Bill Scharbrough R.P.T.
317-432-4056
Stephen Scharbrough
317-439-7083
Marlene Scharbrough
317-431-0595

Home How to care for your piano...
How To Care For Your Piano

The Finish:
In almost every case, lightly dusting the piano will be all that is needed. A soft cloth such as cotton is best.  For more stubborn smears, light rubbing will usually remove the spot. For sticky things like chocolate from little fingers, try a light bit of non-ammoniated glass cleaner sprayed on the cotton rag. (Please do NOT spray the piano!)  Please contact us if you require more help.  We do not suggest more aggressive cleaning methods.

Inside Your Piano:
Lightly dusting can be accomplished easiest with a soft bristled paintbrush. Two to three inch length bristles work nicely. Brush while using a vacuum for best results.  Consult your piano technician for more specifics.


The Location of Your Piano:
Direct sunlight on your piano or direct airflow from a heating or cooling vent is not an ideal location for your piano.  We suggest selecting a place that minimizes strong sunlight or air currents.
Pianos are happiest when the relative humidity remains constantly in a range from about 45% to 55%.  Manufacturers cure the wood used in pianos and build pianos to function best in that range. Our expert preparation process for new and refurbished pianos is based on maintaining that humidity standard for your piano. It is very important to maintain a benign environment for your piano.  When the piano is not kept within the suggested ranges, problems will arise.  Due to the hygroscopic (the taking on and giving off of moisture) nature of wood humidity most affects tuning stability. Buzzes, rattles, sticking keys, and case parts rubbing are also very common.  45% humidity and 70 degrees is ideal.

Humidity under 30% can cause actual damage to your piano. Since humidity fluctuations are outside the manufacturer’s control, your warranty cannot cover such issues.  If you have concerns about your ability to control your humidity, a discussion about piano humidity systems is suggested in order for you to protect your investment.

Tuning and Maintenance:
A new piano will be inspected, prepared and tuned before it comes to you.  After acclimating to the new surroundings a technician will come out to tune and inspect the piano to make sure it is in perfect playing condition, adjusting for any changes that may have taken place because of moving or humidity. It has been my experience that regular tuning and service when the piano is new will greatly increase the tuning stability and long term performance you will receive from the instrument.  I suggest having your piano next tuned three to four months after your initial service call, then again four to six months later.  After that, almost all manufacturers suggest a minimum two times a year to keep your piano in good shape. Following these simple instructions will bring you years of happiness and good service with your piano.