The piano is a keyboard instrument used in Western classical music, often referred to as "the king of musical instruments". As Debussy once said, music is boundless like nature, and it has the power to soothe people's minds and help them forget their troubles.


The beautiful and calming sounds of the piano can evoke beautiful moments and stir the soul with every note played. As the economy developed, the piano became a widely popular musical instrument, with more and more people learning to play it.


Initially, pianos had only 60 keys. However, as the piano's musicality grew more advanced and mass production became more common, the 60-key model was no longer sufficient for the music produced.


Around 1880, the German Steinway Piano Factory produced a piano with 88 keys, and other manufacturers soon followed suit. Today, "88" has become the standard number of keys for pianos.


In reality, most composers do not require more than 88 keys. Sixty keys are often sufficient for most performances and demonstrations. Moreover, the range of sounds that the human ear can hear falls within a certain frequency range.


Generally, we can hear sounds ranging from approximately 15 Hz to 20,000 Hz, beyond which our ears cannot distinguish the sounds.


It is essential to pay attention to the maintenance of your piano. Proper maintenance not only improves the playing effect but also prolongs the piano's lifespan. To maintain and preserve a good piano, the following steps are necessary:


1. The piano should be placed on a hard floor, leveled, and all wheels should be in contact with the ground.


2. Since 80% of the piano is made of wood, it should be positioned at least 8 to 10 cm away from the wall when placed against it. If placed near a window, direct sunlight, humidity, and sudden changes in temperature can adversely affect the piano. If you must place the piano near a window, be sure to hang thick curtains to protect it.


3. The piano should be kept away from heat sources such as radiators and heaters to prevent damage to the external and internal components of the piano, which can affect sound quality and intonation. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid exposure to radiation and hot air.


4. Proper temperature and humidity and good ventilation are necessary conditions for the best performance and sound quality of the piano. Ideally, the relative humidity should be between 40% and 70%, and the temperature should range from 20 to 25°C.


Some internal components of the piano, such as wood, velvet, and felt, are highly sensitive to the environment and can be damaged easily.


5. Avoid collisions. Piano collisions can damage its appearance and loosen internal parts, resulting in inaccurate rhythm. When moving the piano, be sure to handle it with care, preferably by lifting it. Do not push the piano violently, which can cause the piano to vibrate and affect the tuning of the strings and the mechanical parts.


The piano is an instrument that requires proper care and maintenance to deliver the best performance and sound quality. By following the above steps, you can ensure that your piano is well-preserved, prolonging its lifespan and providing you with beautiful and calming music for years to come.