Manufacturers generally recommend pianos be tuned at least once a year, with every six months being ideal. However, there are several factors that may cause your piano to require more frequent tuning. These factors include the age of the piano (new pianos need up to four tunings in their first year), and frequent changes in room temperature or humidity. Pianos that are used often will go out of tune faster, as well as pianos that have been recently moved. Of course, your personal preference is important as well in determining appropriate care for your instrument.

Yes, an old piano can be tuned and repaired, but will likely need several sessions with a professional tuner. Old pianos can develop worn pin blocks causing them to not hold their tuning well, and rusted strings may be prone to breakage and need replacing. Pianos that are extremely out of tune may need multiple tuning appointments to be returned to standard pitch. Tuning a piano in small increments reduces risk of string breakage, stress on the instrument, and makes the pitch more stable. A professional piano technician can assess your instrument in person to determine the best course of action for your old piano.

Without regular tunings, piano strings typically lose tension causing pitch to drop and degrade the piano’s sound. In addition, changing tension in the strings can put pressure on the body and internal structure of the piano, leading to damage and expensive repairs.

Item dWell-tuned keys should have a pure straight sound. For most pitches, each key has multiple strings. If all the strings of a single key are not exactly tuned to each other they will produce a wobbly, buzzing quality to the sound. This will also occur when playing octaves and chords. You may also notice a harshness in the piano’s tone, or inconsistent volume across the keys. You can test whether your piano’s pitch has dropped with a standard smartphone tuning app; the A4 key should resonate at 440 Hz. Keep in mind that pianos are typically not tuned to exactly equal intervals like a standard tuner, so even if your A-440 is in tune, other keys to the extreme ends of the keyboard may not read accurately.

To keep the outside of your piano clean, dust the surface with a dry microfiber cloth or duster. For more stubborn spots you can clean the exterior and keys with a dampened cloth and dry immediately afterward, wiping in the direction of the wood grain if applicable. Always dampen the cloth then apply to the piano, never spray directly onto the piano’s surface. Avoid using scented cleaners or polishes that can erode the wood and keys. A detail attachment on a vacuum cleaner or compressed air can be used to gently remove dust from the interior. If more deep cleaning is needed, consult a piano technician.

Pianos are very sensitive to changes in their environment, so choosing a suitable location for your piano is the first key to keeping it in good working order. Place your piano on an interior wall, ideally in a room with fairly consistent temperature, lighting, and humidity. When not in use, keep your piano closed to avoid dust clogging the interior. Keep the piano clean by dusting with a dry cloth, and schedule regular tunings (at least once per year).

DescriptionA standard tuning service typically takes 1.5-2 hours. Including standard services such as simple repairs and cleaning will add time. More complex services such as action regulation or voicing can take longer. Consult with your tuner about your piano’s individual needs for the most accurate time estimate. text goes here

It is important for the piano’s environment to be as quiet as possible during tuning, so the technician can concentrate on hearing subtle pitch differences. Even quiet noise such as air conditioners and television can muffle subtle vibrations of the piano strings. Please make an effort to schedule your piano tuning separate from any work on your home or social gatherings to minimize distracting noise.

Tipping is not expected for piano tuning. However, if you had a great experience you can leave a review on Yelp or Google.

A pitch raise is a two-step tuning process used to bring very flat pianos closer to standard pitch. Pianos that are extremely out of tune must be returned to standard pitch in small increments to maintain balanced tension across all strings, keep the tuning stable, and reduce risk of broken strings during tuning. First, the technician tunes all the strings to a higher approximate pitch. After allowing the strings to settle for a short period, the technician will do a second fine-tuning to create accurate intervals across all strings. A piano that is very old or has not been tuned for many years many need more than one pitch raise appointment to bring it back to standard pitch.

Prior to your appointment, clear the top of your piano of any objects including picture frames, pots, etc., so the lid may be easily opened. It is also helpful to ensure there is plenty of space free around your piano for the technician to place tools and parts, and ensure the room has plentiful lighting. Unless specified by your technician, you do not need to move your piano. 

Piano tuners need a quiet environment for their work, so plan accordingly. It is helpful to discuss any questions or concerns about your instrument with the technician prior to the appointment. You may consider making a list of issues noticed, such as a buzzing or sticky key, or loose pedal.

The cost of piano repairs and maintenance varies greatly depending upon the specific work done, the type and condition of the piano, and the materials needed. Small repairs such as a stuck key typically cost less than $100. Tuning services average $100-200, with regulation and voicing services costing several hundred dollars. For an estimate for your instrument, consult a piano technician and discuss your piano’s needs in as much detail as possible.