Pianos are able to last for extended periods of time. They are extremely durable fixtures that can provide both beauty and functionality to your building. Implementing the appropriate maintenance for your piano will help it last for much longer than pianos that don’t receive the necessary level of maintenance and care. There are many factors that can impact the length of time in which a piano will last. Understanding what to expect for the future of your piano can go a long way toward protecting the condition of your piano and ensuring that it will last as long as possible. Here are a few considerations that need to be taken into account when determining how long your piano may last. These considerations can help you to know what to plan on, as well as provide superior care for your piano.
Quality
The initial quality of the piano will have a huge impact on the lifespan of your piano. You can’t expect a lower quality piano to last the 100 years that a top of the line piano might last. Understanding the quality of the materials that make up your piano will give you a more accurate estimate of the average lifespan of your piano. If you require a piano that will last for generations, it can be useful to obtain a piano that is higher quality and will ultimately last far longer. If you are uncertain regarding the quality of the piano you wish to purchase, it can be exceptionally useful to consult with an expert.
Environment
Ultimately, the various parts of the piano will age according to the environment that they will be exposed to regularly. An environment that causes substantial amounts of wear to the piano will result in a piano that doesn’t last as long. They will also require repairs and replacement more frequently. Alternatively, pianos that are kept in a carefully monitored environment will last for far longer. This is incredibly important when it comes to the strings of the piano. Strings that are kept in a humid environment will likely rust and require replacement sooner than the strings of a piano that are kept in a controlled environment.
Frequency of Use
Pianos that undertake substantial amounts of use will wear down more quickly, which is to be expected. In fact, pianos that undergo near constant use may last for as little as 10 years without the appropriate care. Pianos that are used less consistently will generally last for a longer period of time. How often you intend to play the piano will likely be an important consideration when you decide on a piano to purchase.
Regular Maintenance
The regular maintenance of your piano is incredibly important in extending the total lifetime of the piano. Pianos require regular tuning to ensure that there is minimal wear to the strings and that they are putting fairly consistent pressure on the structure, rather than simply increasing the pressure at one time, as occurs when you procrastinate having the piano tuned regularly. It is important to ensure that your piano is only moved by professional movers to ensure that they are moved safely and without sustaining damage. Ensure that you clean your piano on a regular basis to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris from damaging your piano. In addition to these steps, you need to ensure that the piano is kept in a controlled climate to minimize the possible damage that the environment can do to your piano.
How Long Pianos Last
On average, a well-built piano can last anywhere from 50 years to 100 years. However, all of the factors that were listed before will impact the overall time that the piano will last for. There are many pianos that are still in great condition that were built prior to WWII. There are many pianos that were built at the same time that have been long since lost. It comes down to the many different factors and the maintenance that the piano experiences. Incredibly frequent use can cause a piano to wear down in much less time, while the appropriate maintenance can extend the lifespan of the piano.
Rebuilt
There are many ways that you can allow your piano to last even longer. In fact, a piano can become an heirloom that you pass down for generations. Rebuilding the piano can add another 50 or 100 years to its lifetime. When you replace worn down parts on the piano, you keep the piano in good condition, as well as reduce the accelerated wear on the remaining parts. Rebuilding in combination with excellent maintenance and care can ensure that a piano will last for a very long time.
Climate Control
Being exposed to varying temperatures causes accelerated damage to the piano. It is important to ensure that a piano is always stored in a climate-controlled environment. This can prevent the amount of damage that extremely hot or cold temperatures can cause to a piano. Wood expands and contracts with the various temperatures, so it is vital to minimize the damage to the piano by controlling the temperature that the piano is exposed to.
Dehumidifier
Humidity is another common culprit of damage to a piano. Excessive humidity and moisture can cause the wood to soften and rot, as well as allow for the growth of mold or mildew. Alternatively, too dry an environment can cause the wood to crack. There are humidity-controlling systems that you can install to your piano. These systems help to ensure that the piano maintains at the appropriate level of humidity to protect their condition.
Here at Ogden Piano Gallery, we can help you to choose a piano that will last for an extended period of time. Our advice and guidance can help you to follow the appropriate maintenance steps to keep your pianos in the best possible condition. To learn more about how to extend the lifespan of your piano, or how to choose a high-quality piano that will last as long as possible, contact our experts today!
