Tuning and servicing Dampness - dryness - drafts How do I secure the right level of humidity? Avoid...
Tune your instrument at least once a year.
Because of its high string tension, a piano deteriorates more quickly when it is not maintained at concert pitch. The tuner will also notice possible repairs or if attention is needed on your instrument
These are the biggest enemies of your instrument. About 80% of your piano - more than 90% for harpsichords - is made of living wood, which can expand or shrink under changing humidity levels. Therefore to guarantee health and stability for your instrument, you will need to secure the ideal level of humidity, which is between 40% and 60%.
Buying a hygrometer is strongly recommended. This will indicate the level of humidity in your piano room.
Too damp (65%-100%): install a dehumidifier, a heat pump or a piano damp-chaser system.
Too dry (40%-0%): set your heating system differently (DVS, heat pump, central heating, floor heating, etc).
Leaving your piano damp-chaser heating bar permanently plugged-in. Too much dryness will split the sound board, loosen action parts and cause irreversible damage to your instrument. Setting your instrument too close to a fireplace. This will dry out your piano. Setting your instrument against an outside wall. This will create humidity problems. Setting your instrument in a cellar or a garage. This will create humidity and mould problems.
"I have played concert instruments in venues in the city that Serge has tuned, as well as on pianos that he has rebuilt, and again I am happy to endorse the quality of his work."
- Richard Mapp, Senior Lecturer and Head of Piano Studies, NZ School of Music -
"We have been most impressed with your work on the Grotrian in Waikanae."
- Basil Pritchett -
"I'm very happy with how the piano is sounding."
- Emma Sayers, Classical performance, NZ School of Music -
"We welcome your comments"
- website -
"The quality of Serge's tunings and other work is very high, and he always executes the work very professionally, promptly and in a well organized way."
- Richard Mapp, Senior Lecturer and Head of Piano Studies, NZ School of Music -
"We have had some lovely sounds from this piano since Serge took over the tuning."
- Ralph Pyatt -
"Thanks Serge, I just tried the Steinway, and it is so much better!"
- Richard Mapp, Senior Lecturer and Head of Piano Studies, NZ School of Music -
"My students and I found your explanation and demonstration of how the piano works very enlightening."
- Rosemary Bromley, Piano teacher -
"Thanks for doing such a great job on the piano!"
- Richie Singleton -
"Just wanted to say the piano is SWEET! First time the piano has been tuned properly in NZ. Thank you so much!"
- Joan Whincup -