which swells and contracts with changes in humidity.  

 

Clients with performance spaces, pianos with heavy use, or with discriminating ears prefer more frequent tuning. 

 

Together we can find the best tuning schedule for your situation.  

 

General Care 

Keep live plants, drinks, food, candles, & markers away from the piano.  These can all cause very expensive damage to the instrument.  Placing the piano in direct sun or in front of a heat duct can also cause damage over time.  

 

Cleaning piano keys 

A slightly damp cloth will take care of most dirt or grime.  Use very little water. Take care not to lift up on the front of the key or put a lot of pressure from side to side.

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For germs and heavier dirt, check with your piano manufacturer or contact me.  Some wipes are 

ok…no citrus or bleach.  I have used blue Dawn dish soap (again tiny amount of water) &/or 

hydrogen peroxide.  Steinway recommended hydrogen peroxide during Covid.   As with any 

product, try it first on a small inconspicuous area.  

 

Special note: Ivory keys are put on with water soluble glue and will come off if they get very wet.  If they do come off, save the ivory piece.  it is impossible to replace ivory at this time due to international laws.  

 

Cleaning the inside of the piano requires special care….I am happy to provide this service as needed. 

 

Contact me with questions.