With temperatures reaching 33°C in Leeds this Friday, it is highly recommend you keep the  humidity in your piano room at a reasonable level (40-60%). A dehumidifier in the room, plus curtains to keep the sun out, will help tremendously.

Pianos are mostly made of wood (the soundboard, wrest plank, keys and action) and metal (strings, frame) both of which react to environmental changes. High humidity makes the spruce soundboard swell (dragging the piano tuning sharp) and low humidity makes it shrink flattening the sound. Sticky keys are almost aways due to humidity and moisture causing action parts or key bushings to swell.

Most well-maintained pianos survive heatwaves without any damage, though the tuning will likely drift. If you notice your piano sounding less satisfying during this season, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07542667040