As casual connoisseurs of the piano playing world, most of us sit down to our home pianos regardless of day, time, temperature, weather, or season, and expect our instruments to provide us with the same sound day in and day out. Reality is, however, that all of the variations of temperature, weather, humidity and season can affect how our pianos play. Humidity, in particular, can affect pitch and timbre of sound!
For example – one thing that heat and humidity may cause is for bushings in hinges and mechanical assembly of your piano to swell. This in turn could increase the amount of time and effort pressing the key and then the hammer hitting the string to play a tone. We often notice this as what seems like “sluggishness” in key performance.
According to the Piano Technician’s Guild, “….swelling and shrinking of the piano’s soundboard is the most immediate and noticeable effect of humidity change…”. Warm weather can cause swelling of woodwork, which, in turn, causes changes in tension. Changes in tension on wood and strings can cause pitch to go up or down. When this happens, pins holding the strings can shift and move, or even slip out completely!
Hot dry air is no better for your piano! Placing your piano over an air duct may actually cut the life of your piano in half!
Amazing! Our pianos are affected by weather?!?
So – What Can we Do to Prevent Temperature or Humidity Damage to our Pianos?
1. Play your piano regularly! Playing a piano actually affects its ability to STAY in tune! Firm and frequent playing helps settle and stretch the strings.
2. Tune your piano regularly! Having a piano tuned can help reduce the effects of temp and humidity changes.
3. Avoid placing your piano near direct sources of heat or sunlight. – for example, fireplaces, windows, doors or airducts.
4. Control the humidity close to your piano with a humidifier OR dehumidifier, depending on the needs of your region. Stabilizing the environment around your piano will prolong the life of your piano! Placing it in the right location, playing it often with keep strings more flexible, and regular tuning will allow you to love and enjoy your piano for a lifetime!