Regular tuning is essential to maintain the musical accuracy and overall performance of your piano.
A tuning visit will usually include one or more of the following:
Pianos contain many felt, cloth and leather-covered components. As these materials wear or compact (often unevenly), the way parts interact changes, altering both the feel and tone of the instrument.
A tuning visit will usually include one or more of the following:
- Tuning — maintaining the instrument at A=440 and restoring musical intervals to a harmonious balance
- Voicing — adjusting the tone quality of the piano
- Regulation — refining the touch and responsiveness of the action
- Minor repairs and lubrication — addressing small issues as they arise
Pianos contain many felt, cloth and leather-covered components. As these materials wear or compact (often unevenly), the way parts interact changes, altering both the feel and tone of the instrument.
Tuning an Art-Case model B Steinway on board a cruise ship in Wellington harbour.
What Affects Tuning Stability?
Weather — particularly humidity — has a significant impact on a piano’s tuning. The amount of use the piano gets, along with its overall condition, will also affect how well it stays in tune.
The skill of the tuner can also influence tuning stability.
How Often Should a Piano Be Tuned?
Manufacturers generally recommend tuning at least twice a year.
I recommend having your piano tuned at least once a year to maintain its musicality. Regular servicing also allows regulation and voicing adjustments to be carried out as needed.
Concert instruments should be tuned before every performance. In general, the more frequently a piano is tuned, the better it will stay in tune.
Pianos contain many felt, cloth and leather-covered components. As these materials wear or compact (often unevenly), the way parts interact changes — which can alter both the feel and tone of the instrument.
Pitch Standards
Some tuners will tune a piano flat, or “where the pitch is at,” as this is often less work. I never do that. If I deem a piano unable to be brought to concert or international pitch (A=440 cps), then I will not tune it. A flat piano is not actually in tune.
Pianos contain many felt, cloth and leather-covered components. As these materials wear or compact (often unevenly), the way parts interact changes — which can alter both the feel and tone of the instrument.
Price Guide
The following is a guide to prices for a straightforward tuning appointment based on 90 minutes:
- Wellington City, Lower Hutt City and Porirua City $178
- Upper Hutt City $185
- Kapiti Coast $190
- Otaki $195
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What I don't service
With very few exceptions, I no longer tune or service over-damper pianos. These pianos contain a mechanism that was sometimes used in very old German & English pianos and is now considered obsolete. They feel different to the touch to most other pianos and tend to “ring on”. Tuning these pianos often leads to disappointing results and I don’t feel comfortable taking money on these. I recommend that you put your money towards a better instrument. To identify an over-damper piano, if you look in the top, the action (mechanism) will have a wooden board running along the top with lots of wires running vertically. They are sometimes referred to as “bird cage” pianos. |
Servicable - Standard piano action (mechanism)
Over-damped piano action
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