Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my piano be tuned?
Most piano manufacturers recommend twice a year. In reality your tuning schedule depends on a variety of factors, including the frequency of use, fluctuations of temperature/humidity inside your house, the build of the piano itself, and your family’s ability to tolerate out-of-tune pianos. While some concert grand pianos are tuned multiple times a week, some people can get away with tuning once a year. I personally recommend tuning your piano when it begins sounding out of tune, and a bare minimum of once a year. (Too-infrequent tunings can actually make your piano sound worse, even after a full tune.)
What is a 'pitch raise' and why is it sometimes necessary?
A pitch raise means the piano is so flat it has to be tuned twice. Raising the pitch on a piano requires increasing the tension of the strings. Increasing the string tension causes the piano soundboard and frame to compress slightly, which in turn, lowers the tension on the strings. When I tune a piano that is a half step (100 cents) flat, by the time I finish tuning, the notes in the middle drop about 20-35 cents from where I originally tuned them. When I do a pitch raise, I start by doing a quick “rough tune” where I tune all the notes slightly sharp. I then start over with a “fine tune” putting each note exactly in tune. My threshold for performing a pitch raise is when the piano is more than about 15 cents flat, and I will often do a partial pitch raise on pianos that are about 10 cents flat if I believe it will make the piano sound better in the end.
How long will a piano tuning take?
My average tuning takes about 1.5 hours, which includes some time for extra work, repairs, or regulation. That said, I try to set aside 2 hours for each appointment in case both a pitch raise and major repairs are needed.
What causes pianos to go out of tune?
Seasonal changes play a huge role in pianos going out of tune, with humidity and temperature being the main culprits. Increasing humidity generally causes pianos to go sharp (unevenly) while decreasing humidity causes them to go flat. Extreme and frequent temperature swings can also cause pianos to go out of tune (which is why tuners recommend that you don’t place your piano under a window or over a heating vent). In addition to this, pianos (particularly newer ones) tend to go flat over time as the strings stretch and parts compress. Hard playing can also cause pianos to go out of tune, though this can be partially mitigated by proper tuning technique.
Do I need to send my children out of the house during an appointment?
No. Some piano tuners like to work in a very quiet environment, and I respect that, but there is no need to send your kids out. As long as they aren’t banging pots and pans, using the vacuum cleaner, or practicing the violin, I’ll be just fine. Besides, children like to see what’s inside the piano, and they just might think it’s so cool that it will help motivate them to keep practicing.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I can accept most forms of payment including check (preferred), cash, credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and Chase Quickpay.
Do you have perfect pitch?
Yes, actually, but it is in no way necessary to have perfect pitch to tune pianos. Piano tuners tune to an external reference and listen to the difference between pitches or beat rates of intervals, none of which requires having perfect pitch.
Are there types of work that you don't do?
Yes. I don’t tune or repair antique square grands, make major repairs on old player pianos, appraise pianos, buy or sell pianos, refinish pianos, or do major rebuilding work. I am happy to refer you to other technicians who do provide these services.
Do you have any references?
Where can I learn more about pianos?
- Pianoworld.com is a great resource with all kinds of references. They even have a forum where you can ask questions and get answers, but be careful as some of the technicians there can bite.
- Wikipedia is always a fun place, and if they’re missing something you can always add it yourself.
- In addition to these, I recently started a piano tuning blog of my own that you are welcome to peruse.
