"The purpose of regulation is to make adjustments so that the piano action works properly."
Every time when a key is struck, about 80 parts work together to to produce a sound. The whole piano has about 9,000 to 14,000 parts, most of which are wood or felt. Over the years, these parts wear out and the piano's performance deteriorates. Regulating is a process that makes adjustments to these parts to compensate the effects of wear so that the power, the touch, the evenness in playing can be optimized. Before regulating a piano, the piano will need a thorough cleaning in the inside in order to make the regulating process possible and effective.
Pianos need to be regulated every 5-10 years (either a "minor regulation" or a full regulation).
Factors that contribute to wear and the need of regulation:
- Amount of use, both intensity and hours of play.
- Temperature and relative humidity fluctuations.
- The quality of the piano.
(New pianos may also need some regulation in their first year because this is the time when the compression of parts from usage happens the most.)
Possible signs that indicate your piano needs regulation:
- Loss in sensitivity (sluggishness) and dynamic range
- Uneven key height and /or touch
- Keys getting sticky
- Deep grooves in hammers
A well regulated piano makes playing the piano pleasurable and is very important to pianists of all levels.
Every time when a key is struck, about 80 parts work together to to produce a sound. The whole piano has about 9,000 to 14,000 parts, most of which are wood or felt. Over the years, these parts wear out and the piano's performance deteriorates. Regulating is a process that makes adjustments to these parts to compensate the effects of wear so that the power, the touch, the evenness in playing can be optimized. Before regulating a piano, the piano will need a thorough cleaning in the inside in order to make the regulating process possible and effective.
Pianos need to be regulated every 5-10 years (either a "minor regulation" or a full regulation).
Factors that contribute to wear and the need of regulation:
- Amount of use, both intensity and hours of play.
- Temperature and relative humidity fluctuations.
- The quality of the piano.
(New pianos may also need some regulation in their first year because this is the time when the compression of parts from usage happens the most.)
Possible signs that indicate your piano needs regulation:
- Loss in sensitivity (sluggishness) and dynamic range
- Uneven key height and /or touch
- Keys getting sticky
- Deep grooves in hammers
A well regulated piano makes playing the piano pleasurable and is very important to pianists of all levels.