The piano you purchase from R. KASSMAN piano is designed and built to provide a lifetime of enjoyment... when properly cared for and maintained. Below are some pointers on how to maintain your R. KASSMAN piano.
Pianos, like humans, require some basic environmental conditions for a long and useful life. Temperatures ranging from 72° to 75°, relative humidity from 42‰ to 50‰, and protection from direct sunlight are the ideal standards which you should consider in locating your instrument.
Avoid placement near heating or cooling vents and equipment, radiators, or air conditioners. Areas affected by drafts from these sources should also be avoided. Interior walls generally offer more stable conditions than exterior walls which can be more easily affected by atmospheric changes.
Too much... or too little... humidity (the amount of moisture in the air) surrounding your piano can be damaging to its health. Extreme dryness can weaken internal glue joints. Too much moisture can cause rusting of metal parts, swelling of wood components, and changes in the action mechanisms.
Sunlight, both its direct rays and the heat these rays produce, will damage your piano. Locate your piano away from windows and skylights that allow direct sunlight into the room.
The furniture finish of the case of your piano requires careful maintenance. Routine dusting with a dry, soft, clean cloth will help to keep your instrument's finish beautiful. We recommend that you do not use furniture polish.
To remove most stubborn marks and soil, lightly moisten a soft, clean, lint-free cloth with clear, room-temperature water and gently wipe the finish in the direction of the grain. Except on ebony satin or polyester gloss finishes, you may use a non-silicone, water-based product such as GUARDSMAN©.
Gloss or polyester finishes may be cleaned with glass cleaner (WINDEX© brand). When in doubt, call us before using any procedure or product not mentioned here.
Piano keys should also be dusted. A damp cloth will remove most soil; however, careful use of a mild soap (IVORY© brand) on a damp cloth may be necessary to remove heavier soil. Do not allow liquids to drip down the sides of the keys or onto the wood finish. Always driy off the finish immediately with a cloth.
We recommend that you do not place items (frames, art objects, vases, etc.) on your piano. Always keep liquids away from the instrument. If anything should fall or spill inside the piano, contact us immediately. Do not attempt to clean inside your piano; rely upon regular professional care for this service.
NOTE: Your piano contains felt parts which may be damaged by moths if not properly protected. Ask our service technician for more information on this important protection.
Practice will improve your skills and help to keep your instrument in good playing condition. Unplayed pianos deteriorate more rapidly than those that are played regularly.
Whenever you encounter conditions not covered above, contact R. KASSMAN for assistance. It is your responsibility to have your piano maintained and tuned by our Service Department at least once a year. Please read further for more information on Professional Care and the R. KASSMAN Maintenance Service Bond.
Your piano's first year is its most important one; two to four tunings may be necessary during this initial period. The tuning process adjusts the strings to proper pitch and is essential for beautiful sound.
The first tuning your instrument receives will allow the technician/tuner to gauge when the next tuning should be scheduled. At least once a year, and as often as necessary, arrange to have R. KASSMAN tune your piano. Instruments tuned as recommended usually remain trouble-free for years.
Your piano's "action" is the complete mechanical assembly of various parts which cause the hammer to strike the piano strings when you depress a key. This mechanism also dampens the sound when the key is released. Periodic regulation of the action will help to maintain your piano in its best condition. Between 12 to 18 months of ownership, all screws in your piano's action should be tightened while it is being tuned.
The tone of your piano is directly related to the quality and condition of its hammers. Depending on use, your instrument may need to be re-voiced (reshaping of hammer felts) every two to four years.
Action regulating and re-voicing are part of normal maintenance, and are not covered by your piano's warranty.
Besides the routine light cleaning suggestions outlined above, never attempt to treat your piano's finish with any chemicals, polishes, cleaners, solvents, paints, stains, etc. Never use oil or grease to lubricate your instrument.
When indicated, contact our Service Department for a no-charge telephone consultation on any questions you may have concerning your instrument. We will be happy to give you advice for any keyboard instrument. R. KASSMAN technicians can professionally clean your piano (interior and exterior) without damaging sensitive parts. We can restore near-original finishes to most instruments with polishing and/or refinishing treatments
After years of faithful service, some instruments may require more extensive maintenance. At R. KASSMAN, we understand a wide variety of instruments and offer the service technology to rebuild most pianos.
Piano moving usually requires the services and equipment of professional piano moving specialists. Contact us for referrals to competent movers, whether local or long-distance.