Piano Care FAQ

1. How often should I have my piano tuned?

Answer: To keep your piano on pitch and well maintained, you should have a technician service your piano about every 6 months. Some people can stretch out the visits to once a year, but piano servicing is much like getting your teeth cleaned. If you do not go to the dentist every six months, you will pay for it in the long run. A piano is about the same.

2. I have an electronic piano/keyboard. Is that alright to practice on, if I take lessons?

Answer: Yes, you can learn on a keyboard or electronic piano. However, the touch and sound of an electronic keyboard is not the same as an acoustical piano. One must remember that a keyboard is just like anything else that is electronic, it has a lifespan. Once a keyboard starts to have problems, it is hard to get them worked on. In the long run, it is cheaper to maintain an acoustical piano. On the other hand, electronic keyboards do have their place. They often will produce different instrument sounds that can be used to accompany you while you play. Sometimes you might need a keyboard for a performance in a temporary location or the location is not accessible to get a piano into the space.

3. What do I use to clean my piano?

Answer: The keytops can be cleaned with a dish cloth dampened with any nonabrasive dish detergent. Dust on the piano cabinet can be removed with a damp cloth. It is best not to use anything that has silicon like Pledge as if a repair needs to be made at a later date due to some damage, paint will not stick to the surface that has silicon on it.

4. How do I clean under the strings of my grand piano?

Answer: There are special tools for that. However, you can try a clean paint brush, a small air compressor, and a vacuum to remove the dust from under the strings. Your technician should also be able to provide a cleaning service.

5. How do I move a piano?

Answer: For a grand piano, you need a professional to move it. It takes special equipment to move a grand piano safely. For a vertical/upright piano, do not use the piano's casters to roll the piano. They were only designed to push the piano against the wall (short distances). It is best to use a furniture dolly under them. If there are stairs in the path of the piano, use a ramp. A professional piano mover can get a vertical piano that is on the ground floor out of the house in about 5 to 10 minutes. If there is a stair case that is in the path of the piano, that increases the time considerably. If you have a stair case in the path of the piano, it is best to have a professional mover handle the piano.

6. I have an older piano. Several keys are sticking. Is it worth to have the piano fixed?

Answer: Have a technician evaluate the problem. Most sticking keys are easily corrected in a tuning session. Blewett Music Studio will provide a free evaluation if the piano is located in McCracken County. If the piano is outside McCracken County, there will be a $50 evaluation fee. This fee is applied to any fee charged for work that is completed by our technician.

7. I have an older piano that has not been played in years. I would like to sell it/get rid of it. Does Blewett Music Studio buy pianos?

Answer: Blewett Music Studio does not purchase used pianos at this time. However, we can provide an evaluation (see #6) and provide you a statement of health of the piano. You may reference this statement in any classified ad you place. Feel free to contact Blewett Music Studio of the availability of your piano as we may be able to get a buyer in contact with you. If you want Blewett Music Studio to discard the piano, there is a significant fee for this service as the discard fee that the landfill charges is added to the moving fee.