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Repair |
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General
Repairs
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A
piano requires not only regular tuning, but attention
to the proper operation of its mechanical parts. Just
because all the keys work doesn't mean that everything
is A-okay.
- Over
time, felts wear down or become compressed and need
replacement or "voicing"-that is, the felt
needs to be softened and made pliable again.
- The
action (the system of hammers and levers which cause
the notes to "sound" when the keys are pressed)
needs periodic adjustment, called "regulation."
- Felts
and parts wear out and need replacement.
Of course, if a key or pedal does not work properly,
a repair will be needed. Usually, a piano can go for
many years without major repairs or major regulation.
However, damage resulting from abuse, an unfriendly
environment (extremes of humidity/temperature), accident
(for example, liquid spilled on the keys) will mean
that repairs need to be made.
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| Range
of Repair |
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The
extent of repairs ranges from a small adjustment to
a major overhaul, which could include replacing all
the strings or repairing or replacing the entire soundboard.
One needs to consider the value of the instrument before
undertaking major repairs. Some pianos are simply not
worth repairing. There are still a great number of old
uprights, pianos built
prior to the 1930's, which have had to endure the ravages
of the environment long before central heat and air
conditioning and which may have also had to endure many
years of neglect. The cabinet may still be attractive,
but the "insides" may be in such a state of
disrepair that the instrument is not worth the cost
of repairs. Of course, if a piano has great sentimental
value, then the cost of repairs may not be a consideration.
A qualified technician is your best source to determine
whether or not the piano is worth repairing.
Like
most technicians, I can take care of repairs and regulation
and even major overhauls. While I could replace entire
sets of strings or make major soundboard repairs, these
kinds of repairs require moving the piano to the shop
and using large specialized equipment to perform the
task, so I leave this kind of work to others, who are
better equipped to handle such projects. I can, of course,
recommend piano shops to make such extensive repairs.
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| Refinishing |
| Repairing
the finish of a piano, especially the high-gloss kind
of finish, requires specialized skills and equipment and
years of experience. While I do make minor repairs to
a piano cabinet, I leave the major repairs and finish
work to the experts, and I can recommend someone to do
the job properly. |
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