Instruments are a major investment. Whether making a new purchase or caring for a vintage item, regular upkeep is critical to the longevity and clarity of a musical instrument. If and when an instrument is passed along to a new home, it is best to make sure that its condition is sustainable. Below are some easy instrument repairs to consider before thinking about where to donate piano NYC.
Tuning
For string instruments, tuning is a quick and easy way to take an instrument from good condition to great. Tuning is the process of tightening or loosening strings to ensure that the pitch and tone are correctly established between intervals on the instrument. Tuning is most needed for pianos and should be completed by a professional. For string instruments that are smaller than pianos, like guitars or violins, tuning occurs before almost any playing.
Pianos actually stay in better condition for longer periods of time when they are regularly tuned. When strings stretch too much, the piano becomes out of tune, a trait noticeable to even the untrained ear. Similarly, if a piano has not been tuned in some time, it will be more costly to get the instrument back to where it should be.
Broken Pieces
Repairing a broken string or piece of an instrument is a great fix. Broken strings are quite common, and even young musicians get quickly acquainted with the process of replacing broken strings on smaller string instruments. (Again, piano repairs are more complicated and should be left to professionals.) Other damages to instruments, like broken bridges and pegs on strings or sticking keys and joints on wind instruments, might require a bit more time and energy than a broken string. However, especially if an instrument is going to a new home, these sorts of changes and investments can make an older instrument feel like new again.
Refinishing
Another great fix for an instrument is a nice refinish. If an instrument has not been particularly cared for, it may have become cracked, rusted, or scratched in places simply due to wear, tear, and time. Sometimes, refinishing isn’t just for the look of an instrument. It can make an instrument sound better, too. Refinishing will usually involve removing an older finish and replacing it with a new coat. Wind instruments will typically focus on a more chrome-based finish, while string instruments have wood exteriors and paint. Either way, refinishing is a lovely touch.
