There are several reasons why a piano can go out of tune. Common causes include changes in temperature and humidity, playing the piano too forcefully, or normal wear and tear on the strings and other components. Regular maintenance is important to keep your piano sounding its best.

The time it takes to tune a piano varies depending on its condition. A tuning usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour for an upright or grand piano. It may take a little longer depending on factors such as the piano’s condition and how often it has been tuned. Regular tuning, preferably twice a year, helps keep the piano in good condition and minimizes tuning time, as the instrument stays more stable. This means more enjoyment for the pianist and, of course, the audience.

The ideal humidity level for a piano is generally between 40% and 60%. Low humidity can dry out the piano’s wooden components, potentially causing cracks or other damage. On the other hand, high humidity can cause the wood to swell, which may make the piano go out of tune and lead to other problems. Metal parts inside the piano, such as the strings, can also rust. Maintaining consistent humidity is important for optimizing your piano’s lifespan and performance. You can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in the room where your piano is kept, and, if necessary, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain the right level. The Dampp Chaser - The Piano Life Saver System is a device that keeps humidity as stable as possible and protects the piano/grand piano from damage.

In general, a piano's touch does not change significantly when a silent system is installed. Most silent systems are designed to affect the movement of the keys and hammers as little as possible, so the playing experience remains as close as possible to that of an acoustic piano.

However, because a silent system uses electronic sensors to detect key movement, a slight change in touch may be noticeable. Some pianists may notice a subtle difference in the response or sensitivity of the keys when switching from acoustic sound to muted sound through headphones.
It is important to remember that every silent system is different, and the degree of change in touch can vary depending on the specific system and its settings.
Popov has extensive experience installing various silent systems in pianos and grand pianos.

To take good care of your piano, here are a few important steps you can follow:

1. Placement: Make sure your piano is on a stable, level surface, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures and humidity.

2. Regular cleaning: Dust the outside of the piano regularly with a soft cloth. Use a special piano polish to clean and polish the finish.

3. Tuning: Have your piano tuned at least once a year by a professional piano tuner to maintain its pitch.

4. Humidity: Keep the humidity level in the room where the piano is located constant. A humidifier can help maintain the right humidity and prevent damage to the piano.

5. Regular use: Play your piano regularly to keep the action working smoothly and prevent parts from sticking.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your piano is well cared for and remains in optimal condition.

The piano has 88 keys because this gives it the range needed to play a wide variety of music, from low bass notes to high melodies. With 88 keys, pianists can play all the notes used in Western music, making the piano a versatile and expressive instrument.

A piano’s weight varies depending on its type and size. In general, pianos weigh between 150 and 500 kilograms. 

For example, a small upright piano may weigh around 150–200 kilograms, while a grand piano can be much heavier, weighing anywhere from 300 to 500 kilograms or even more, depending on its size and model.

It’s always important to check the exact weight of a particular piano, especially if you plan to move or transport it, so you can make the necessary preparations.

To find out how old your piano is, you can look for its serial number. The serial number is usually located inside the piano, on the side of the cabinet or on the soundboard. 

You can contact us or the manufacturer with the serial number to find out more about your piano's age. Many piano manufacturers keep archives of production dates and serial numbers, so they can help you determine how old your piano is.

If you can't find the serial number or need help identifying your piano's age, you can consult Popov Piano Service. They have the knowledge and expertise to determine a piano's age from its various features and details.

A pitch raise is a procedure performed on a piano to raise the pitch of all the strings at once. This is done when a piano has gone a long time without being tuned and the strings have dropped significantly in pitch.
During a pitch raise, all the piano strings are roughly tuned first to bring them to the correct pitch. The piano is then tuned precisely to ensure all notes are in harmony and the piano sounds right again.
A pitch raise is often necessary before a piano can be tuned to the correct pitch, especially if it has gone a long time without being tuned. It is an important step in ensuring the piano sounds good and continues to function properly.

Choosing between an acoustic piano and a keyboard depends on various factors, including personal preference, budget, space and how you plan to use the instrument. Acoustic pianos have a unique sound and feel that many people love. They offer a rich, warm tone and an authentic playing experience that a keyboard cannot reproduce. For many pianists, the feel of an acoustic piano is essential to their musical expression. Keyboards, on the other hand, are often more compact and portable, and can offer a wide range of sounds and features, such as built-in rhythms, recording capabilities and different instrument sounds. Keyboards are also often more affordable than acoustic pianos and can be a practical choice for people with limited space or who need a portable instrument. In practice, we often see people start with a digital piano or keyboard and switch to an acoustic instrument after a year. The warm tone and physical interaction with the keys can create a deeper connection with music. It’s wonderful to see people grow and evolve on their musical journey, and switching to an acoustic instrument can certainly be an important milestone in that development.

Yes, in principle, a silent system can be installed in most acoustic pianos and grand pianos. It's best to contact us to check whether your specific piano is suitable for a silent system installation. That way, we can make the necessary adjustments and carry out the installation to ensure the system works properly with your instrument.