Did You Know?
Keeping a piano tuned is as important as changing the oil in your car. And just as a car engine needs that oil change every three to five thousand miles, a piano needs regularly scheduled tunings and maintenance as well.
Piano tuning can be a bit of a mystery, especially if you’re ear isn’t inclined to hearing the subtle pitch issues common to these acoustic instruments. Plus, there’s more that meets the eye when it comes to the technicalities of tuning a piano. For example, you may think that since a piano has 88 keys, there’s only 88 strings. Actually, each key of a piano uses multiple strings, adding up to over 200 total strings that must be individually tuned.
How Can I Find A Qualified Technician?
Contact our store, and we will connect you with one of our certified technicians. All of our technicians have passed the necessary training associated with the products and brands we sell, so you can be assured you are getting the highest possible level of service available.
Why Does A Piano Go Out Of Tune?
While the act of playing your piano can cause it to go out of tune, that’s not the only factor. Temperature and humidity changes also affect tuning, causing the strings to expand and contract. That means that your piano is losing it’s proper tuning over time, even if you are not playing it.
How Often Should A Piano Be Tuned?
This is a bit of personal preference, but manufacturers recommend more frequent tunings during the first year after a piano is built, ranging from two to four times within the first twelve months. In subsequent years the piano strings will have adjusted and one to two tunings per year is usually sufficient. The more a piano is played, the more likely it is to go out of tune. Recording studios with pianos tune them multiple times per week, and during live concerts you will often see a piano technicians working on the instrument during intermission.
Piano “Tuner” or Piano “Technician?”
Though these titles are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a distinction between the two. While a piano tuner focuses solely on tuning the strings of a piano, a technician works on all piano related issues such as broken keys or other parts that need to be replaced or repaired. If a technician is a Registered Piano Technician, it means he or she has passed an extensive certification process with the Piano Technicians’ Guild. If you have a piano with additional technology built in, such as a player piano, a qualified technician can address issues related to the technology as well as the acoustic components.
How Long Will A Tuning Session Take?
The first time a piano is tuned, expect it to take two to three hours. Once maintained, it should only take an hour to an hour and a half. Beware of a tuner that takes less than 45 minutes to tune your piano. This likely means that a thorough tuning was not performed. If you have a player piano, expect it to take longer as additional tasks, such as calibration, need to be completed.
How Can I Find A Qualified Technician?
Contact our store, and we will connect you with one of our certified technicians. All of our technicians have passed the necessary training associated with the products and brands we sell, so you can be assured you are getting the highest possible level of service available.
