Monday, January 26, 2009

Piano Covers will Protect and Preserve Your Investment

By Chuck R Stewart

Over the years piano owners have reverted to using lots of crazy things to cover and protect their valuable investment. Whether the piano is an acquisition saved up for and bought by the homeowner, or an heirloom passed down from Great Grandmas estate, it should be cared for and stored with the proper piano covering.

In the past, I have seen many items act as piano coverings. Grandmas old quilt, blankets, newspapers, bed sheets and plastic are some such coverings Ive noticed in peoples homes. Once, I even observed full length curtains coming down from the window and splayed out over the piano in a sorry attempt to protect the homeowners musical instrument. In fact, it is not too uncommon for the beautiful piano (or organ) to look like the long forgotten treadmill in the bedroom, draped with all kinds of clothing, towels and bathrobes. None of these are ideal solutions.

It is imperative for the dormant piano to be sheltered from the damaging effects of the sun. The stained wood piano should not be exposed to continuous, direct sunlight. With continuous exposure, ultraviolet rays can create hairline cracks in the finish or cause fading or darkening. Few owners have the financial resources to have their windows fitted with a custom-made ultraviolet protective film or glass. A very good substitute is a professionally constructed piano cover. The piano, whether it is an upright or grand, should be sheltered with a true piano covering made for the exact dimensions of the furniture. The elegance and beauty of the piano will be extended greatly.

Dust damage can be another hazard to the piano which is sitting dormant in the home. Besides the unsightliness, dust and dirt gathering on the keys will eventually cause them to stick and turn out hard to play. Dust and grime on the wood or lacquer finish of the piano can be abrasive. Just wiping the instrument clean can scratch the finish. The inner workings of the piano can be greatly damage by dust. Dust that accumulates by the tuning pins, the string bearing felts or the dampers will over time be extremely harmful to the long term health of your piano. A professional tuner can be asked, for an additional fee,to blow the dust from the inner workings of the piano with a bellow. A more financially appealing alternative would be a fitted piano cover.

A piano cover is a very good manner in which to protect your piano from the little, dirty fingers of children. Besides keeping it clean and smudge free, a fitted cover will most certainly assure that little fingers do not accidentally get slammed in the hood closing over the keys.

There are several subperb reasons to purchase a professionally manufactured piano or organ cover. Whether the proud piano owner is protecting an investment or an heirloom, saving time and effort cleaning the piano, or using a money saving alternative to professional cleaning and ultraviolet window blocks a piano cover prolong the luster of the instrument. - 16747

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