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Integrity Piano Service
Kenneth Farrington, RPT
P. O. Box 548
Naugatuck, CT 06770
(203) 888-7848
All content copyright 2004-2011 Integrity Piano Service.
Interesting Piano Facts
What is the difference between an upright and a grand piano? An upright or vertical piano is the kind of piano in which the strings are oriented vertically allowing the piano to be placed against a wall. A grand or baby grand piano is the classic "piano shape" with the curved side, stands on three legs, and has the strings in a horizontal position.
What is an "upright grand" piano? A piano is either upright or grand; it cannot be both. The term "upright grand" is actually clever marketing for a very tall upright, usually made between 1900 and 1930.
What are the pads in a piano? From time to time I hear someone mention something about replacing the "pads" in their piano. While there are many parts made of various types of wool felt, none of them go by the name "pads." If you've been wondering about this, chances are you are thinking of the hammers or dampers. The hammers, which strike the strings to make music, are made of wood with a very dense felt covering. The dampers, made of a much softer felt, rest against the strings except when a note is played or the sustain pedal is used. After lifting and allowing the string to vibrate, the damper returns to rest against the string, stopping or "damping" the sound.
Why do some pianos need watering? Some pianos are equipped with humidifier-dehumidifier systems made by Dampp-Chaser Corp. These "Piano Life Saver Systems" have a light that blinks when the humidifier reservoir is low, indicating to the piano owner that it is time to add water to the system. Humidifier systems are especially important in the Northeastern USA where indoor climates become very dry in the winter time. For more information visit the Dampp-Chaser website.
Do piano humidifiers have pads? Yes, they do. The humidifer pads or wicks in a Dampp-Chaser system need to be replaced once or twice a year to make sure that the system is functioning as it should be. If your piano has a climate control system, make sure your piano tuner keeps replacement humidifier pads in stock and can replace yours as needed.
How tightly are piano strings strung? The total tension in most modern pianos adds up to between 18 and 20 tons! That's 36,000 to 40,000 pounds!
How many strings does a piano have? Although it varies slightly from one piano to the next, most pianos have around 220 to 230 steel strings. Why not just 88? Because at least two-thirds of the notes actually sound three strings, not just one.
Want more interesting piano information? Check out the piano links from www.ptg.org.