Care about a pianola

The technical part of the care - tuning and regularization - should be performed by an experienced expert. Wipe the surface of the pianola regularly with a slightly humid cloth. Do not use furniture polish, because they mostly attack the sensitive shellac. Only an expert with special means should maintain and refurbish shellac. Please, never clean the interior of the pianola - leave it to the expert.

Buying an older and used pianola

If you acquire an older used pianola, consider cleaning by an expert piano-maker even before setting it up in your living space, because loads of decade-old dust and dirt may have accumulated in the more hidden parts. Here you see an example of rather normal dirt below the keyboard.

A pianola should be closed when not in use, to keep dust etc. away from the inside. Never apply post-its or adhesive labels to the keys, esp. if they are made of ivory - rather fix a notes chart on the wooden bar in front of or behind the keys in a way that will not leave residuals. Or, better still, get by without any.

Please, never place glasses or vases with liquids on the pianola - if these will flow into the piano (and that seems to always happen), you will face drastic and very costly repairs.

If you acquire an older used pianola, consider cleaning by an expert piano-maker even before setting it up in your living space, because loads of decade-old dust and dirt may have accumulated in the more hidden parts. Here you see an example of rather normal dirt below the keyboard incl. a desolate mouse nest, which is not that uncommon.

For any other questions about dealing with your pianola, please, contact us.

Which accessories are required for the pianola?

Air moisture should in any case be controlled at that place where the pianola and the piano rolls are kept to preserve their value. We recommend a high-quality hygrometer for that. This way you can recognize and counteract too severe dryness (moisture significantly below 45 %). By the way, you will not only protect your instrument but also your health, because too dry air is adverse to the respiratory tract. It is important to provide sufficient air humidity in the setup area of the piano - we do not recommend built-in solutions like "Hydroceel tubes" or electronically controlled moistening device, because too great differences between the inside of the instrument and the surroundings may provoke compensation stresses. You may get hygrometers or a moistening system from us.

Pianola stool

A comfortable stool or bench that is suited for a pianola is most essential. Choose not only by its looks, but primarily by comfortable sitting, adaptability and whether it is intended that two persons may as well sit at the piano. Treaded instruments need beveled seats, because the treading of the pedals is much more comfortable in this sitting position.

If your pianola has no muffler rail (pedal or rope feature to lower a felt in front of the hammers) and your playing time is limited by the requirements of neighbors or sleeping children, consider its additional installation. Piano-makers who are versant with pianolas may refit these at most instruments for a fairly reasonable price (~250 euro).

Pianola candlesticks

Most pianos before 1920 had once very important and now very decorative authentic candlesticks or, after 1920, as splendid electric candlesticks. Few instruments, though, have preserved them till today, for they were removed during the war or otherwise.

Electric candlesticks for a pianola

If you are looking for candlesticks for your piano, contact us, please, or browse the page "Pianola Accessories" - there many nice candlesticks available.

A key for a pianola

Even though the lock at the (grand) piano will be seldom used, a key is now and then helpful. We may provide you with some original keys or new copies that fit into most piano locks.

Please, find pianola accessories here.