THE PIANO OWNER'S HOME COMPANION
A Reference Guide

INTRODUCTION
     
      As a piano tuner-technician for more than thirty-five years, I gained most of my experience servicing pianos in the customer's home. I worked for different piano companies in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City. I tuned, regulated, voiced, and serviced pianos for recording studios, rehearsal studios, concert venues, accomplished concert pianists, and popular artists around the country. Wherever I went, I heard pianists ask the same questions and express similar concerns.
      The Piano Owner's Manual is my response to my client's questions written in layman's terms. It is not a technician's handbook. There are plenty of technical piano books written by and for technicians. This work is designed specifically for piano owners. My extensive work in homes and studios gave me a special opportunity to talk with pianists of every skill level. From beginner to accomplished artist, most pianists want to know more about their piano, yet when they talk with a piano technician, they become lost in technical terms and esoteric concepts. Piano owners want to know how to clean a piano without damaging it, how to do common repairs, and they want an understanding of piano parts and function so that they can comprehend piano language when consulting with a technician about required maintenance and repairs. A concert artist needs a rudimentary understanding about piano function to gain the greatest range of expression from his instrument. The average piano owner wants to keep it in good shape to protect their investment. Both want similar information.
      Through proper cleaning, moth protection, correct piano placement, climate control, and minor adjustments, one can eliminate costly repairs and enjoy thousands of hours of trouble-free music. A piano is one of the most esthetically beautiful, sensitive, yet durable instruments ever invented. When maintained properly, a piano can last over one hundred years. Pianos bring joy and fulfillment to millions of people. Hence, they are worth understanding and treasuring.