Piano Tuning
THE ART & SCIENCE OF PIANO TUNING
So you’ve finally decided to purchase a piano. Maybe your kid started piano lessons, or you’ve just rediscovered your passion for music. Whatever the case, there is a shiny new instrument standing in your living room. All yours, hopefully for many years to come. You want to take good care of it, but how?
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET REGULAR PIANO TUNING SERVICE?
Because these are highly sensitive and sometimes finicky instruments that react to the slightest fluctuations in climate and weather. Since most pianos are made of wood, they are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and especially humidity. Wood can absorb the moisture in the air, becoming supple. It can also become extremely dry in arid environments. Being exposed to heating and air conditioning can further worsen this effect.
As an aside, this phenomenon is not limited to pianos. If you’ve played other musical instruments made of wood, you may have experienced something similar. Because the strings in a piano (and other musical instruments) are attached to the wood, an expanding or shrinking wooden frame will pull on the strings differently and result in a different sound.
Besides being susceptible to the weather, simply sitting down to play piano will put strain on your instrument and will have an effect over time. The more you play, the more the strings and hammers inside your instrument come under pressure. Getting your piano tuned regularly is akin to taking it to a spa and working out the kinks in its sore muscles. It will also act as a preventative measure for needing more serious piano repairs down the road.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE TUNING A PIANO?
The standard recommendation for piano tuning frequency is twice a year. Usually the best time to tune an instrument is when the seasons change in the springtime and during the fall. This way not only are you being proactive and relieving any tension your instrument may experience due to regular use, but you are also positioned to address seasonal fluctuations that will undeniably have an effect on your piano.
Instruments that undergo heavier use (such as practice pianos in music schools and universities, that may be used most hours of the day every day) should get tuned more frequently to avoid problems. Our recommendation is to tune monthly as well as separately for concerts. Keeping your instruments in good health will increase their longevity and prevent small issues from snowballing into serious problems that require extensive repairs.
The cost of piano tuning varies greatly and depends on many factors, such as:
- The type of instrument you own (grand vs upright)
- The age and condition of your instrument
- How long it’s been since your last tuning
- The experience level of your piano technician
- How many instruments you own (applies for organizations / schools)
- Your location and many other factors
But overall the cost ranges from about $120 to $250 for a tuning.
PIANO TUNING COST
It’s understandable that learning about piano maintenance might be frustrating. With piano cost as high as it is, realizing you need to spend more money on piano tuning sounds unreasonable. But try to think of it as protection of your investment, rather than an expense. You’ve just spent a pretty penny on a beautiful instrument. Tuning your piano regularly will not only ensure its performance but increase its longevity as well. With proper care your piano can stay in the family for many generations to come, bringing music and joy to your children and grandchildren.
HOW ABOUT PIANO REPAIRS?
Your instrument will sometimes require repairs. These can range from minor problems that can be fixed in a matter of minutes, to complex issues that will call for major restorative procedures, and everything in between. If you have a piano repair and tuning partner you can trust, they will give you the best recommendation for your instrument and your specific situation. We always strive to find the best solution for our clients, taking into account their unique needs and budget constraints. Usually there are several options available, ask your piano technician to explain what they are and the considerations involved in each one.
DON’T WAIT, SCHEDULE A TUNING TODAY!
We are happy you are wondering about tuning your piano. These instruments are majestic and delicate at the same time. They truly are works of art, with over 12,000 moving parts working in tandem to produce beautiful sounds that can create so much joy for a musician.
Immediately after a piano tuning, you will notice an improved more harmonious sound. Your instrument will be a pleasure to play. So don’t wait for your instrument to fall into disrepair. Find a reliable piano tuner, someone you can trust, someone who will care for your piano as if it were their own. And enjoy the music!