when the piano isn't played

[David Renaud]

I've noticed octaves of the piano that are in some
cases not used at all(top octave-bottom octave)
more often have actions centers stiffen up, more slow keys.

Violins need to be played or they reportedly "go dead".
Apparently it is good for the wood to exercise & vibrate.
They have the violins at Smithsonian taken out and played
periodically for the purpose of preserving them.

Is this true if a piano soundboard. Does it "free up"
its sound with use?

                                     Interesting question.

                                     Dave Renaud
                                     RPT
                                     Canada

Clyde Hollinger wrote:

> Friends,
>
> Several times recently when I called clients about scheduling the
> tuning, they responded that it's no longer being played.  Then they say
> something like, "I heard it's bad for the piano to not be played.  Is
> that true?"
>
> Well, I've heard that, too, but I really don't know if it's true, or why
> it would be.  Can someone answer the question?  Thanks.
>
> Clyde Hollinger