If you own a piano, you may wonder how often it should be tuned, whether moving it affects the tuning, what happens when a piano has been neglected, or whether a problem requires tuning or repair.

Robert King has been professionally tuning pianos for over 40 years, working on upright and grand pianos in homes, schools, churches, recording studios and professional performance venues.

His experience includes tuning pianos for concerts at St David’s Hall, Wales Millennium Centre, Tramshed Cardiff and The Riverfront Newport, professional tuning work for BBC Cardiff, and tuning aboard cruise ships.

Here are answers to some of the questions Robert is regularly asked.

How often should a piano be tuned?

For most pianos in normal domestic use, tuning approximately once a year is a sensible starting point.

Pianos used heavily, professionally or for performances may require more frequent tuning. Newer instruments can also need more frequent attention while the strings and structure settle.

The condition of the piano, its environment and how much it is played all affect how well it holds its tuning.

How do I know when my piano needs tuning?

Sometimes it is obvious: notes begin to sound unpleasant together, chords lose their clarity or the whole instrument simply sounds wrong.

At other times the deterioration happens gradually and the owner becomes accustomed to it.

If the piano hasn’t been professionally tuned for a year or more, it is usually worth having it checked.

What happens if a piano hasn’t been tuned for several years?

A piano that has gone a long time without tuning may have fallen significantly below its intended pitch.

In these circumstances, simply tuning each note once may not be sufficient. The instrument may first require a pitch correction or pitch raise before a fine tuning can be carried out.

The condition of the individual piano needs to be assessed before deciding what is appropriate.

What is a pitch raise?

Modern pianos are normally tuned around the standard reference pitch of A = 440 Hz.

If the overall tension of the piano has fallen substantially, bringing individual notes immediately to their final tuning can cause previously tuned notes to move again as the tension across the instrument changes.

A pitch raise is a preliminary tuning designed to restore the piano closer to the correct overall pitch before it receives its final fine tuning.

Should I have my piano tuned after moving it?

Usually, yes, but it doesn’t necessarily need tuning the moment it arrives.

Moving a piano into a different environment can expose it to changes in temperature and humidity. Allowing the instrument some time to acclimatise before tuning can therefore be sensible.

If you’ve recently moved a piano and aren’t sure when to have it tuned, Robert can advise you.

Does moving a piano across the room put it out of tune?

Not necessarily.

The greater issue is often a change in environment rather than the physical movement itself. Moving a piano between properties, particularly where temperature and humidity differ, is more likely to affect its stability than carefully repositioning it within the same room.

Where is the best place to position a piano?

Pianos generally benefit from a reasonably stable environment.

Where practical, avoid placing the instrument immediately beside radiators or other strong heat sources, and be cautious about locations experiencing large temperature or humidity changes.

A stable environment helps both the tuning and the instrument itself.

How long does a piano tuning take?

There isn’t one correct time for every instrument.

The time required depends upon the condition and stability of the piano, how far it has moved from pitch and whether anything else needs attention.

An experienced piano tuner assesses the instrument and carries out the work required rather than treating every piano as identical.

Can an old piano still be tuned?

Often, yes.

Age alone doesn’t determine whether a piano can be successfully tuned. Its structural and mechanical condition is much more important.

Some very old pianos remain perfectly serviceable, while others may have problems that limit what can reasonably be achieved.

Robert can assess the instrument and explain the sensible options.

Can you tune both upright and grand pianos?

Yes.

Robert tunes both upright and grand pianos, from family instruments through to pianos used in professional and performance environments.

Can you repair a piano at the same visit?

Many smaller faults can be investigated and, where practical, repaired during a visit.

Problems such as sticking or non-functioning keys and certain action faults may be relatively straightforward. Larger repairs may require components or the piano action to be taken to the workshop.

If you know about a fault when booking, mention it beforehand.

Is piano tuning the same as piano regulation?

No.

Tuning adjusts the pitch and relationship of the strings.

Regulation concerns the piano’s mechanical action, the system of keys, hammers and associated components that allows the pianist to control the instrument.

A piano can therefore be accurately tuned while still requiring mechanical regulation.

Why does a piano go out of tune?

A piano contains strings held under considerable tension. Changes in humidity and temperature affect the wooden structure of the instrument, particularly the soundboard, and this can alter string tension and pitch.

Normal settling and use also contribute over time.

This is why tuning is part of the continuing maintenance of an acoustic piano rather than something performed only once.

How much does professional piano tuning cost?

Robert’s standard professional piano tuning price is £120.

If a piano has not been tuned for a considerable period, is substantially below pitch or requires repair work, additional work may be necessary. This can be discussed after assessing the instrument.

Which areas do you cover?

Piano Tuning Company provides professional piano tuning throughout Newport, Cardiff, Monmouth, Usk, Monmouthshire and surrounding areas of South Wales.

For dedicated local information, visit our Piano Tuner Cardiff or Piano Tuner Monmouthshire pages.

Book a Professional Piano Tuning

For professional upright or grand piano tuning by Robert King, with over 40 years’ professional experience, call:

07811 683790

Piano tuning: £120