How often should I have my piano tuned?
The frequency of piano tuning depends on various factors like the piano's age, environment, and how frequently it's played. As a general rule, most pianos benefit from being tuned at least twice a year, regardless of how frequently they're played. Newly purchased pianos might need more frequent tuning initially as the strings stretch and settle into their tension.
What causes a piano to go out of tune?
Changes in humidity and temperature, heavy usage, age of the piano, moving a piano, lack of maintenance, and quality of the instrument can all contribute to piano losing its tune.
What other maintenance might be required for a piano besides tuning?
Aside from tuning, there are several other maintenance strategies to help keep a piano in good condition.
Regulation: Piano regulation involves adjusting the mechanical parts of the piano to ensure proper touch and responsiveness. This includes aligning and adjusting the action (keys, hammers, and other moving parts).
Voicing: Voicing refers to the adjustment of the piano’s hammers to control tone quality. Over time, hammers can become hard or compact. Voicing can help restore the desired tonal quality by softening or hardening the hammers as needed.
Cleaning: Regular cleaning is recommended to prevent dust buildup which can affect the piano’s internal mechanisms. Use a soft cloth to wipe the keys and a vacuum with a brush attach attachment to clean the inside of the piano. Avoid using chemical cleaners or excessive moisture.
Humidity control: Here in Florida, maintaining consistent humidity levels (ideally between 40% to 50%) helps prevent damage to the wooden components. A humidity control system or room dehumidifier can help stabilize humidity levels. David is a certified service installer of the Piano Life Saver System by the Dampp Chaser Corp.
How long does a piano tuning take?
The time varies based on the condition of the piano and the type of tuning needed. A basic tuning typically takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. However, additional adjustments, repairs, or more extensive work such as a pitch raise can extend the time needed for tuning.
What is a pitch raise?
A pitch raise, also known as a pitch adjustment or pitch correction, is a process used to bring a piano back up to the standard pitch if it has fallen significantly flat. Over time, due to changes in humidity, temperature, and string tension, pianos can gradually drop in pitch.
When a piano is considerably flat, simply tuning it to the standard pitch in one session might place the strings under too much tension. The sudden increase in tension might risk breakage or cause undue stress on the piano's structure. Instead, the piano technician will adjust the tension of the strings incrementally and may perform several rounds of tuning passes. Each time, the pitch is raised slightly closer to the desired standard. The gradual process allows the strings to settle at each step without subjecting them to too much tension all at once.
Should I clean my piano?
Yes. Regular cleaning is recommended to prevent dust buildup which can affect the piano’s internal mechanisms. Use a soft cloth to wipe the keys and a vacuum with a brush attach attachment to clean the inside of the piano. Avoid using chemical cleaners or excessive moisture.
Should I buy a used or new piano?
The decision to buy a used or a new piano depends on various factors including your budget, personal preferences, and the specific characteristics of the instrument you're considering.
A new piano typically comes with a warranty and sometimes free or discounted maintenance for the first couple of years. With a new piano, you can choose the type of piano, the model, and the style and finish to fit your taste. A new piano may also feature the latest technology and design.
When considering a used piano, it’s important to have it inspected by a qualified piano technician to assess its condition, structural integrity, sound quality, and any necessary repairs or maintenance it might require. Used pianos are generally more affordable than new ones provided that extensive repair costs don’t offset the initial savings. Factors such as the piano's age, brand, how it was maintained, and its environment (humidity, temperature) can significantly impact its condition and value.
Do you service electronic instruments?
David has an A.S. degree in electronics and in some cases can service electronic musical instruments, including QRS, PianoDisc, and Yamaha Disklavier digital player piano systems.