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| The working mechanism of the modern acoustic piano is made from the same materials as those used in the manufacturing of the first pianos - over 300 years ago. The main components of the action are wood and felt. Even the most famed and modern piano manufacturing facilities fully assemble the mechanism by hand. Because of its construction, the piano action is liable to be affected not only by mechanical wear and tear, but also by the ever-changing temperature and humidity levels surrounding the piano. In order to prolong the life of the action and its optimal performance, most manufacturers recommend that the action be regulated at least once every two years. Depending on the climate and use, the schedule may be more frequent. This job should only be performed by highly-trained, qualified technicians because the quality and the life of the action depends on the precision of the regulation. |
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(below, from left to right) The first picture below illustrates the difference between hammers and dampers that have been re-shaped, and those that are worn. The second picture below is taken from the reverse side of an upright piano action - here you can clearly see the misalignment of the whippens - causing such problems as sticking keys, added noise, etc. The third picture is an example of how an amateur piano technician repaired a broken hammer with a hollow metal shaft - proper technique would require complete replacement of the hammer shank. The fourth picture is an example of another quick-fix by an amateur - using straws to hold a broken hammer in place. Both techniques actually weaken the hammer and can cause undue wear to the action. Unlike our competition, our technicians are skilled craftsmen who would never sacrifice quality for a fast buck - we fix it right the first time!
Consumers Beware...
In a field such as piano repair and
restoration, there are few places for formal education and training. Many
people learn the trade from their parents, hence the establishment of
firms ending in " & Sons," which ran rampant in the piano industry. There
used to be a surge in the education of piano tuners and technicians in the
wake of war, where people who lost their sight could find themselves
useful in society again, but now there are only a handful of schools
offering such education. A piano technician must first be a musician. In
order to be able to repair a piano to the specifications of the musician,
especially for tone adjustment, tuning, and voicing, you must be able to
play the piano very well. The Piano Technician must know what the
instrument should feel like when it's properly adjusted, and in order to
be able to communicate with and understand the customer who is a musician.
Many technicians who call themselves professionals are simply amateurs who
only have partial and limited knowledge. Here's an example of a
recent letter to us from an amateur technician who's been in the field for
what he claims is over 30 years:
"As a thirty year
piano technician I feel obligated to comment on something you've written
concerning hammershank repair for an upright piano.
You said it's an amateur's "quick fix" repair and "wouldn't hold up in the
long run." Well, in my experience that's totally wrong. If the straw is
used with a super glue (or even an aliphatic resin like tight bond )and
the straw is of the proper diameter to ensure a tight connection of both
shank segments it DOES hold up over time as I myself have discovered. In
fact, this splicing technique may be superior to using the brass sleeves
that have been sold by supply houses. The only time it would fail is if
the shank break isn't clean and too close to the hammer. In that
instance, replacing the shank with a new one would be the only long term
secure option."
- Mark Mandell, msmandl@earthlink.net
If this technician was a pro, he would understand
that in order to function properly, a hammer shank doesn't just have to be
there, but it has to be flexible. It's true that if you dress it
with a straw and some "super glue," it will exist for some time, but by no
standards will it be able to perform its proper duty, hardening and
dulling the sound, not to mention the ugly look of a drinking straw in
your piano! Lets call it what it is, a quick fix, which is an amateur's
way out of a situation. We say: either do it right,
or don't do it at all! It takes the same amount of time for a
professional technician to replace the hammer shank that it takes to put a
drinking straw on it. Lets remember that a piano is more than some antique
machine. It has to work, yes. But it also has to maintain its value and
aesthetic look and sound.
No Quick Fix Lubricants!
If your piano technician is about to spray a lubricant into your piano, aside from pedal mechanisms and such, please stop them and ask what they're about to do. There is just about no reason for a piano technician to spray a lubricant into your piano's action. The mechanism is lubricated by graphite, a dry lubricant applied when the piano action is taken apart. Most types of other grease, such as WD40 will deteriorate action felt and wood and cause further sticking of keys, odor, etc. The worst effect of these sprays is that the damage on felt and wood is irreversible. Replacement of parts today is very expensive, especially on antique pianos. If your piano technician's reply includes: it will stop the keys from sticking, throw them out of your home immediately, and tell them that we said to do so! Sticking keys are a sign of a problem such as misalignment. The piano mechanism is not designed to be aided with such lubrication. If all parts are assembled and aligned correctly, the keys will not stick. The other potential cause of sticking keys is the change in humidity, which is not fixed with lubrication either.
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Rebuilding
& Restoration
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Over time, the condition of a piano may get beyond that which is repairable through regular maintenance. This depends on factors such as the age, use, and location of the instrument. The piano may lose its sound quality, its ability to hold its tuning, its look, and ultimately its value. There are many ways to restore or rebuild your piano. The main objective in the restoration or rebuilding of a piano is to bring back the quality of the sound, precision and sensitivity of the action, and the look and value of the instrument. Pianos are built to be individual in nature, and therefore age differently at their own pace depending on the various factors mentioned above. While some people may think that there is no point to fix an old piano when there are many new, nice looking, accessibly priced pianos on the market - most professional musicians believe this to be a fallacy. The prime benefit of old instruments are the quality of the wood with which they were built. This wood was properly aged from 30 to 50 years, sometimes more, depending on the manufacturer. Moreover, old pianos were built almost entirely by hand, emphasizing the individuality of each instrument. Hence, the sound quality of a relatively inexpensive older piano can compete with the sound of the most expensive modern piano. Our company is fully equipped and able to restore or rebuild your piano to the highest industry standards. |
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Refinishing
& Polishing
 When considering the refinishing of your pianos, you should know about the various products and methods available to you, as well as what is appropriate for your particular piano. Traditionally, the object of refinishing a piano is to restore the original look of the instrument. However, some customers change the color of the piano to make it match the furniture in their homes. While this is possible, professionals usually don't recommend changing solid colors (black, white, etc.) to wood finishes (mahogany, walnut, oak) since removing a solid base color may reveal some damages, imperfections, or mismatched patterns in the original wood. There are many types of lacquers and finishes available on the market, such as: regular lacquer, polyurethane, water-based finishes, and polyester. For antique, highly-detailed, carved, or ornamented pianos, many prefer a French polish. This is a hand-refinishing technique performed by applying and buffing out multiple coats of alcohol-based lacquers, the way pianos were finished many years ago. Our customers are welcome to choose any type of finish they prefer. |
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Appraisals
& Estimates
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Similar to wear-and-tear on automobiles, there are certain factors that affect the value of your piano. These factors include the brand, age, location, service record, lighting, damage, use, etc. If you would like to purchase a piano or sell your piano, then only way to know the exact value of your instrument is to have a piano technician perform a full inspection and written appraisal on the instrument - this service can be ordered by clicking the link below. Your will receive a written copy of the appraisal, as well as a full estimate for any repairs, restoration, or refinishing that are deemed necessary during inspection. As always, the prices are extremely competitive and we will honor them at any time. |
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Buying
&
Selling
Are you looking to sell your piano - then list it with us! Our listing service is $39.99 for a 3-month listing on our website. We provide this listing service for our customers as an alternative to high-price consignment, where a piano dealer not only charges a percentage of the sale price as commission, but also maintenance and delivery fees after housing your piano - click here for more information. Purchasing a piano privately can be an arduous task, and we can help! Since a piano is usually a once-in-a-lifetime type of purchase, most people invite along a piano tuner or technician to see whether or not the piano is worth purchasing and what the necessary repair costs are, if any. See Appraisals & Estimates above for more information. See our own lineup of pianos for sale - simply click here to browse through new pianos, used pianos, even customers listing their own pianos. We believe everyone should enjoy the privilege of owning a piano - so we offer flexible financing alternatives as low as $34.99/month* and rentals starting at $39.99/month*, call 1-800-33TUNER for details. [* - pending credit approval // rates subject to change without notice // down payment may apply // call for details] |
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Rentals
- Short/Long Term
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Short-Term Rentals: whether you're renting a piano
for a day, a week, or a month - we at Amadeus Piano Co., Inc. have a wide
assortment of pianos available to meet your needs. Unlike our
competitors, when you call for a quote you get the final all-inclusive
price including the instrument rental fee, round-trip moving fees, and on-site
tuning - with no hidden charges.
Long-Term Rentals: need a piano for 6 months or more? Save money with our long-term rental rates - you get discounted maintenance & moving and we throw in the first tuning for free! And unlike owning a piano, you'll never have to pay for major repairs or restoration - we cover it! And if the instrument ever approaches irreparable condition - we will provide for a replacement. With our "Rent w/Option to Buy" package, we will apply up to 6 months rental fees towards the purchase of the piano. Now you can not only try before you buy, but save on expensive financing fees as well! |
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Moving
- Local/Nationwide
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At Amadeus Music Center, we pride ourselves on the safe transportation and relocation of all acoustic pianos (antique, player pianos, or other keyboard instruments). Our Local coverage area includes the entire North East / New England area - New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Delaware, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. Our Long-Distance coverage area reaches far beyond just New England; we can now provide nationwide service from the West Coast to the East Coast, and anywhere in-between. Piano moving is a complicated and technical task which demands a great deal of human strength and dedication to the art of transporting the value, beauty and essence of a piano. All acoustic pianos are made from different selections of wood, therefore each instrument is “one of a kind” and cannot be replaced if damaged - we appreciate and accept that responsibility. We understand the invested and sentimental value of your piano and always treat it like our own. A safe trip is assured, as your precious cargo is secured within one of our fleet’s vehicles. Your piano will be carefully packaged and carried, with no detail spared. We are properly scheduled and dedicate ourselves fully to every job, moving one piano at a time. Click Here for a Free Quote on your Long-Distance Piano Move Click Here for a Free Quote on your Local Piano Move (North East / New England) |
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Storage
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Our new state-of-the-art storage and
restoration facility is now open for business! Because of the larger
space, we're now able to offer climate-controlled piano storage starting
at $60.00 per month, plus the cost of delivery. Since we provide the
moving and storage, greater discounts for piano restoration and repairs
are also available. Within the same facility, your piano can be
restored and wait for you in our climate-controlled storage rooms.
While in storage, piano tuning is also available - to keep up the string
tension at all times.
If you're having home repairs performed or you're relocating, don't take the risk of piano damage. Let us store your upright or grand piano in our brand new climate-controlled storage and warehouse facility. |
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Lessons
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Now, the same professional Tri-State coverage is available
for music lessons as it is for quality piano service, and with the same quick
availability and prompt scheduling. Click on any item on the list below to find out more, or click on
the School button above for move information.
Our School Offers: |
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Climate
& Humidity Control Systems
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Protect your piano from humidity extremes with the proven Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System. More than a piece of fine furniture, your piano is a precision instrument. Its more than 9,000 individual parts are uniquely susceptible to changes in humidity. Yet very few homes are kept at the constant 42% humidity level necessary for the maintenance of optimum sound reproduction. Instead, high humidity can cause the keys to stick and the strings to rust. Central heating reduces moisture to unsafe levels, impairing wood quality and causing rattling keys, slipping pins and, eventually, a cracked soundboard. Under these conditions, it is impossible for even the finest pianos to maintain tuning stability. Because the piano mechanism is enclosed in a cabinet, it can be protected by a simple internal system independent of external conditions. Now, with the installation of an automatic humidity control system from Dampp-Chaser, you can keep your piano in a safe, stable environment, and save hundreds of dollars in repairs and maintenance in the years ahead and double its life. |
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↑ Place your cursor over any part name above to highlight that part. |
How a Humidity Control System works: (as illustrated on a grand piano) The Dampp-Chaser Grand Piano Humidity Control System installs neatly and out of sight on all grand pianos, even on the concert stage. The 5-part Piano Life Saver® System is controlled by the Dampp-Chaser Humidistat which regulates both the Humidifier and Dehumidifier as each is needed to maintain the piano manufacturer's recommended relative humidity. The maintenance-free dehumidifier installs under the soundboard, circulating warm air to eliminate excessive humidity. The humidifier combines a 1-gallon water reservoir with a silent evaporative system that releases moisture inside the piano when the environment becomes too dry. A low water warning light alerts you when it is time to refill tank. An Easy Fill Watering Kit is included. |
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Click Here for a Free Quote on your Long-Distance Piano Move
Click Here for a Free Quote on your Local Piano Move (North East/New England)
Copyright © 2006 [Amadeus Music Center]. All rights reserved.
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