On my piano there are four piles of books, i.e. lots of music, copies of Pianist, theory workbooks, etc. Someone told me that the wood would not be able to breathe and that it would affect the sound of my piano. Is this true? Will my piano end up being damaged.

I dont think thats true, all the piano teachers ive ever had store books on their pianos, but hey im not sre

No.

The resonance comes from the soundboard, which is open at the back (on an upright) or bottom and top (on a grand).

Some pianos are made with perspex or polycarbonate cases...

O course, if like me you have so many books and instruments on the top of the piano that you can't face clearing it for tuning, the sound does deteriorate!

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm relieved. It was a non-musical person who gave me the wrong information.

Over time uncovered wood will fade faster than the parts protected by pile of books. But it will take years.

As my question is on a similar note (excuse the pun ), I thought I'd ask here...

I have a digital piano, and whenever there's a mobile phone nearby, it makes the speakers make that "duh duh duh, duh duh duh" sound!! Anyway, I was told by someone that this can damage the speakers...does anyone know if this is true?

Thanks.

Sorry don't know about the electric question.=, but I expect that's a bit exaggerated too..

I suppose piles of junk on your piano could muffle the sound a bit, but its such a useful place to put things, I think everyone ends up with music and books and so on. The only real no-no is vases and drinks - you do not want water in your piano!

Sorry, singerpianist, I don't know if that is true either. I just think with mobile phones they would just cause interference rather than any damage.

The signals from mobile phones are the biggest cause of the failure of electric pianos and their speakers. For full protection you need to buy a mobile phone signal shield. This protects your piano by absorbing most of the energy from mobile calls in your vicinity. Most but not all - enough gets through to make the characteristic clicking sound, but not enough to do any damage. They also protect your TV, radio, stereo and any other devices within 10m

These items are supplied as sealed units that attach with velcro to the underside of your piano, or other electronic device.

Fortunately I have a spare - which I am willing to sell for just 100 pounds.

You actually had me going for a moment, until I got to the commercial angle..

When the piano tuner last visited (and I am sure he is again due by now) he advised not having more than the current book on the music stand let alone any books on top of the piano.

He also advised taking the 3 small framed photos off the top of the piano but it looked so plain I put them back on it !

I have a few picture frames and bits on the top of the piano - no books though.

Sometimes when you play a certain note one of them makes a "buzzing" sound and you have to move it

Also there is a risk that hard or heavy objects such as picture frames or vases get knocked off and chip the keys.

Did he give a reason why?

maybe he thought the people were ugly?
only jokin