FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a piano tuning take?
A standard piano tuning usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. If pitch raising is required, expect an additional 30-45 minutes.
What is a pitch raise, and is it really necessary?
A pitch raise usually only becomes necessary if a piano has not been tuned for more than 1 to 1.5 years. Why? Modern pianos are tuned to a standard pitch: at A4 (the A above middle C) to 440Hz (to vibrate 440 times/second). If a piano hasn’t been tuned for too long, though, the strings may lose their tension and drop in pitch so low below A4=440 that simply tuning it does not last.
The issue is that as each string is tightened, the additional load causes the pitch of the previously adjusted strings to change. (Fun fact: There are over 200 strings in a piano... As opposed to, say, the six on a guitar.) Thus, it’s not possible to make a large change in pitch and end up with a fine, accurate tuning in one step. Instead, one or more pitch raises may become necessary as an initial rough tuning to raise all the strings’ tensions collectively close to their eventual tension before a final, accurate tuning to A4=440 is able to hold.
Thus, arranging to have your piano regularly tuned is always encouraged. The further it is out of shape, the harder it can be to get it back. In the long run, this could end up costing you more.
What is involved in regulation?
At the heart of any piano is its action. The action is an incredibly complex mechanism. Between a key you depress on the keyboard and the hammer that strikes a string, a surprisingly large number of parts intricately linked must work well together to provide you with the best touch - controlled and even throughout. Like a car, which similarly has a large number of moving parts, the piano's action is subject to wear and tear. Regulation involves repairing, replacing or restoring the condition of these various parts and ensuring that they are aligned and in their proper positions. A well-regulated piano allows the pianist access to his or her piano's full dynamic range.
What happens if a string breaks?
Replacing a string is not that difficult and is considered a minor repair. However, expect a new string to require more than one or two tunings. We would likely have to come back several times before the string will be able to hold a tune. Bass strings may have to be custom ordered, which will require more time.
How can I care for my piano day-to-day?
For cleaning every week or so, use a damp (never wet), lint-free cloth and wipe with the grain. If there is any excess moisture left on the piano, wipe it up with a similar cloth. Do the same for the keys - but use separate cloths for the white and black keys. Never use commercial cleaning agents. Instead, you could get special cleaners for pianos that will protect your piano's surface.
However, do avoid attempting to clean the inside of your piano yourself. Leave it to a qualified tuner-technician so that you do not damage any delicate parts. Keep your piano out of direct sunlight and remember to cover the keys when they are not in use. To prevent scratches, do not place any object on the piano without a soft cloth or piano cover below it.
Finally, keep all liquids away! This includes any drinks and vases. Any spillage into your piano's inner workings is going to cause serious, likely irreparable, damage.
How should I prepare for your visit?
Thank you for asking this... It would be most helpful if you could clear the top of the piano - whether upright or grand - of any objects (books, knick-knacks, sheet music, etc) and also any objects from the piano's immediate vicinity.
Keep in mind that tuning requires a huge amount of mental energy, and the quality and length of time needed to tune depends very much on the tuner’s ability to hear the piano well. Thus, please keep all noise to a minimum - reduce it completely if at all possible. This ensures that we can do our best work for you.
Lastly, if any keys have issues you wish to bring to our attention, it would be useful to make a note of which it is before we come.