piano system fitting
A range of retrofit systems are manufactured to tackle some common problems that piano owners face. Whether damp is causing mildew and mould inside your instrument, or whether you are getting noise complaints from the neighbours, there are things that can help.
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starting from £100
In Wales, high humidity can often become a problem for our pianos, especially in locations nearer the coast. Excessive moisture causes wooden parts to swell, split or seize; metal parts may tarnish or corrode; and mildew or mould can even form on wood and felt surfaces. Less frequently, low humidity may cause wooden action parts to become brittle and break under use. Similarly, larger structural components such as the soundboard, bridges and pin block may crack as they contract in overly dry conditions. Log burners and central heating are the most common contributors to these latter problems.
The simplest systems for controlling humidity are relatively inexpensive and quick to install. However, they do require close monitoring, regular upkeep, and can only affect humidity levels in one direction. On the other hand, the most sophisticated modern systems now actively measure humidity at regular intervals, and will both raise and lower it as required.
starting from £150
Systems to allow quieter practice are now commonplace in most new upright pianos. Typically operated using the middle foot-pedal, they work by lowering a strip of felt in between the strings and the hammers to significantly reduce the volume of playing. However, it is still very common to come across instruments without one. If you own such a piano and would like the option of a more subdued sound, then an after-market practice system can be installed which is controlled by a discreet switch on the underside of the key-bed. Although plenty of pianists consider practice systems as a compromise and a hindrance, there are many who enjoy the soft and warm tone they provide as an effect in itself.
starting from £180
In order to maintain a stable tuning and to prevent wooden parts from drying out over time, pianos should be kept away from direct heat sources as much as possible. Clearly, underfloor heating presents a significant problem to this recommendation. Thankfully, heat-resistant carpets are available to protect both upright and grand pianos in this situation, and can be custom made to size in either black or beige.
starting from £100
Whether to protect little fingers from a piano, or to protect a piano from little fingers, it can sometimes be best to secure the moving fixture which covers the keys (known as the fallboard) in the closed position. To this end, an external lock similar in appearance to a G-clamp can be fitted to the underside of the key-bed. Importantly, the plastic polymer which these locks are made from is very tough while also being kind to piano finishes. I cannot say that they are visually appealing, but when it comes to looking after the precious things in life, these locks are an excellent solution.
