SECTION 1
The Do's & Don'ts of keeping your piano tuned
The Do's & Don'ts of keeping your piano tuned
Do - Control your room or piano's humidity.
Maintain the quality of life of your piano by controlling a stable humidity level around or inside it. Portable humidifiers & dehumidifiers work well for external use. Internal systems, called Piano Life Saver Systems, work VERY well by automatically controlling the relative humidity at 42%, day & night.
You can measure humidity levels in your room simply by leaving a digital hygrometer on or right next to your piano, like this one at Global Industrial (pictured left).
You can measure humidity levels in your room simply by leaving a digital hygrometer on or right next to your piano, like this one at Global Industrial (pictured left).
Do - Tune your piano every 3 to 6 months & keep it clean.
Having your piano tuned regularly helps keep the string tension more stable, pressure on the soundboard, & allows me to monitor your piano’s condition. This also helps sustain your resale value.
Keep it clean. Dust and air moisture turns into grime, causing action parts and keys to slow down and stick. I provide cleaning, deep cleaning, deep polishing, & finish repair for all kinds of exterior finishes and colors. Want to spruce up your keytops? Have them resurfaced or replaced by checking out the services here.
Keep it clean. Dust and air moisture turns into grime, causing action parts and keys to slow down and stick. I provide cleaning, deep cleaning, deep polishing, & finish repair for all kinds of exterior finishes and colors. Want to spruce up your keytops? Have them resurfaced or replaced by checking out the services here.
Do - Have your piano adjusted periodically.
Manufacturers use various species of wood, leather, felt, metals, & glues that will shift or wear over time, in order to create the beauty and nuances of each piano.
Don't get rid of your piano! Have it concert prepped or regulated, reconditioned, or restored. Most often, it's far less expensive than replacing it with a quality instrument and will return the performance and tone to the way you'd expect.
Don't get rid of your piano! Have it concert prepped or regulated, reconditioned, or restored. Most often, it's far less expensive than replacing it with a quality instrument and will return the performance and tone to the way you'd expect.
Don't - put your piano in the wrong place.
Do not place your piano near
If your piano is located in one of the above areas, have a Piano Life Saver System installed, and consider running a portable humidifier/dehumidifier in the same room. Monitor your piano's humidity level using a digital hygrometer.
- a window (sunlight is damaging in many ways)
- within a few feet (or on top of) a heating or cooling vent
- near a humidifier blowing moisture ON the piano
- in the same area as wood-burning fireplace or stove
If your piano is located in one of the above areas, have a Piano Life Saver System installed, and consider running a portable humidifier/dehumidifier in the same room. Monitor your piano's humidity level using a digital hygrometer.
SECTION 2
Cleaners, Floor Protection, & Covers
Cleaners, Floor Protection, & Covers
How you can keep it clean between my professional cleaning services.
Note: For professional cleaning services, you can add cleaning or polishing to your tuning. Without a doubt, I will be able to reach areas you cannot and provide you with a very deep cleaning for your instrument. For the do-it-yourselfer who can keep it clean between my professional cleaning or polishing, continue reading.
First, lightly remove surface dust on the piano with an air compressor or vacuum that blows air out, such as a shop vac. Using a soft clean t-shirt or microfiber cloth, dampen it with warm water. Go over the piano with the dampened cloth, removing any dirt or buildup, until the finish appears clean. On most finishes, you can tell when it's clean when it feels smooth to the touch but a little pressure with your finger produces a tiny "squeak". Do not use water on any metals (unless it's from the Cory brand below) and steer clear of the tuning pins and strings. NEVER use a cleaner on the strings.
You can add mild dish-soap to the cloth for more stubborn deposits. For true wood finishes, using Murphy's Oil Soap (following the directions for water to soap ratio) is recommended. A light coat of wax goes a long way. For gloss & satin finishes, I like the Cory Piano Cleaning Products below.
First, lightly remove surface dust on the piano with an air compressor or vacuum that blows air out, such as a shop vac. Using a soft clean t-shirt or microfiber cloth, dampen it with warm water. Go over the piano with the dampened cloth, removing any dirt or buildup, until the finish appears clean. On most finishes, you can tell when it's clean when it feels smooth to the touch but a little pressure with your finger produces a tiny "squeak". Do not use water on any metals (unless it's from the Cory brand below) and steer clear of the tuning pins and strings. NEVER use a cleaner on the strings.
You can add mild dish-soap to the cloth for more stubborn deposits. For true wood finishes, using Murphy's Oil Soap (following the directions for water to soap ratio) is recommended. A light coat of wax goes a long way. For gloss & satin finishes, I like the Cory Piano Cleaning Products below.
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Super High Gloss Polish
Specially formulated to clean and protect high-gloss polyester, polyurethane and lacquer finishes in one easy step. UV Shield protection helps prevent fading. 8oz bottle $19.45 |
Coconut Wood Cleaner
This all-natural cleaner deep cleans grime and wax build-up from wood surfaces. Use as pre-cleaner before initial application of Cory polishes. 4oz bottle $9.95 |
All-Brite Polish
A non-greasy, one step treatment designed to polish and preserve all fine lacquered instrument surfaces. All-Brite protects surfaces against drying and cracking. It's perfect for the lacquered wood finish. Use on pianos, organs, and benches. 4oz bottle $10.55 |
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Key-Brite Key Cleaner
Cleans, brightens and preserves all plastic, ivory and wood keyboards. Just spray directly onto keys and gently wipe them clean, bringing back their original luster and gleam. 4oz bottle $9.65 |
Satin Sheen Polish
Remarkable cleaning and conditioning properties make maintaining the satin ebony finish easy. Satin Sheen is anti-static making it a great dust repellent. 8oz bottle $19.70 |
Buff-Brite Brass Cleaner
A high-tech, water base buffing compound that gently removes fine scratches from all high polish finishes. Specially formulated to clean and buff brass nameplates, lock plates, nickel and silver, hardware. Ideal for removing oil build-up from fingerprints on polyurethane satin finishes. 4oz bottle $12.65 |
Protect your floor with caster cups.
Over a period of time, divots or indentations will develop in your floor or carpet from the piano's 400 lb. to 1,200 lb. weight, making caster cups a necessity for your instrument.
Over a period of time, divots or indentations will develop in your floor or carpet from the piano's 400 lb. to 1,200 lb. weight, making caster cups a necessity for your instrument.
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4.5" Lucite Cup
(for regular size casters) Made of rugged, plastic material. 4-1/2" outer diameter 2-3/4" inside diameter Sold individually $12.50 each |
3.5" Hardwood Cup
(for regular size casters) Made from select hardwood. 3-1/2" outer diameter 2-3/8" inner diameter Sold individually Ebony, Mahogany, Walnut, or Unfinished $10.50 each High Gloss Ebony $15.00 each |
5" Hardwood Cup
(for large caster wheels) Made from select hardwood. 5" outer diameter 2-1/2" inner diameter Felt pad glued to the bottom to protect floor finishes. Sold individually Ebony, Mahogany, Walnut, Oak, White, or Unfinished $21.50 each Ebony High Gloss $23.00 each |
5.5" Dual Hardwood Cup
(for wide or dual caster wheels) Made from selected hardwood. These wood caster cups are perfect for concert grand pianos such as Yamaha & Kawai which have oversized casters. 5-1/2" outer diameter 3-1/8" inner diameter Sold individually Ebony, Walnut, Mahogany, or Unfinished $26.00 each High Gloss Ebony $27.00 each |
Note: Approximate Shipping Charges from UPS Standard Ground Shipping
1lb $15.90 (estimated cost only)
2lb $16.97 (estimated cost only)
1lb $15.90 (estimated cost only)
2lb $16.97 (estimated cost only)
For high quality standard and artist benches, check out the external website at Jansen Piano Benches.
SECTION 3
Teacher Recommendations
Teacher Recommendations
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Mercedes Featherston
Home Studio Lessons in Avon "I graduated from the Hartt School of Music, in 1995 with a Master degree in Piano Pedagogy. I had been teaching for more than 30 years. I had taught all ages from 6 years old to 90 years old. I had taught piano at the Community Division of Hartt School of Music, Renbrook School and Ethel Walker.Currently teaching private piano lessons at Avon Old Farms School. I can teach piano in English or Spanish, since I am originally from Argentina." Levels: Beginner to Intermediate Styles: Classical Email: Featherm@avonoldfarms.com Phone: 860-836-3886 |
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Chip ReidIn-home Piano Teacher
Serving the Towns of: Farmington, Avon, West Hartford, Simsbury, Canton, New Hartford, Burlington, Harwinton, Litchfield, Torrington, Winsted, Riverton, Warren, Goshen, Morris, Barkhamsted, Norfolk, Colebrook, Bristol, Wolcott, Bloomfield, and several others. Levels: Beginners to Advanced Styles: Classical, Jazz, Popular, Blues, Improvisation, Theory, etc. Email: Chipreidmusic@yahoo.com Phone: 860-496-0874 |
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Trista Hummel
Studio Piano Teacher Location: Bloomfield. Levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Students range in age from four to adult. Styles: Traditional, Classical piano training. I also work with students on skills such as playing from lead sheets, accompanying, and improvising. Email: trista.hummel@gmail.com Phone: 860-707-6585 |
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Eric Miller - Owner of Miller Music LLC
In-home and Studio Lessons Our studio is located in Farmington just off Route 10. Serving the Towns of: Avon, Simsbury, Canton, Farmington, and Granby. Levels: Beginner to Advanced Styles: Pop, Jazz, & Classical, as well as songwriting, music production, and recording. Email: Eric@MillerMusicllc.com Phone: 860-561-1240 Website: www.MillerMusicLessons.comEric Miller - |
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Michael Casavant
In-home Piano Teacher Serving the Towns of: East Granby, Granby, Simsbury, Canton, Bloomfield, West Hartford, Avon, and Farmington. Exceptions may be made if a student lives reasonably close in a border town. Levels: All levels and ages starting at six years old. Styles: All musical styles from fully notated Baroque era music to the present day. I also teach blues and jazz and how to read and interpret lead sheets, improvisation, and developing one's own creations. Theory, improvisation, ear training and composition are also available for non piano/organ instrumentalists. Phone: 860-970-5673 |
SECTION 4
Piano Moving Pricing
Piano Moving Pricing
