Frequently Asked Questions
Should I have my piano cleaned or restored?
It is almost always less expensive to restore a piano than to purchase new, especially if your piano is one of the better made pianos from the earlier part of the last century.
There are very few new pianos currently being built with the integrity of the older instruments. The cost of a new quality grand piano, for example, will be 3 to 5 times the cost of a quality restoration, with no better sound or playability than a well restored instrument.
To restore or not to restore is something that can only be determined by you, the customer, with help from a skilled piano restorer. The Piano Works is that skilled restored and we are able can help you determine the value of the instrument in its current state and what it could be in its restored state. Give us call before decisions are made that you may regret later.
Many pianos are worthy of the time and investment of a rebuild, but many are not. The trick here is the ability to tell which yours is. Sometimes the name of the manufacturer is enough to warrant such an expense. Many times though, it is sentimental value and family memories that make us desire to put such love and effort into our pianos.
The Piano Works can tell you whether or not the piano itself is worthy of the amount of money that it would require to restore it. You must make the sentimental call.
How often should I have my piano tuned?
Most pianos need tuning at least once per year, more if you are playing it several hours per week or if your home is atmospherically unstable. As a rule pianos go flat in the winter when everything dries out and sharp in the summer when the humidity takes control. Pianos need to be placed away from heat or air conditioning ducts and wood burning fireplaces. Remember this one thing. Excessive heat kills pianos. A lot of people call and ask about “outside” walls. While this may have been a problem when homes weren’t insulated, it isn’t a problem today. Most homes today are so well insulated that drafts are a thing of the past.
New or Used?
We are now able to bring you a wide variety of both new and used pianos. The focus of the Piano Works has and always will be the restoration and sale of vintage pianos such as Steinway, Mason Hamlin, Chickering and oh so many more. Many times an older properly restored instrument will have value that far exceeds a new piano, most times for less money. So if you’re in the market for a beautifully restored instrument please let us help you explore the possibilities.
Whether you are in the market for a new or used piano, we work to find the instrument that is right for you, one that fits your home, church or school. A piano that is suited to you and the needs that you have. Pianos vary greatly by size and playability. Sound and design play into how they respond to touch and surroundings. Maybe you play every day, or maybe just occasionally. Every location presents a new challenge when purchasing pianos. We have 30 years experience and understand just what makes a piano “fit”. Let us help you find the piano that fits YOU.
How do I maintain my piano?
Unfortunately, pianos are not easily cleaned and even the most cleanly of homes can have a very dirty piano! Open windows, animals, even furnaces can create a mess. Brass tarnishes and dust seems to creep into every nook and cranny on a piano. Where to start? Don't even try, just call The Piano Works and let John and Carol do the work. We can clean not only the inside, but clean, touch in and really spruce up the outside too polishing brass to new and covering those little nicks and scratches.
Is your home too dry or too damp? Pianos are completely natural instruments. Made entirely of wood, metal and wool felt, they respond to atmospheric conditions. Extremes of dry or damp can reek havoc and even ruin a piano. The installation of a Dampp Chaser system can save your piano's life. Call us today for more information.
