A Message from O’Neill’s Music House about Pianos

Dear Friends, Piano Teachers, and Musicians,
    I am sending out this email in response to the many calls we have received regarding flooded pianos. First of all,… our thoughts and prayers are with all of you especially if you have been directly affected by the floodwaters. Many of you will be called upon for advice on what to do with flooded pianos and I wanted to give you the best information possible. O'Neill's is working closely with many of the piano technicians and piano movers in town setting up warehouses for salvageable pianos and putting together a system to handle every customer in need.
    We must prioritize pianos based on whether they can be salvaged. Here are the criteria:
    Upright pianos – If it got water up to the strings in the bottom of the piano it is challenging but possible to save. If water went past the keys we are not optimistic but on a case by case basis – especially if the piano has sentimental value – we will do our best to help.
    Grand pianos – If water went up the legs but did not reach the keybed we feel there is a good chance it is salvageable. If water went over the keys we are not optimistic but again we will take these on a case by case basis especially if it has sentimental value.
    If you feel a piano is salvageable here are the immediate steps: Get the piano to a dry, air conditioned space. Open it up (call if you have questions on how to do this) and use fans or a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels. You should wipe off the outside finish if necessary but, do not wipe off strings or attempt to clean off the inside of the piano…a technician will inspect it and perform all the cleaning inside.
    If you need help moving, storing, or repairing a piano simply call me at the store and I will help coordinate. Ideally, someone would have a place to bring it that is air conditioned because climate control storage is limited.
    This is a challenging time in our community but O'Neill's has been here for 65 years working with many of you for a long time and we are here to support the musical community that has supported us for all these years. Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything.
Sincerely yours,
Raph, 767-3790