How often should I have my piano tuned in Chesterfield?

For example, if you play the piano in Chesterfield several hours a day, and work to a performance standard, it is quite likely, that for your own piece of mind, and that of your listeners, you may need to have your instrument tuned frequently. This could be as often as once a week. But, the experience can be a good guide. If you are a parent with a child in school who is learning to play the piano, routine maintenance becomes important. For, a student feels frustrated if clashing notes or poorly functioning and badly regulated action parts foils his or her attempts. We recommend for a family with a piano in general uses that the tuner visit no less than every 6 months. Often more frequent visits may be necessary this isn't out of the ordinary.

The piano is a highly developed, complicated piece of equipment. It contains approximately 240 different lengths of highly tensioned wire, with approximately 160 lbs. of pressure per string and a 15% increase in the bass. This produces an overall strain on the frame of about 21 tons. These lengths of wire make up 85 to 88 notes spread across the musical range. Each note has its own individual mechanism, the combined total of which in the case of an upright piano adds up to 14,000 moving parts. In the case of a grand, the total reaches as high as 22,000 parts. the piano must be maintained at a specific tension to achieve a good musical sound, the matter of maintenance becomes an on-going process. A piano consists mainly of wood and iron, and both materials are subject to movement. The movement of the wooden soundboard and the frame causes the wires to change tension without prompting by the user. Thus, it becomes necessary to set up a minimal schedule of tuning of the instrument to ensure reliable and pleasing results. This schedule isn't a hard and fast one, but we can make recommendations and set out guidelines. Once a year is a minimum for most pianos. Most piano makers recommend twice a year and some three times a year.

Humidity and Temperature in Chesterfield have a big effect on pianos staying in tune more so than playing. Quite a lot of homes in the months of November to April tend to have a humidity range from 38% 40% and from April to November 40% to 65% and some as low as 20%. This swing makes the soundboard swell and shrink this up and down movement pull and loosens the piano strings putting the piano out of tune. Pianos that are in rooms with the humidity below 38% for several months are causing the piano long-term damage.

Why maintain a piano in Chesterfield?

The piano is a highly developed, complicated piece of equipment. It contains about 240 different lengths of highly tensioned wire. (Approx. 160lbs per note and a 15% increase in the bass giving you an overall strain on the frame of 21 tons approx.) These lengths of wire make up 85 to 88 notes spread across the musical range. Plus, for each note, there exists a mechanism, which in the case of an upright piano contains up to 14 different moving parts. In the case of a grand up to 22 per note.

What is the first step towards purchasing a piano

Purchasing a new or second-hand piano for you and your family can create a lifetime of pleasure and intellectual stimulation for you and the family. Before you spend any money on either a new or secondhand piano, a little preparation goes a long way so that you buy a piano that is appropriate for your needs.

The first step in choosing a piano involves establishing your musical needs, decor and size of the room. Talk to your piano teacher and tuner. A piano will provide elegance, education and beauty to your home, You Need an instrument that will play properly and compliment your home's decor. Musically, you need to select a piano that has a touch plus a musical tone that you find pleasing.

The best way to accomplish this is to take your Tuner and visit a piano dealer. Find a dealer that has a large selection of new and used pianos at various prices. It is important that you sample a wide variety of pianos. When you play each piano, discover which piano has the touch most responsive to your fingers. Listen to many pianos to discover which tone is most desirable to you. You will also have an opportunity to view different styles and finish. You can select a piano that fits into the decor in your home. Once you discover what you want to purchase, and have an idea of the cost,

Purchasing a piano in Chesterfield Chesterfieldshire.

Where is it going to live? .Not in a conservatory or in direct sunlight.

Piano Jargon Explained.

Straight strung bass stringing is where the bass strings only impart vibrations to a vertical area on the left side of a piano and the stringing is shorter in length making for a thinner sound.

Overstrung is.Where the Bass strings go diagonally from top left to bottom right of the piano.Imparting string vibration to the sound board Making for a better tone than its former straight strung pianos.

Overdamped Mechanism inferior to say post 1920 pianos (with exceptions). Underdamped Mechanism unsustaining notes is superior.

Before purchasing a piano, always get advice from a Piano tuner or Teacher as to its fitness for purpose. Aim to get one that is modern, newer is better than old. A pretty inlaid piano with candlesticks needs very careful vetting and is most likely to be straight strung and overdamped. Visit a piano dealer that has a large selection of new and used pianos in order to see just what is available and your likely outlay. When you play each piano listen to the tone and feel the touch both are important, each note should play and sound when the same pressure is applied to it. your tuner or teacher will advise you on the pitch the piano is tuned to which must be at or near A440 Hz. As an investment, consider that most pianos costing £ 60 70 years ago may fetch 4 times that today.

Buying a grand piano Very nice but needs a lot of space. A totally different feel when playing the keys and generally a big sound. A baby grand is sometimes considered a compromise in sound but has a good touch.

Buying an Upright piano comes in many sizes and styles .it could be argued that a bigger tall upright is better in sound than a baby grand. My recommendation is Find the piano you could live with

What do the Manufacturers say about caring for your piano:

Kembles

Tuning and Regulation:

"Pianos are delicate instrument: which need professional attention periodically. Basically, there are two types of professional piano care: tuning and regulation. Tuning means correcting the pitch of every note by re-tightening the strings. Each piano string is normally stretched to a tension of about 90 kilogrammes (198.5 pounds), but eventually, it will stretch further with use and lose some of its tension, causing the piano to lose its correct pitch. The strings need to be tuned generally twice a year to restore them to their proper tension.

Regulation involves the entire piano action, keyboard and pedal movements. Whether the piano will perform properly or not depends on how accurately the adjustment is made.

Tuning and regulation should be done by an expert. When your piano requires either one, ask your Kemble dealer or just call a specialist in the Chesterfield area. Your dealer can also advise you about the interval between adjustments for your piano under the circumstances in which it is used.

Your Kemble Piano must be regularly tuned by a qualified tuner or technician We recommend this is done at least twice a year. "

Kemble & Co Ltd.

Yamaha Pianos

Where to locate your piano in your home, school, church or institution in Chesterfield :

Put your piano where it sounds best: The piano should be placed in a room where the sound will be evenly distributed. A room where all the sound gathers in one spot will produce sound lag and echoes. The best room for your piano is one in which its sound will reverberate to produce pleasant, full-bodied tones without harsh echoes.

Optimize your piano's environment:

Proper conditions mean better sound: Pianos work best and sound best when the temperature and humidity are right. Proper ventilation is also important. Generally speaking, a relative humidity of between 40 and 45 per cent is ideal for pianos. The use of materials such as wood felt and cloth in piano construction means that many parts are quite delicate. If not properly cared for, they can be damaged easily. Therefore, we are unable to assume responsibility for damage resulting from abuse, harsh treatment, or extended exposure to adverse conditions.

How humidity affects a piano: Felt, cloth, leather and the precision wood parts, some of them machined to tolerances as fine as 1/100mm-used in such critical parts of the piano as the action, is extremely sensitive to humidity. Too much humidity will result in dull hammer action and unclear tones, rusting of internal parts and sticking keys. Before this happens the humid condition should be addressed and the piano should be serviced.

Adopt a schedule of regular tuning and service:

Why schedule regular service? Having your piano serviced regularly in Chesterfield is a lot like taking vitamins. As you regularly take vitamins, you generally feel better and you are able to perform at your peak level. Also, taking vitamins helps you avoid serious illnesses and other health-related problems. The same is true regarding regular service for your piano. Regular service will keep your piano's performance (and your enjoyment) at its peak level. It will also correct "progressive" problems early before they turn into costly repairs. For these reasons Yamaha strongly recommends that you adopt a schedule of regular service for your piano.

Tuning and adjustment:

Pianos are delicate instruments that need professional attention periodically. Basically, there are two types of professional piano care: tuning and adjustment. Tuning means correcting the pitch of every note by retightening the strings. Each piano string is normally stretched to a pressure of about 90 kilogrammes (198pounds). Eventually, though, it will stretch further with use and lose some of its tension, causing the piano to lose its correct pitch. The strings need to be tuned a minimum of twice a year to restore them to their proper tension.

Adjustment involves the entire piano action, keyboard and pedal movements. Proper adjustment is especially important for grand pianos. Whether the piano will perform properly or not depends on how accurately the adjustment is made. Tuning and adjustment should always be done by an expert. When your piano requires either one, ask your Yamaha dealer or call a specialist tuner Your Tuner can also advise you about the interval between adjustments for your piano under the circumstances in which it is used.

Kawai Pianos

Cleaning:

• Kawai pianos are finished with a variety of finishes, from fine hand-rubbed lacquer to beautiful high gloss polyester resin. Care of these diverse finishes is essentially the same. The beauty of the instrument can be maintained with the following guidelines:
• Dust should be removed using a soft feather or wool-type duster. Care should be taken not to apply pressure to the finish or to drag the dust across the finish, which can create fine scratches on the surface. These fine scratches will eventually leave a high gloss instrument looking dull. Being very careful with regular dusting is the most important step in retaining the gloss in a polished polyester finish.
• Fingerprints or similar marks can be cleaned with a dampened soft cloth, followed by a dry cloth. In cases of stubborn greasy dirt, using a small amount of mild detergent (such as mild dishwashing liquid) on the damp cloth may help, as can a high-quality spray window cleaner such as Windex
• In general, furniture polishes are not recommended except for specialised polishes for high-gloss finishes. One such polish is "Cory" Polish, available from your authorised Kawai piano dealer, and many piano tuner-technicians.
• If a high-gloss finish becomes dull or is deeply scratched, the finish can usually be restored to its original appearance by a polyester repair specialist. .
• The interior of the piano should be cleaned periodically by a qualified piano technician. Improper cleaning of the plate, strings, soundboard and action may result in damage to the piano. We recommend this be left to a trained technician.

Tuning and Service:

All pianos need to be tuned regularly. The amount of time between tunings for a fine instrument depends on many factors, especially the stability of the temperature and humidity and the amount of use the piano receives. In general, Kawai recommends 2 to 4 tunings per year. However, your piano tuner-technician can best recommend the appropriate interval for your specific environmental conditions and use.

Pianos also need to be serviced in ways other than simple tuning. The action mechanism and the hammers are subject to wear through use. Periodic voicing and regulation will keep the piano sounding its best throughout the life of the instrument. In general, if the touch or tone of your piano seems uneven, difficult to control, or the notes do not repeat well, you should speak with your piano tuner-technician about the need for regulation and voicing.

C. Bechstein

Maintenance preserves the value of your piano

Regular maintenance preserves the value of an upright or grand piano. Maintenance includes tuning, adjustment and voicing. For each instrument responds sensitively to climate changes as well as regularity of use. And only if you have your instrument serviced regularly, will it keep its high quality.

All climate changes

shifts in humidity and temperature - affect your sensitive instrument. The mechanical stresses on your instrument as well as temperature and humidity changes have an impact on the tension of the strings. Therefore, over time, the tuning starts to become irregular. Your piano should be tuned at least twice a year. Treat your upright and your grand piano to a regular tuning service by designated piano technicians. This preserves the value of your instrument and your musical enjoyment. It's worth it.

The keyboard and action requires

thousands of individual parts. Over time, normal use causes changes in the efficiency and harmony of these elements interacting with one another. Adjustment by designated professionals brings everything back into perfect harmony. An adjustment of the mechanics, keyboard and pedals harmonises all elements and restores perfect interaction. Only if you play music with a perfectly adjusted and tuned instrument, can it be the appropriate partner for you? A qualified technician will really bring out the best from your instrument. Your listening habits, your touch and your complete satisfaction are consciously or unconsciously influenced by the condition of your instrument.

The impact of hammer-head

felt on the strings causes different compression. In the voicing, purposefully piercing the hammer-head felts restores their elasticity and equalises tone colour and quality. Voicing adjusts your instrument perfectly to the acoustical characteristics of your space. Musical work, however, leaves its mark. New voicing from time to time renews harmonious symmetry for a flawless listening experience.

Caring for your Steinway

Under Floor Heating

Cleaning

Tuning, Regulation and Voicing

History and Musical Heritagein Chesterfield

Chesterfield was in the Hundred of Scarsdale and received its market in 1204 from King John. In 1266 it was the site of the Battle of Chesterfield, when a Royalist army defeated a band of Rebel Barons.

in 1594 (or 1598) Elizabeth 1 granted a charter incorporating a Mayor, Aldermen, Brethren and 12 Capital Burgesses. This government remained until 1835.

Originally Chesterfield consisted of the Township of Chesterfield, however in 1892 it extended to other surrounding Townships.

Chesterfield's current boundaries date from 1 April 1974, when the Borough of Chesterfield was formed by an amalgamation of the municipal borough with the district of Staveley and with the parish of Brimington from Chesterfield Rural District.

Chesterfield has benefited greatly from the building of the Chesterfield railway line, which links Chesterfield with Leeds and Derby, which begun in 1837 by George Stephenson.

During the construction of the Clay Cross Tunnel, a sizable amount of Coal was discovered and naturally this, and the local Ironstone, were exploited by Stephenson, who promptly set up a company in Clay Cross to trade in the minerals.

Chesterfield Coat of arms Gules a Device representing a Pomegranate Tree as depicted on the ancient Common Seal of the Borough. The tree leaved and eradicated proper flowered and fructed Or and for the Crest on a Wreath of the Colours Issuant from a Mural Crown Gules Masoned Or a Mount Vert thereon a Derby Ram passant guardant proper. Supporters: On the dexter side a Cock and on the sinister side a Pynot or Magpie proper each Ducally gorged .

In 1981, the Prince and Late Princess of Wales opened "The Pavements", otherwise known to locals as The Precinct. This shopping centre has entrances leading to Beatwell Street on one side and to the Market square on the other, and also an entrance leading directly to Chesterfield Library.

Considerable construction work has taken place in Chesterfield Market Hall to update Chesterfield Market, which was completed and opened in 2013.

The Winding Wheel, Chesterfield, previously an Odeon cinema, is now a multi purpose venue, holding concerts, Dinners, Exhibitions, Conferences, Dances and Banquets. Past appearances include Bob Geldof, The Proclaimers and Paddy McGuinness. Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra give a concert here three times a year.

Chesterfield Civic Theatre is now known as the Pomegranate Theatre, with an auditorium that can seat around 500 people.

The Chesterfield Canal linked Chesterfield to the National Network of Waterways and was an essential trade rout in the 19th Century. It was over taken by railway and fell into disuse, however was partially restored in the mid 20th century for leisure use.

Chesterfield is best known for the crooked spire of the Church of Saint Mary and All Saints. The Spire is both twisted and leaning, twisting 45 degrees and leaning 9 feet and six inches from the centre. Folk law mentions that a blacksmith fought and struck the devil, who jolted back in pain and knocking the spire out of shape. In reality, the spire's miss-shape has be diagnosed as a mere lack of craftsmanship; the building was built merely 12 years after the black death.

Chesterfield is widely recognised by the Crooked Spire, and the outline image is used in various ways for government and local authority correspondence.

The rock band "The Auxiliaries" came from Chesterfield.

Steve Blakely, an actor from ITV's "Heartbeat" came from Chesterfield, as the actor Jonno Davis.

Chesterfield was the home of the actor and musician Blaire Dunlop.

Sir John Hurt, a very well known actor, who appeared in films such as the Harry Potter Series, and Television dramas such as Merlyn and I, Claudius was also from Chesterfield.

Chesterfield brought us Johnny Pearson, Composer of TV themes, such as Captain Pugwash, the News at 10 and All Creatures Great and Small.