Piano Movers Extraordinaire Blog
How Weather Can Affect a Piano
With a hot summer soon giving way to a cool autumn, many may be wondering how temperature shifts can affect their piano. Playing and caring for pianos involves a great deal of work and even certain factors outside of everyday use can damage this delicate instrument. It is important to exercise caution with your piano, especially during the moving process. Both weather and indoor air quality can affect a piano in several ways. At Piano Movers Extraordinaire we specialize in piano moving and piano storage for Ramsey County and the surrounding areas and know the proper ways to care for and transport a piano. That is why we’ve put together a short outline of some of the ways weather can affect a piano.
As you are likely already aware, pianos are complex instruments. They consist of wires, wooden frames, hammers, dampers and keys. When you press a key or a combination of them, they raise corresponding hammers. Those hammers then strikes the strings of which they are attached. At the same time, this lifts the dampers designed to prevent sound from occurring when the keys aren’t being played. There is a lot that goes into a single note. That is why sometimes the smallest change in environment or temperature can throw things off. Each string and its corresponding parts can be vulnerable to certain conditions such as heat, cold and humidity. While pianos are designed to withstand routine playing, they’re actually quite delicate especially when left untouched; that is why it is so important to routinely play your piano. It is equally important to ensure the proper moving and storage of your piano. If left alone in a hot, cold or humid environment void of climate control, there are a number of effects your piano could experience.
Warm Weather
Warmer temperatures like the ones we’re currently experiencing can cause piano strings to grow slightly, much like running hot water over a glass jar’s metal rings to loosen them. Warmer weather can also cause the wood in pianos to expand and swell.
Moisture
High levels of moisture in the air causes the soundboard to swell. Low humidity levels cause it to shrink.
Cold Weather
Cold weather is known to cause piano strings to contract. This means they grow slightly shorter. Since they’re wound so tightly, this can place an incredible amount of excess pressure on the strings and keys. At the same time, cool temperatures make the wood in pianos and their soundboards warp and contract.
While you can’t necessarily see these effects because they’re extremely minimal from a visual point of view, those who are familiar with the distinct sounds of a piano can certainly hear the impact.
Are you interested in getting information about proper piano moving and piano storage in the Ramsey County area? Please call 763-784-8123 or fill out our online form for a free estimate.
When You’re Ready to Move, Make Sure Your Piano is Moved Properly
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has put a stop to many moves. But when you are ready to move, be sure to enlist the help of piano moving professionals in order to properly care for and move your piano. Pianos are not only expensive and delicate, but they often have sentimental value as well as memories attached to them. That’s why, at Piano Movers Extraordinaire, our number one goal throughout the entire moving process is to keep them protected. From uprights and grand uprights, to baby grands, grands, concert grands as well as any other pianos – we move them all. And, we move them with professional skill and care. We are the trusted piano moving company for the Twin Cities and are here to tell you more about the importance of professional piano moving for your piano.
Once you’ve found a piano that matches your interest and want to bring it home, the next step is to partner with a local piano moving company that will treat the instrument with the utmost care and respect, en route to its final destination. Or, if you’re moving to a new home, it is essential you find a dependable piano moving company like Piano Movers Extraordinaire who know how to properly move a piano from one location to another. It can be tempting to have your regular movers move your piano. Every moving company will promise they have experience moving pianos.
The truth is, not all furniture movers in the Twin Cities area are prepared for proper piano moving. Pianos must be handled with extra-special care. There is no margin for error with a piano. Moving a piano is a lot different from lifting heavy boxes and at Piano Movers Extraordinaire we understand this.
Professional piano movers like ours know the best ways to pack, load and unload pianos and our team knows just how to move them and protecting the body for safe transport. Our piano moving company has a range of special dollies, straps, and protective cloths to help protect your piano during the big move. And, our piano movers are specially trained to handle even the toughest moving challenges.
So, when you ready to move, ensure your piano is being moved by people that care and people that are trained in the proper moving of pianos; Piano Movers Extraordinaire. For more information about our piano moving company serving the Twin Cities area, give Piano Movers Extraordinaire a call at 763-784-8123 or fill out our form for a free estimate.
The Many Benefits of Playing the Piano
During these uncertain and stressful times, it is important to find something soothing to do while spending time at home. Music tends to be a common cord that many people can relax to. So, why not make the most of your time at home and revive a hobby you may have let fall by the wayside? You may already know some of the many benefits that come from playing and/or listening to piano music. Perhaps you’ve always felt great after playing and never really understood why. As the trusted piano movers for Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, we would like to tell you more about the many benefits of playing the piano.
For one, studies have shown that when people learn to play the piano, their stress levels drop and their happiness increases. There’s a good reason why people have been playing the piano for hundreds of years. Piano music has influenced every genre out there from country to pop to classical to rap to metal. But did you know it can even sharpen brain function? According to cognitive experts, regular play stimulates the brain and helps retain memory. It’s a great exercise for the brain and can help keep you sharp!
Playing music, especially the piano, can boost your mental, emotional, and even physical health. According to some experts piano sharpens fine motor skills, improves hand-eye coordination and overall dexterity. It may even reduce the onset and impact of cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, and more. Unlike some instruments that require a lot of equipment and/or a backup band, playing the piano is ideal for an individual. So, there’s no better instrument to play during a time of social distancing.
These are just some of the benefits to playing your beloved piano. We ourselves have decided to cancel our piano moving services temporarily as a response to join in the Stay at Home Minnesota advice we are all receiving from our political leaders, health experts and news media. It is a step in the direction to look after the safety of our customers, our employees and their families. We will answer phones for estimates on future moves, and we will resume our piano moving services as soon as we safely can. Until then, keep playing and enjoying your piano! We look forward to serving you in the future.
To learn more about our piano movers serving Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, give Piano Movers Extraordinaire a call at 763-784-8123 or fill out our form for a free estimate.
The Many Different Styles, Sizes & Shapes of Pianos
You may have heard of grand and upright pianos, but did you know that there are a number of other sizes and styles of pianos? As experts in moving pianos for St Paul and the surrounding areas, we are quite familiar with different types of pianos and their unique needs. That’s why we’ve put together an easy to use outline of the different types and sizes of pianos. That way, when it’s time to move your piano, you’ll know how to seek the right moving services for your specific instrument.
Horizontal or Grand Pianos
Grand pianos are referred to as horizontal pianos because of their length and the placement of their strings. Grand pianos are said to produce finer tones and have the most responsive key action. There are six different types of horizontal or grand pianos. Listed from smallest to largest, these include:
- Petite Grand. The smallest of the horizontal pianos, ranging in size from 4’ 5” to 4’ 10”. It may be small but it still sounds mighty!
- Baby Grand. One of the most popular types of piano; it in size from 4’ 11” to 5’ 6”. Baby grands are popular because of their sound quality, aesthetics and affordability.
- Medium Grand. Slightly larger than the baby grand.
- Parlor Grand. Ranges from 5’ 9” to 6’ 1” in size. Also called living room grand piano.
- Semiconcert/Ballroom. Slightly larger than the parlor grand.
- Concert Grand. At around 9’, it is the largest of the grand pianos.
Vertical Pianos
Referred to vertical pianos due to their height and position of their strings. Here are the different types:
- Upright. The tallest among the vertical pianos, with a height ranging from 50 to 60 inches and an approximate width of 62 inches. This is a classic piano and when cared for properly, stands the test of time and maintains its rich tone.
- Studio. What is usually seen in music schools and music studios. It is around 45 to 48 inches in height.
- Console. Slightly larger than the spinet, ranging from 40 to 43 inches tall. This type of piano comes in various styles and finishes.
- Spinet. 36 to 38 inches in height and an approximate width of 58 inches. They are the smallest of the pianos and a popular choice for those with limited space.
And, these are the many wonderful piano types out there! In addition to the dimensions, different styles of pianos can also vary in their number of pedals and sometimes, their number of keys. To learn more about pianos and about moving pianos in the St Paul area, please call 763-784-8123 or fill out our online form for a free estimate.
Ways to Help Ensure Your Piano’s Longevity
Whether you’ve had your piano for decades or you just bought a new one, you want your piano to last for years to come. And, with the proper care and attention, your piano can easily supply years of enjoyment and to you and your loved ones. As expert piano movers for the entire St Paul area, we know a thing or two about pianos. In fact, we are piano lovers ourselves! That’s why we’ve decided to put together some tips to help keep your piano in good working order.
The trick is to be aware of the factors that can affect your piano: both musically and environmentally. That includes considerations such as placement, upkeep, proper moving, sound absorption and more. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Play It!
This is one of the most important things you can do for your piano. One of the reasons you invested in this timeless instrument is likely so that it can actually be played. Playing your piano ensures consistent sound quality, key function, and other factors.
Keep it Tuned
An important part of overall piano maintenance and care is to schedule regular tunings. A piano is susceptible to changes in environmental conditions, including fluctuating temperatures, high or low humidity, and more. We have put together a list of local piano tuners and technicians that you can reference to find one that will work for you.
Ensure Proper Maintenance
Put a focus on regular cleaning for your piano. You’ll also want to be sure that the inner workings of the instrument including its strings, key pads, and other areas are functioning properly. If your piano won’t be used for some time, it makes sense to invest in professional storage.
Hire Professional Piano Movers
Once you’ve found a piano that matches your interest and want to bring it home, the next step is to partner with local piano movers that will treat the instrument with the utmost care and respect, en route to its final destination. Or, if you’re moving to a new home, it is essential you find dependable piano movers like Piano Movers Extraordinaire who know how to properly move a piano from one location to another.
Ways to Help Ensure Your Piano’s Longevity
We’ve built a solid reputation as the premier piano movers for the Twin Cities and will treat your piano with the utmost of care!
For more information about piano movers serving St Paul and the surrounding areas, give Piano Movers Extraordinaire a call at 763-784-8123 or fill out our form for a free estimate.