when the piano isn't played

[Michael Jorgensen]

Hello,
     Pianos do go alittle dead when not used, but I think it's mostly related
to the hammers.  Dust collecting in the string grooves affects tone the way
sugar coating does.  I suspect also that shanks warp in various contortions
with humidity changes and that playing the piano keeps the string grooves
moving with the hammers.
-Mike Jorgensen

David Renaud wrote:

> 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