Northeast Ohio is beautiful because of its four distinct seasons but the weather changes can cause havoc on your instrument. Our summers can be hot and humid and winter brings colder, drier air.

One of the biggest factors in how a piano sounds and keeps its tune is humidity. Even small changes in humidity cause wood parts to swell or shrink which impacts sound and feel of the keys. When the soundboard expands, strings are pulled more taut than they would be under normal conditions. As wood shrinks, the strings loosen. Extreme humidity can even cause wood to crack. Over time, the constant expansion and shrinkage of the wood causes problems for a piano. Likewise, overly dry air can cause glue to dry out and joints to separate. Regular piano tuning by an experienced technician helps to diagnose and adjust for these changes.

To avoid temperature extremes, it’s best to place a piano away from direct heat sources or windows. Consider investing in a dehumidifier for your home or one specifically designed for your piano. Finally, have your piano tuned regularly as directed by your technician to counteract seasonal weather and humidity changes. Regular inspection and tuning will help maintain your piano’s quality despite the changes brought by humidity and temperature swings.

Protect your investment and prolong the life of your piano with proper care.

Contact us at (216) 226-3791 to schedule a tuning today.