Where to Put Your Piano

The comments in this chapter mainly apply to acoustic pianos, as they are generally more susceptible to damage due to changes in temperature, humidity, and so on. However, there are also some care and maintenance issues to bear in mind when using electronic keyboards.

Before going to buy an acoustic piano, you should decide where you are going to put it (i.e., in which room in your house). Of course, you’ll want the piano to be in a visually pleasing location, especially as it is an elegant piece of furniture. The two main places to avoid are a) near a window that gets direct sunlight, and b) near a heating or air conditioning duct, or radiator.

Sunlight is not good for acoustic pianos. The wood can become dried out or warped over time, and the ultraviolet rays can damage the finish, causing blisters or bleaching to occur. Eventually, this can also affect the keys and hammers, causing the piano to go out of tune. So although you may be tempted to place it near the window so you can be inspired by the view— don’t! Electronic keyboards are somewhat “hardier,” however it’s still not a great idea to place them in direct sunlight.

Sudden temperature changes are also not good for your piano, and can cause the piano to go out of tune. Even worse are abrupt changes in humidity levels. These cause the wood in the piano to shrink or swell, which can result in cracking and damage to the joints. The expansion of the wood also causes the tuning pins to slip, and the piano to go out of tune. Condensation can also result from high humidity, which can then rust the metal parts. Many acoustic piano owners use a humidifier to regulate humidity levels in the room where the piano is located, and you can get these from your piano dealer, or from a department store. Good ventilation in the room also helps, as it prevents excess moisture from building up inside the piano.

You also want your piano in a place that is accessible and easy for you to play. Most people put pianos in a “main room” of the house, such as the family room or living room. This normally works, but make sure you can play the piano when you want to (i.e., if it’s near the TV, you may be constrained during your family’s favorite programs!). If this is a problem, consider putting the piano in a spare room (if there is enough space). If you live in an apartment, condo, or town house, you’ll want to consider any potential disturbance to your neighbors. For example, you should avoid placing the piano next to a wall shared by your neighbor, or in a room above their bedroom. These factors are not a problem with electronic keyboards, which will normally have a “headphone output” for practicing, and are also more portable than their acoustic counterparts. Lighting is also an important factor to keep in mind. I’ve played in plenty of dimly-lit clubs over the years, but when I’m playing at home, I like plenty of light, whether or not I’m actually reading music. If the room your piano is in needs some more light, you can always set up an extra lamp near your keyboard.