What is Tuning?
Piano Tuning is the act of increasing or decreasing over 225 strings' tension, under enormous pressure, to align them to sound pleasing & correct when a single or multiple keys are depressed. Most 20th & 21st century pianos are designed to be tuned to A440hz (a musical pitch), meaning the "A" above "Middle C" vibrates 440 times per-second when properly tuned.
How Often Do We Tune?
4 times in the very first year for brand new pianos, then 3 to 6 months thereafter. Not playing much? At least once per year can help keep pressure on the soundboard, one of the most important components of any piano.
Why Cleaning My Piano Is Important.
Professional cleaning once a year is recommend. This removes dust & debris from the inner action parts which will help keep it working in a healthy manner. I offer the Platinum Service which combines cleaning of the exterior cabinetry, keytop cleaning, interior cabinetry vacuuming, & action cleaning.
What are the 5 Parts of Piano Servicing?
tuning - turning 250 +/- tuning pins & strings to their desired pitch in order to align them to sound pleasing & correct.
voicing - how warm or harsh a piano sounds
regulation - how easily the keys & action parts play
humidity - controlling humidity keeps pianos tuned & living longer. We install Piano Life Saver Systems by Dampp Chaser.
repairs - replacing broken parts which may fail over time like strings, wooden action parts, exterior cabinetry chips/scratches, chipped keytops, etc.
Can I Keep My Piano Tuned Longer?
Install a Piano Life Saver System to keep your piano in tune longer. These systems are designed to keep the relative humidity in your piano’s soundboard area at 42RH% daily. The less your soundboard moves, the longer your tuning lasts.
Keep your piano away from:
open windows & doors
heating or cooling vents
a fireplace
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Tune?
The real answer here is there is NO real best time of year to tune. Controlling the room humidity (some is better than none) means you don’t have to worry about tuning. You might have heard “tune when the heat kicks on in the fall, then again when the heat shuts off in the spring.” Can this work? Yes, but controlling humidity in or around the piano means a longer-living piano, too :)
How Do I Measure the Relative Humidity?
A quality digital hygrometer, like this one with a +/- variance of accuracy between 1% & 2%, will measure relative humidity. They’re cheap and tell you a lot. Leave one on your piano to see where your humidity is. And never let the humidity drop below 35% in dry seasons or rise above 55% in humid times.
Piano Tuner vs. Piano Technician.
A Piano Tuner can make changes to a piano's pitch. A Piano Technician is a highly skilled piano tuner who also knows how to make proper repairs and adjustments to the tone and action performance.
Should I Have My Piano Inspected Before A Move?
Always inspect a piano before moving, selling, or buying (this cannot be stressed enough). Problems can lurk internally that may have otherwise saved you money had they been identified beforehand.
Where Can I Buy A Piano?
Quality pre-owned pianos can be bought through piano technicians or piano dealerships. NEVER buy or acquire a piano from a private party unless they show you recent service records or you’ve had it inspected by us. I see way too many pianos online for cheap or free listed as ‘just needs tuning’ or ‘needs a good home’ . I can nearly guarantee you, these pianos have not been well serviced and maintained.
What Can I Use to Clean My Piano?
Piano-safe cleaners can be used. Do not use furniture polish unless directed by your technician.