Best
Budget Digital Piano
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Overall: 88-Key Digital Piano Ideal For Living Spaces
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Best Feature: Synthetic Ebony And Ivory Keys Provide That Premium Grand Feel
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best
Overall Grand
Piano
Grand Piano INCREDIBLE SOUND AND LONGEVITY
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Overall: Utilizes 3 Pedals For Full Sostenuto
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Best Feature: Made From High-Quality Materials
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Digital Upright Piano
Digital Piano UNMISTAKABLE QUALITY AND STYLE
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Overall: OLED Display That Makes Navigation Easy
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Best Feature: XSpatial Headphone Sound Technology Enhances The Depth And Realism Of The SoundXX
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Taking care of your piano’s wood is more than just playing it—it’s about showing your piano some love. When I learned how to clean piano wood, it rewarded me with beautiful music.
As a pianist, I can’t overstate the importance of regular maintenance to keep the lustrous wood of a piano looking as polished as it sounds.
Trust me, a bit of elbow grease and the know-how is all you need to ensure your piano makes as much of a visual statement as a musical one. I recommend a spot of regular dusting with a microfiber cloth—it does wonders for keeping those keys glossy!
Keep reading, and I’ll share how simple things like a microfiber cloth and gentle cleaners work wonders.
Basic Piano Cleaning and Maintenance
Piano needs regular care to keep it sounding great. I ensure it stays in top shape by dusting and polishing it daily and giving it a deep clean when needed.
For daily maintenance, I gently rub the keys with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth, making sure not to let any water slip between them. Drying the keys immediately afterward with another clean cloth is essential to prevent any moisture damage.
Once a week, I spend extra time taking care of my piano’s outside. I use a feather duster or a soft cloth to gently wipe away dust, following the wood grain to avoid scratches.
For polishing, I use special piano cleaning products to give it a nice shine. I avoid using furniture polish, as it might have chemicals that could harm the piano’s finish.
Now and then, I thoroughly clean my piano to keep it in great shape. I use a soft brush attachment to vacuum the inside and remove debris.
For deeper wood cleaning, I use products made for pianos to keep the wood hydrated and shiny. After a deep clean, I use a piano polish, such as Cory Care Products Ultimate Care Kit , to protect it from dust and fading.
Cory Care Products Ultimate Care Kit
FEATURES: Key-Brite key cleaner
OTHER INFO: Super high gloss polish
- Includes polishing cloth
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Addressing
Specific Piano Parts
When I think about cleaning my piano, I focus on the little details that make a big difference.
From the keys to the glossy exterior, each part requires tender loving care.
Caring for Piano Keys
For ivory keys, I gently clean them with a soft cloth dipped in mild, soapy water, not letting any moisture seep down the sides.
Plastic keys are less fussy; I usually swipe them with a cloth and a dash of white vinegar, followed by a quick buff with a dry duster.
Maintaining Piano's Exterior Surfaces
The satin finish requires a light touch; just a soft cloth moving with the grain is needed to avoid scratches.
Now, high-gloss finishes love a bit of polish, applied with a microfiber cloth in gentle motions, while an open-pore finish prefers a less-is-more approach, with a mere whisper of a clean, damp cloth.
Considering the Internal Components
I leave the inner sanctum of strings and soundboard to my trusty piano technician; they’re a bit above my pay grade.
Avoiding the pitfalls of humidity and moisture is key for the internals and maintaining a stable environment to ward off dreaded cracks or tuning woes. Regular check-ups with a technician are necessary to keep these vital innards in harmony with the rest of the instrument.
Top Piano Brand Guide
DP-12 Compact Digital Piano by Gear4music
The DP-12 Compact Digital Piano by Gear4music features 88 semi-weighted keys and a range of instrument voices, delivering a realistic playing experience and versatile sound options.
Its compact design, built-in speakers, and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for beginners and those with limited space.
DP-12 Compact Digital Piano by Gear4music
PERFECT FOR: Learning at home
FEATURES: 88-key digital piano ideal for living spaces
OTHER INFO: Synthetic ebony and ivory keys provide that premium grand feel
DP-12 Compact Digital Piano by Gear4music
- Play with expression with a three-pedal unit and 128-note polyphony
- Get creative with 32 voices and a two-track playback recording
- With a sleek and stylish appearance
- No Bluetooth available
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Kawai CN21 Digital Piano
The Kawai CN21 Digital Piano features the Advanced Hammer Action IV-F keyboard and Harmonic Imaging sound technology, providing an exceptionally realistic and expressive piano playing experience.
Its built-in lesson functions, dual headphone jacks, and high-quality speaker system make it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced players seeking versatility and superior sound quality.
Kawai CN21 Digital Piano
FEATURES: OLED Display That Makes Navigation Easy
OTHER INFO: Spatial Headphone Sound Technology Enhances The Depth And Realism Of The Sound
- Includes Kawai's lesson function to learn classic piano pieces
- Adjust the instrument's parameters with the Virtual Technician app
- Creates rich and expressive sounds like the SK-EX and EX concert grand pianos
- With Superior Headphone Sound technology to enhance playing experience
- Advanced mode requires an iPad to access
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha C3X PE Grand Piano
The Yamaha C3X PE Grand Piano features a solid spruce soundboard and advanced V-Pro frame, delivering a rich, dynamic tone with exceptional resonance.
Its responsive action, elegant polished ebony finish, and superior craftsmanship make it a top choice for professional musicians and serious pianists.
Yamaha C3X PE Grand Piano
PERFECT FOR: use at home or in small performance spaces
FEATURES: Utilises 3 pedals for full sostenuto
OTHER INFO: Made from high-quality materials
Yamaha C3X PE Grand Piano
- With a length of 186 cm
- Produces beautiful, rich tones
- Available in a range of letters and models (G3, C3, C3X)
- An amazing sound that will make any pianist happy
- A piano that will last a lifetime
- Expensive piano - one of Yamaha's top-tier pianos
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
How to clean piano wood:
A Recap
Keep your instrument clean for maintaining optimal performance and longevity. Keep up with these simple steps, and your piano won’t just sound lovely; it’ll look every bit the masterpiece it is meant to be. Here’s a quick recap:
First, I always favor a gentle touch—soft cloths and mild solutions are my go-to pals. Next, remember, practice makes perfect; hence, regular dusting is crucial to keeping the grandeur.
A dab of diluted white vinegar and I become best pals in sticky situations. Drying off is not just a finishing touch; it’s essential, so I always take it.
Lastly, whether it’s a spritz spray or liquid bottle drop, I apply it carefully – always in line with the wood’s grain.
So, there you have it! Enjoy those clean piano keys, and here’s to many twinkling tunes on a spick-and-span piano!
Keep reading, there’s more…
Discover the best 61-key MIDI controllers to enhance your music production setup.
Interesting read on the Yamaha C3X PE Grand Piano. However, I find these articles always seem to gloss over the true essence of what makes a grand piano worth its price. There’s so much more beyond the brand name and aesthetics; it’s about the sound, the touch, the experience. Anyone else feel these reviews lack depth?
That piece on the DP-12 Compact had me looking at my wallet like it owes me money lol. But for real, is it as good as they say for small apartments?
Robert Emery really did a splendid job laying out the specifics for piano maintenance, especially for the internal components. It’s often a neglected part, but truly crucial for ensuring the longevity of the instrument. Well-done!
Hey, loved the part about daily piano care. Quick q tho, does humidity play a big role in how often I should be dusting off my piano? I live in a pretty humid area and noticed my old keyboard got a bit sticky. Wondering if it’s something I should watch out for with my acoustic piano. Cheers!
Gotta ask, what about dry climates? Any tips?
Yes, SunnyRay82, humidity can definitely affect your piano, including the keys. Using a dehumidifier in the room can help prevent stickiness.