HOW TO PRESERVE A PIANOFORTE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 9137, 7 November 1890, Page 4

HOW TO PRESERVE A PIANOFORTE.

There being many erroneous notions in circulation as lo how a pianoforte should be beat retained in order, and as a great number of instruments aro spoilt every year through misuse, consequent upon want of information, some hints relating to the subject may be found of use in many households. It is necessary, on account of the sensibility of wood to atmospheric changes, that a pianoforte should be kept as nearly as possible at the same degree of temperature as that to which it has boau exposed during its manufacture : about sixty degrees Fahrenheit is a customary heat, and will be found comfortable and satisfactory. To submit a stringed instrument to frequent and rapid changes of temperature is very injurious to its tone, and the pianoforte especially sutlers when so abused; therefore, the keeping of a pianoforte in a room which is not in general use, and where tires during the cold winter months aro only occasionally lighted, cannot be too urgently Condemned. Pianofortes must be kept dry and free from the least particle of damp, aa dampness rusts the strings and pins, inflates the felt and leather, utterly ruining the action-work. For this reason, on wet and foggy days the window of the room in which the piano stands mvist not bo left open without the instrument being covered up.

It is not wise to place a ‘ cottage ’ pianoforte with its back against a wall, that is, exposed to the influences of the woathorf'or one having a chimney flue running through it ; neither should it be placed too near the fireside, where it would bo liable to encounter direct and undue heat. To prevent the keys of the instrument from becoming yellow it is requisite to wipe them with a soft washleather each time after use, and to keep them covered with a piece of white flannel, reaching from one end of the keyboard to the other. Extreme degrees of heat and cold are fatal to the cabinetwork and polish of a pianoforte; When not in service, it is prudent to keep the piano closed; especially during the summer months, as the moths having once found access to the inner parts of the instrument, do vast damage ; besides, ordinary dust clogs, and is destructive to the mechanism. In cases where cloth lining is tacked at the back of “cottage” pianofortes, it is advisable to replace it by wire gauze; and any opening at the bottom of the instrument must likewise be covered up, in order to prevent mice from finding a comfortable retreat in one of the secluded corners—under the keyboard is their favourite spot in the piano. In country and farm houses—mice being more frequently found in such resorts — this is particularly requisite, as these pernicious little creatures build their nests with the felt and cloth torn from the action. It is of the greatest importance for the pianoforte to be kept well in tune, therefore needful for it to bo tuned at least three months when in daily practice, otherwise every four months. A tuning fork ought to be provided and the tuner instructed to keep the instrument to its authoritative pitch. To employ the services of a second-rate tuner, and to leave the piano for long periods without the attention of a skilful person, is false economy, because an instrument whether in use or not, if it is to retain its ever gradually diminishing but proper value, and not too rapidly deteriorate in worth, must be looked after regularly by a pianoforte tuner of experience. It may be remarked that the pianoforte does not resemble the violin, which, if well manufactured, improves with age and good service. While the pianoforte is being tuned it is expedient for the room to bo kept quiet ; babies crying, children playing at ‘ horse,’ birds singing, putting coal on the fire, and cleaning up the hearth, are not likely to assist the tuner in his at the best of times not too easy task, or conduce to tho perfect tuning of the pianoforte. The sticking down ot the keys, the squeaking of the action and pedals, ate mostly caused from damp, and a sure sign that harm is being . done to the mechanism, but. on no account must either of the parts bo oiled. Until tho action-work has been set in order by a qualified workman, it is better not to employ tho pianoforte, as more damage is done to an instrument in such a state by a week’s practice than by six months’ hard wear and tear whan in working condition. The noise is generally occasioned through the burnished portions of the action having lost their gloss and smoothness, producing great friction. Tho placing of ornaments on the top ot the pianoforte is a practice, and to be discouraged, as such articles are very often the cause of jarring sounds ; and in addition they scratch the polish.