How often should an antique piano be tuned?

Most tuners suggest two visits a year to keep the pitch stable. Changes in humidity pull the wooden soundboard out of shape, which drags the strings out of tune as the seasons shift. If the instrument has sat unused for decades, it might need several passes over a few weeks. The pinblock has to settle into holding the new tension.

We inherited a big upright from my grandmother and half the keys stick down when you press them, so can this be fixed or is the mechanism just too old?

Sticking keys usually mean swollen wood or damp felts rather than a broken mechanism. The action relies on tight tolerances, so high humidity easily grips the moving pins and levers. A technician can ease the key bushings or replace the centre pins in the action. It is routine maintenance for old keyboard instruments.

Where is the serial number located?

You will usually find it stamped onto the cast iron frame near the tuning pins. Some makers painted it onto the wooden soundboard or pressed it into the top edge of the carcase. Check the fallboard or the back of the action cavity if the main plate is blank.

I want to move a heavy Victorian grand into a room with underfloor heating, but someone told me the heat will ruin the wood and crack the soundboard over time, is that true?

Constant dry heat from below can dry out the spruce soundboard and loosen the tuning pins. Antique pianos were built for cooler, draughtier rooms. Using a humidifier inside the room helps stabilise the moisture levels. Some owners fit dedicated climate control systems directly inside the case to protect the timber. Keep it away from direct sunlight and radiators to reduce the risk of structural cracks.

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A large stringed keyboard instrument housed in a wooden case, an antique piano strikes tuned metal strings with felt-covered hammers to provide musical entertainment in drawing rooms and parlours.

1920 - 1940

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Steinway Model B Grand Piano C.1925

From Helios and Co Antiques

£37,750

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

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Steinway Model B Grand Piano C.1925

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