Vincitore's Piano | Piano Tuning

Piano Tuning

About 90% of an acoustic piano is made of wood. The wooden frame is reinforced with a cast iron ‘plate’ in order to withstand almost 20 tons of torque. Changes in temperature and humidity will directly affect the tuning stability of a piano.

When wood swells or contracts with the change of seasons, the tension on the 250 strings in a piano, changes also. String tension must be adjusted (tuned) to restore standard A-440 pitch.

A neglected piano may need more than one piano tuning to ‘stretch’ the stings and maintain pitch. It is always cheaper to maintain a piano than it is to restore a piano to pitch. The playing benefits of a well-tuned piano are enormous.

Piano Tuning FAQ's

How often should my piano be tuned?

It is highly recommended to have your piano tuned at least once a year, preferably twice, to avoid future tuning and voicing issues, pitch-correction procedures, and to check for any potential structural issues that can be easily fixed or remedied when found early.New and recently-restrung pianos often require 3-4 tunings during the first year or two to properly maintain correct tension and regulation across the instrument during the settling-in period.

Why does my piano go out of tune?

The answer is both humidity and time. During the summer, high levels of relative humidity increase the moisture content in the soundboard causing it to increase its crowned shape. The bridge, which is mounted on the crown of the soundboard, will then put more pressure upward on the strings causing the piano to go sharp in pitch. The reverse is true in the winter when there is less pressure on the strings from the bridge and the piano goes flat. Over many years and season changes, the piano will gradually lose string tension causing the instrument to go flat in pitch overall which is most prevalent with new or recently restrung instruments.

How long does it take to tune a piano?

The first visit will take 2 hours or more depending on services provided. There are 220 plus strings on a piano and they may require adjustment more than once. A piano tuned on a regular basis usually takes about 1.5 hours.

How much does it cost to tune my piano?

The simple answer to the question is that all pianos differ, and the rates will vary.

On well-maintained pianos that have been tuned regularly (every 6 months) and do not require repair or regulation, the typical service call tuning charge is $150-$225*.

Pianos that have not been tuned for at least year or two, or have undergone a drastic climatic change, typically require what is called a “pitch raise” (basically a double tuning), and the rate will be between $225 and $300*.

* Within our normal service area

When is the best time to tune a piano?

Each piano responds differently to humidity changes, and every environment is slightly different, so this question is usually best answered on a case-by-case basis. If your piano has been recently moved, it is recommended that you wait approximately 2-3 weeks for the piano to adjust to its new environment.

Will my piano need tuning if it hasn't been played much?

It's not so much playing a piano that causes it to go out of tune but rather changes in temperature and humidity, and settling of the piano itself. The amount of use a piano gets rarely has much effect on its tuning unless a pianist plays extraordinarily hard.

What's the difference between a piano tuner and a piano technician?

A piano tuner typically just tunes pianos. A piano technician can do complex repairs like action regulation, voicing, repairing broken parts, and even completely rebuilding a piano. But most piano technicians don't object to be called a piano tuner because it's a name the public recognizes.

Maintenance

Often overlooked, piano service involves adjustment and maintenance procedures that go beyond piano tuning. A single piano key activated as many as 70 different parts when played. Physical use and deterioration will affect the way a piano plays.

Periodic adjustments should be made to keep the ‘touch’ consistent and at a performance level. Nothing is more frustrating to a musician than an irregular keyboard action that stifles a performance.

Most adjustments are minor and can be regulated at the time of regularly scheduled tunings. Discuss general action servicing with your tuner-technician. Vincitore’s would be happy to discuss any service your piano may require.

Rent To Own Piano Program
January 24, 2015