Tuning
When does a piano need to be tuned?
It is recommended that a piano is tuned at least once a year.
As seasonal temperatures and humidity fluctuate, the wood, iron, and steel in your piano expands and contracts. The tension in the strings alters, causing the piano to go out of tune.
The pitch goes flatter over the colder months and sharper when the temperature rises. However it doesn’t fully regain its pitch so an untuned piano tends to go flatter over time.
A modern piano is engineered to be tuned at ‘concert pitch’ where the A string above middle C vibrates 440 times a second. Whilst it is recommended to tune a piano at least once a year to maintain concert pitch, pianos with heavy or more frequent use may be tuned more regularly. When a piano is regularly tuned and fluctuations in pitch are kept to a minimum, the tuning itself becomes more stable.
How long does it take to tune a piano?
A tuning appointment usually takes around 1½ to 2 hours. This allows a little time for minor repairs or light regulation if required. When a piano has gone very flat, it may be necessary to ‘pitch raise’. This involves performing one or two rough tunings in order to raise the pitch back up incrementally before the final fine tuning. This can take up to 3 hours and is therefore charged separately.
Can I help my piano stay in tune?
Placement of a piano within a room to avoid extreme changes in temperature is an important aspect to caring for your instrument. Try to avoid placing it in direct sunlight (which can also bleach the casework), near radiators or fires, or in the draught of a doorway. It’s not always easy to find an ideal spot! Even a screen to protect it from direct heat can be very beneficial.
If you need any more information or would like to arrange an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact me.