About Piano Repair
When you think about your piano, the closest comparison that comes to mind probably isn’t a luxury car or a slick motorcycle. But believe it or not, your piano has far more in common with a top-of-the-line vehicle than you could ever imagine.
A piano is much like a car or any other valuable piece of machinery that you use regularly. They can range in price and the quality of the thousands of internal components vary significantly. Perhaps the biggest similarity between your vehicle and piano is the need to maintain them regularly.
Your piano needs careful inspections and routine maintenance in order to ensure it sounds its best and remains in good stead for years to come. Like a car needs oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections; a piano requires regulation in order for it to play its best. While you might not think of regular maintenance as being just as crucial to the health of your piano as it is to your vehicle, the truth is that your piano needs just as much care and attention. Furthermore, like a luxury vehicle, your piano can bring you years of enjoyment and pride, even becoming a family heirloom throughout generations of pianists and musicians. From top of the line manufacturers like Steinway & Sons, Bösendorfer to Yamaha pianos of varying price points, much like luxury vehicles, they all have their own unique manufacturing processes. Here at The Urban Piano Company we have the skills, knowledge and tools to professionally repair them all.
Regular tuning, humidity control, action adjustments, new felts and reshaped hammers are just a few of the repairs that your piano may be in need of. Depending on your expectations for your pianos performance, how old it is, how often it’s played, where you keep it and how well it’s been maintained so far, The Urban Piano Company will discuss all of the options of what we can do for your piano. The drastic changes of our Canadian weather (especially fluctuating humidity levels) can drastically affect the sound and performance of your instrument. Having one of our experienced professionals check out your instrument on a regular basis will help to dramatically improve and maintain the quality of your piano, and ensure that it will continue to be a valuable asset to you for years to come.
While you might think of piano maintenance as being just about tuning, the fact is that there are over 10,000 parts in every working piano – and all of them need to be regularly checked! If your piano is having problems, the solution could be anything from a simple tuning to a more complex repair. That’s not to say that you should wait to hear a problem before you contact us here at The Urban Piano Company. Regular tunings and checkups can help ensure that these problems are caught well before they actually start affecting the sound and overall health of your piano. You can also check out our Blog for great tips and information on maintaining your piano for years to come.
In the end, whether your piano seems perfectly fine or it’s sounding a little out of sorts, it’s still important to call a professional for regular maintenance. The quicker you call us, the faster we’ll be able to identify and solve the problem, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry when thinking about piano repairs. The Urban Piano Company will work together with you to determine exactly what your piano needs and help to get it sounding its best.
All prices and labour will be discussed with you before we begin doing any work on your instrument. We look forward to keeping your piano in perfect pitch for years to come!
Keep Your Most Important Possession In Tune With Professional Piano Repair
When people think of piano repair they typically think of somebody coming out to fix a broken instrument. That is not the only thing that a professional piano company can do. In fact, a good professional repair company can come out and fix any problems that you are having with your instrument as well as do routine maintenance that will keep the instrument in tune and allow it to sound its best at all times. This routine maintenance can also help to stop other problems from arising in the future. Many times when people think there is a problem with the instrument it really comes down to the fact that it just has not been properly tuned in years and needs some routine maintenance.
The right piano repair company will also move the instrument for you, and you can click here for more information on our piano repair services.
If you have ever tried to move a piano, you know how heavy and awkward it can be. If you are moving somewhere with stairs involved, the difficulty increases heavily. The Urban Piano Company can do all of this with ease because we have the special equipment needed to carry out the move. It is also extremely important to have experienced professionals do this for you as they can take much better care of the instrument because they know all of the intricacies that come with a moving such an instrument and they know how to handle it without causing any damage. This can also avoid injury to yourself as moving a piano improperly almost always results in something going wrong. Once the piano is safely in place, we will tune the piano and it is ready for you to enjoy. You want to choose a company that has experience working on several different types of pianos as there are several specific things to look for in each one. Your particular instrument may by your prized possession or a family heirloom and you want to keep it tuned and keep it in excellent shape. Choosing The Urban Piano Company will ensure that your piano is healthy and in working order.
From piano moving services to your tuning and repair needs, we always stand behind our work and we’ll do what it takes to surpass your expectations. The Urban Piano Company is here for you days, evenings and weekends, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on any of our services.
Where did the Piano Come From?
One of the most iconic instruments in the world, the piano has a rich history that dates back hundreds of years to the pianoforte. While the pianoforte is what many consider to be true starting point of the instrument we know today, to truly understand where the piano came from, its history goes back much further.
Early History
The piano is a collection of vibrating strings inside a frame that are struck by hammers. The use of vibrating strings to create music dates back to prehistoric times. For thousands of years, strings were stretched over simple items such as gourds and wooden boxes.
By the 14th century, a shallow wooden box had strings stretched over it that could produce notes by using keys and hammers. The instrument, known as a dulcimer, inspired a wide range of precursors to the piano such as the clavichord. The clavichord, in turn, was followed by the creation of the harpsichord.
From Harpsichord To Pianoforte
While the harpsichord may look similar to the piano at first glance, the major difference between the harpsichord and the piano is that the harpsichord was only capable of producing notes at a consistent volume. That and the fact that the strings are plucked instead of struck by a hammer.
When the harpsichord was invented, it attracted many musicians to use and compose based on the keyed instrument. However, with musicians wanting to express a wider range of emotions through volume and tone, the early 1700s was filled with inventors trying to create an instrument that not only could be played with keys but have volume control as well.
During the early 1700s in Florence, Italy, Bartolomeo di Francesco Cristofori was credited with creating what many consider the first piano. Cristofori was a haprischord maker but he eventually created a way that would allow the volume to differ based on how the player struck a key. The instrument was simply described as gravicembalo col piano e forte meaning an instrument that plays loudly and softly. Eventually the name was shortened to piano e forte and finally became known as a pianoforte.
Modern Piano
Over the next few years, Cristofori also developed a hand stop that was the basis for modern foot pedals. While the dynamics in tone and volume were present in the pianoforte, a few significant changes were made over the following centuries that created the modern piano as it is known today.
Many composers such as Mozart wanted a stronger sound with more sustainability. With experiments in wire and frame constructions this was achieved during the industrial revolution. By the 1820s the range of the piano was increased from 5 octaves to 7 octaves and the modern piano was created.
Where Did The Piano Come From?
One of the most iconic instruments in the world, the piano has a rich history that dates back hundreds of years to the pianoforte. While the pianoforte is what many consider to be true starting point of the instrument we know today, to truly understand where the piano came from, its history goes back much further.
Early History
The piano is a collection of vibrating strings inside a frame that are struck by hammers. The use of vibrating strings to create music dates back to prehistoric times. For thousands of years, strings were stretched over simple items such as gourds and wooden boxes.
By the 14th century, a shallow wooden box had strings stretched over it that could produce notes by using keys and hammers. The instrument, known as a dulcimer, inspired a wide range of precursors to the piano such as the clavichord. The clavichord, in turn, was followed by the creation of the harpsichord.
From Harpsichord To Pianoforte
While the harpsichord may look similar to the piano at first glance, the major difference between the harpsichord and the piano is that the harpsichord was only capable of producing notes at a consistent volume.
When the harpsichord was invented, it attracted many musicians to use and compose based on the keyed instrument. However, with musicians wanting to express a wider range of emotions through volume and tone, the early 1700s was filled with inventors trying to create an instrument that not only could be played with keys but have volume control as well.
During the early 1700s in Florence, Italy, Bartolomeo di Francesco Cristofori is credited with creating what many consider the first piano. Cristofori was a haprischord maker but he eventually created a way that would allow the volume to differ based on how the player struck a key. The instrument was simply described as gravicembalo col piano e forte meaning an instrument that plays loudly and softly. Eventually the name was shortened to piano e forte and finally became known as a pianoforte.
Modern Piano
Over the next few years, Cristofori also developed a hand stop that was the basis for modern foot pedals. While the dynamics in tone and volume were present in the pianoforte, a few significant changes were made over the following centuries that created the modern piano as it is known today.
Many composers such as Mozart wanted a stronger sound with more sustainability. With experiments in wire and frame constructions this was achieved during the industrial revolution. By the 1820s the range of the piano was increased from 5 octaves to 7 octaves and the modern piano was created.
Caring For Your Piano
There are eighty eight keys on a piano. Some of the most beautiful sounds on the planet can be made with those keys, but it is what is going on behind the scenes that are really important. Attached to those eighty eight keys are a set of strings that control the pitch and tone of every single note that is played.
It doesn’t take a lot to alter the way that a note sounds. Because of this, it is important that you actively protect your investment so that it will sound beautiful every time that it is played. To do this, it is important that you regularly maintain a tuning schedule for your piano.
When planning this schedule, it is best to consider the weather that is occurring throughout the year. For example, if you live in a place that has a variety of temperatures, you will need to have your piano tuned quarterly in order to maintain the proper sound that it was meant to have. For those who have steady temperatures throughout the year, this is still recommended, but changes may not be as drastic if the temperatures remain steady.
It is also crucial to have your piano tuned when it has been moved. Oftentimes, a piano mover that specializes in moving pianos will be able to move them and tune them for you as well. This is the best option to choose when planning to move your piano because it will help you to make sure that your piano is moved properly.
Another issue that is common with pianos is sticking keys. This can greatly hinder a musician and compromise the beauty of the music that they are playing. However, this can be avoided by choosing a Toronto piano tuner and by maintaining a regular and active tuning cycle.
If you play with others, it is crucial that you keep your piano in tune. Most often, it is the piano that is the center of the action when musicians gather together and every other instrument is typically tuned around the piano.
Because of this, the beauty of the music that is being produced can be compromised when the piano is not kept in tune. However, by selecting a professional Toronto piano tuner, you will be able to enjoy beautiful music regardless of the number of musicians who choose to join you in playing.
For students, having a properly tuned piano is extremely important when they are practicing. Not only does this allow them to hear the true beauty of the song, but it helps them to learn more about music as well. By actively keeping your piano in great repair, students will be able to learn the joy of music by fully understanding how beautiful that a piano really is.
When you are choosing your Toronto piano tuner or a piano mover to move your piano, make sure that you select The Urban Piano Company. Because pianos are very sensitive, it is important that the person working on your piano comes with a high level of expertise.
What Are The Top Pianos In The World And Why?
If you love pianos, then you know that there are many different brands to choose from. It is likely that every musician has their own favourite brand of piano and many concert pianists refuse to play on anything but their favourite. While each brand of piano is fantastic, there are a few that stand out among the crowd. Below, you will learn more about the top five piano brands and what makes them so special.
Bosendorfer
This brand has been around since 1828 and is handcrafted in Vienna Austria. Currently, this is the oldest existing company to specialize in making pianos. One added feature that pianists can enjoy when choosing this brand is an additional option for 97 keys rather than only the normal 88. This has made this brand become a favourite among concert grands for this reason.
Steinway and Sons
With many awards under its belt, Steinway and Sons pianos are arguably the most popular piano in existence today. They were originally designed in 1853 by a German immigrant in New York City. Boston and Essex, both popular pianos in their own right, are made to Steinway specifications, which underlines the quality and reputation of the Steinway company.
Yamaha
With the first Grand piano produced in the early 1900’s, the Yamaha brand has become one of the most popular and reputable brands. It was created with the hopes that pianos would become more affordable so that everyone with the desire would learn how to play. This brand offers a beautiful design as well as quality sound and long lasting beauty.
Bechstein
For pianists who are visiting a recording studio, this brand is often chosen over many of the others. The brand was developed in 1853 and after struggling through both World Wars, it made an amazing comeback. Many of the best musicians in the world, like The Beatles and Elton John, have been fans of this brand. These pianos can even be found in castles and mansions all around the world and are popular because of their hand painted and embellished designs that are available for an upper scale market. Some of the most beautiful designs are even found in museums.
Fazioli
Fazioli pianos were developed by Paolo Fazioli starting in 1978. Being a music lover, Fazioli worked closely with mathematicians, wood technologists, physicists and technicians to help create his piano. The company is still producing magnificent pianos to this day. They are very popular and are known for their ability to produce some of the largest pianos that are available in today’s piano market.
Conclusion
One of the best things about pianos is that there is a wide range of beautiful options to choose from. Musicians can easily choose their favourite and love it for a life time. There are also many affordable options to choose from as well, which allow even more people to fall in love with the beauty of pianos.
If you are considering purchasing a piano of your own, these five options are extremely popular and will help you make beautiful music throughout the rest of your life. Not only are they stunning to look at, but they also produce a beautiful sound that no digital machine can match.
Importance Of Humidity Control For Your Piano
The polar vortex is upon us. Time for complaining about the cold and calculating wind chill factors. I like to round up for dramatic effect. For piano owners, there is another number you should be concerned with at this time. Humidity percentage.
The weather in the winter wreaks havoc on pianos in homes that don’t control there humidity. I bring a digital thermometer/ hydrometer with me when I go to tune a piano. This time of year I consistently see ranges in the low 20’s-30’s when no humidity control devices are present. This is compared to the ideal, which is between 40-50%.
There are 3 main reasons why you want to keep the humidity within this range:
1. Tuning Stability One of the main reasons a piano goes out of tune is because the soundboard expands or swells when humid, and contracts or flattens out when dry. When it expands, it presses against the strings, which puts them under more tension causing the notes to become sharp, or higher in pitch. When the soundboard contracts, the tension on the strings loosen and the notes become flat, or lower in pitch. However, they don’t all become sharp or flat equally, so the piano goes out of tune.
2. Longevity The three major structural parts of the piano (the soundboard, the bridges and the pinblock), are made of wood and are susceptible to drying and cracking. This is likely to happen prematurely if the humidity is too low, but it is even more likely if the humidity swings from being very humid in the summer to very dry in the winter. In addition, if the piano is near direct heat, these cracks can develop even if the overall humidity is kept constant. Cracks in the soundboard and bridges can cause annoying rattles and buzzes that can be difficult and expensive to repair. If the pinblock becomes dried out, the tuning pins will slip and it will no longer hold a tune, even if the humidity is kept constant afterwards. Replacing the pinblock is a major rebuilding job, which requires restringing the piano and is fairly expensive.
3. Sticking and clicking notes The keys and the internal moving parts of the piano are called the action. These parts are made of wood and felt and are held in place with various screws and glue joints. If the action becomes too humid, the wood swells and notes can become sluggish, or stop working altogether. If the action becomes too dry, screws and glue joints can become loose, causing action noises and failing notes. In addition, the action parts’ relationship to one another, called regulation, is affected by changes in humidity and can change the touch or feel of the piano. These problems are kept to a minimum if the humidity inside the piano is kept constant and moderate.
What can you do to help keep the humidity levels under control?
1. Control room humidity The best way to keep a piano’s humidity stable is simply to keep the humidity of the room the piano is in stable. This can be done with a humidifier during the winter, and with a dehumidifier during the summer. Using a digital hygrometer will help to determine when either is needed. When the hygrometer shows that the humidity is below 40%, the humidifier should be turned on. If it shows above 50%, the dehumidifier should be turned on (newer models of both humidifiers and dehumidifier can often be set at a given humidity level making this much easier, but I recommend monitoring the humidity with a digital hygrometer to make sure).
2. Piano humidity control system This is a system that is installed inside a piano by a piano technician. These systems can be very effective and are easier to operate than room humidifiers/dehumidifiers, but they are a more expensive solution and they don’t humidify the rest of the room.
Ultimately, your piano is an investment that you want to protect. With proper humidity control, your piano will last longer, hold its tuning longer and play better. If you have questions on how to protect your piano, please contact us for more information.
Piano Tuning And Stability
I often come across pianos that have not been tuned in a while. When the owner has determined that the piano needs a tune, it is usually quite bad. I find myself using the piano/car comparison when talking about piano care. Just like you take your car in for an oil change, (even if nothing is wrong with the vehicle) your piano needs the same kind of forethought. Regular tune ups on both a car and a piano help prevent bigger problems from occurring as well as maintaining the overall health of your car or piano. Tuning your piano 2 to 4 times a year can also ensure that the tuning will last longer. Often when people don’t tune the piano for years, then decide to do so, it can sometimes take 3-5 tunings for the piano to hold the tuning.
It is especially important to tune regularly because of our weather patterns in Canada. Changes in humidity affect the wood and cause it to expand and contract. As humidity goes up, a soundboard swells, increasing its crowned shape and stretching the piano’s strings to a higher pitch. During dry times, the soundboard flattens out, lowering tension on the strings and causing the pitch to drop. Because the expanding and contracting doesn’t happen equally across the strings, your piano is constantly going out of tune.
Fortunately there are things you can do to help minimize this:
Keep the piano away from direct sunlight and air vents in your home. You want to have the piano in a location that is also away from an exterior wall. Use a portable humidifier/dehumidifier near the piano. You can even get your piano technician to install a special humidity control device for your piano.
Tune your piano regularly. Have your technician come every 3 months or at the very least, about 2 weeks after you turn on your heat in the fall/winter and about 2 weeks after you turn on your air conditioner in the spring/summer.
Another important time to tune a piano is after you move it. A piano is a very tough instrument, able to withstand 20 tons of string tension for years. Because of this, it is often that the move is not what makes the piano out of tune, more the environment. This is why it is recommended that you have your piano tuner tune after it has been in its new place for about 2 weeks. This allows the piano to settle and adjust to the new environment.
