Tuning A Piano

By Author: rocklandpianotuning
Total Articles: 9
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Piano tuning is the most basic upkeep a piano needs. Charles Flaum is a consummate piano technician and tunes for clients in Rockland County for over 20 years. A regularly serviced piano can last for decades, even in the tough east coast environment. Here is another informative report written to help you understand the complicated and beautiful instrument you have in your life.

This note sheds light on topic of cracks in the soundboard of a piano. There are common misconceptions which often cause more worry on the part of the piano owner than is necessary.

1. I’m not sure where the soundboard on my piano is to check?

If you own a grand, prop the lid open. Look under the strings and the gold metal framework (called the “plate” or the “harp”). The sheet of wood you see underneath with the grain running diagonal to the front of the piano is the soundboard. To check the soundboard on an upright, console or spinet (all referred to as “vertical pianos”) carefully move the piano away from the wall far enough to get in behind with a flashlight. The sheet of wood behind the large vertical posts ...
... is the soundboard (again, the grain will be running at a diagonal). The narrow boards running at a right angle to the grain of the soundboard (which look somewhat like furring strips) are the “ribs.”

For a tuning or more great information about your piano please email or call Charles – his website is www.rocklandpianotuning.com.

Charles Flaum, well known as a highly skilled piano tuner / piano technician,piano tuning has been a Registered Piano Technician with an active clientele for over 20 years. After studying music at Berklee College of Music in the early 1980’s he completed his education by taking the two year course in Advanced Piano Technology from North Bennet Street School, the oldest trade school in America. NBSS uses the Swedish system of craftsmanship training known as “sloyd,” focusing on the development of character and intellectual capacity, as well as technical skills. Sloyd, means “craft” or “hand skills.” Via his trade Charles found a way to combine his passion for music, problem solving and mechanics, and developed the hand skills needed to restore and care for beautiful musical instruments. Currently Charles is recording a video series exploring the intricacies of pianos, including many fascinating [and sometimes amusing] stories about the history of these complex instruments http://www.rocklandpianotuning.com.