Piano Scent: A Musical Aroma Experience

Pianos, like people, have unique scents. Some smell like tangy wood, old churches, or even cigars. Others have a more pleasant, sweet, woody aroma. But why do pianos have a smell at all? Well, it's because the wood and felts, especially the dampers and hammers, absorb odours and emit them. This means that a piano's scent is a reflection of its history, the environments it has been in, and the people who have played it. For example, one piano owner found that their piano had absorbed the smell of cigars from its previous owner. Another discovered that their piano had been inhabited by rats, which had left their own distinctive scent.

Aromatherapy and piano music

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses plant extracts and essential oils to promote health and well-being. It has been shown to have a significant effect on reducing anxiety, stress, and depression, as well as enhancing relaxation and concentration.

Piano music, on the other hand, can be a form of music therapy, which has been proven to positively impact the autonomic nervous system and the neuroendocrine system. Listening to calm and slow-tempo piano music can reduce anxiety and facilitate relaxation by affecting the limbic system of the brain, which controls emotions.

When combined, aromatherapy and piano music can create a synergistic effect, enhancing each other's benefits. For example, in a study conducted on nursing students, the combined therapy of aromatherapy and music reduced test anxiety, state anxiety, and stress more effectively than either therapy alone. The piano music used in the study was Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, which has been proven to relieve test anxiety and improve listeners' stress levels, blood pressure, pulse rate, and body temperature.

The scent of a piano itself can also have an impact on the playing experience. Some people have described their pianos as having a distinctive aroma, such as a woody or musty smell, which can be attributed to the outgassing of oils and other materials used in the piano's construction.

In conclusion, aromatherapy and piano music can be powerful tools for promoting mental well-being and enhancing cognitive performance. When used together, they can create a calming and soothing atmosphere, reducing anxiety and improving overall mood.

Removing cigarette smoke smell from a piano

Cigarette smoke can be difficult to remove from a piano, especially if it has permeated the entire instrument. Here are some methods to help eliminate the odour:

Cleaning and Washing

Use a mild solution of dish soap and water with a paper towel to clean the piano's exterior. For the keys, you can use rubbing alcohol. Be careful not to get the keys too wet. It is also important to note that you should not attempt to clean the interior of the piano yourself, as this can cause damage. Instead, have a professional vacuum and clean the inside.

Natural Deodorisers

Baking soda, white vinegar, and fresh coffee grounds can help absorb and neutralise odours. Place these in small dishes inside and around the piano. You can also use charcoal briquettes, which have the same effect.

Airing Out

Keep the piano in a well-ventilated room. If possible, remove the bottom wood plate and open the top to increase airflow through the instrument.

Commercial Products

Some commercial products can help eliminate odours. For example, Febreze, OdoBan, and Right Away Odor Eliminator. Be cautious when using these products, as some may contain chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled.

Ionisers and Ozone Machines

Using an ioniser or ozone machine can help remove odours, but be cautious as ozone can attack rubber parts and other organic materials in the piano.

Professional Services

If the cigarette smoke odour is severe and none of the above methods are effective, consider contacting a professional piano restoration technician or a fire restoration company. They have specialised products and techniques to thoroughly remove smoke damage and odours.

Piano aroma and the impact of previous owners

The aroma of a piano can be influenced by its previous owners and their habits, such as smoking, which can leave a strong cigarette odour that is difficult to remove due to the porous nature of the wooden components. The aroma can also be influenced by the materials used in its construction, such as the oils and finishes used on the wood, as well as the felt and leather components. These aromas can be pleasant, such as a sweet, woody smell, or less desirable, like the scent of dead mice or rats.

The impact of previous owners on the aroma of a piano can be significant, and it can be challenging to remove strong odours without damaging the instrument. Professional cleaning and restoration may be required, which can be costly. Some piano owners have tried various methods to eliminate unwanted smells, including using baking soda, charcoal, vinegar, and lavender sachets. Others have employed more unconventional approaches, such as wiping down the piano with vodka or using an ozone machine.

The unique aroma of a piano, whether pleasant or unpleasant, can be intriguing and even endearing to its owner. Some people develop a fondness for the distinctive scent of their instrument, considering it a part of the piano's history. The aroma can evoke memories and emotions, creating a deeper connection between the pianist and their instrument.

Additionally, the aroma of a piano can be a reflection of its age and the materials used in its construction. Older pianos, for example, may have a musty, woody odour that is absent in newer instruments. The type of wood and the quality of construction can also contribute to the piano's unique scent.

In conclusion, the impact of previous owners on the aroma of a piano can be complex and multifaceted. It can involve the absorption of odours, the release of gases from finishes and materials, and the accumulation of scents from the surrounding environment. The process of removing or altering the aroma of a piano can be challenging and may require professional intervention. Ultimately, the aroma of a piano can become an integral part of its character, influencing the sensory experience of playing and listening to the instrument.

The scent of new and old pianos

The scent of a piano can evoke a range of emotions and memories. The aroma of a piano can vary depending on its age, with new and old pianos offering distinct olfactory experiences.

New pianos are often associated with the smell of lacquer, fresh wood, and other materials used in their construction. Some people find this aroma pleasing and invigorating, reminiscent of the excitement of purchasing a new instrument or stepping into a showroom. The scent of a new piano can be so alluring that some individuals consider regularly lacquering their instrument to maintain that new aroma.

On the other hand, old pianos develop a more complex and nuanced fragrance over time. The wooden components age and take on a woody, musty, or smoky aroma, sometimes compared to the scent of old books or a grandmother's attic. The felt, dampers, and hammers of the piano can also absorb and emit odours, including those of cigarette smoke or pipe tobacco, adding further depth to the piano's scent.

The scent of an old piano can evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. It can transport people back to their childhood, their first piano lessons, or memorable performances. The aroma can be so distinctive that it becomes a defining characteristic of the instrument, intertwined with its history and the spaces it has occupied.

The scent of a piano, whether new or old, is an integral part of its character and charm. It can inspire passion, influence purchasing decisions, and even spark new trends in the piano world, such as customers seeking out specific aroma profiles in addition to tonal quality and aesthetic appeal.

The olfactory experience of pianos has even inspired perfumers to create fragrances that capture the essence of these instruments. For example, the "Old Piano" fragrance by FUMparFUM aims to evoke the scent of an old jazz club in New York, with notes of lacquered wood, leather, whiskey, and cigar smoke.

Piano aroma and memory

The sense of smell is strongly linked with memory and emotion. According to writer Marcel Proust, who first described the phenomenon in "In Search of Lost Time", smells are "intangible and intangible presences but no less intense, persistent and faithful" reminders of the past.

This is certainly true of pianos, which often have a distinctive aroma, especially older instruments. One piano player describes the "complex, sweet, slightly smoky woody smell" of their Steinway piano, while another talks about the "musty, woody odour" of their instrument. These aromas are often the result of the off-gassing of oils and other materials used in the piano's construction, such as glues, plastics, lubricants, and finishes.

The sense of smell is one of the first senses to develop. The olfactory nerve forms during the seventh week of gestation, allowing the fetus to recognize the smell of its mother. Because of this early development, smells are more easily associated with memories than visual or auditory signals. The sense of smell is also unique in that it cannot be intentionally "deactivated". We can escape from visual or auditory stimuli by closing our eyes or blocking our ears, but we cannot do the same with a persistent smell.

The power of scent and its connection to memory is evident in the piano-playing community, where the aroma of their instruments can evoke strong emotions and memories.

Frequently asked questions