The Low-down on piano tuning (FAQ)
How often does a piano need tuning?
Ideally a piano should be tuned every six months although with modern
pianos which get moderate use a yearly tuning is acceptable. A brand new piano
usually takes a few years (7-10) to "bed in" (or for its inner tensions to reach
an equilibrium) and therefore would require tuning more often; about once every
seven months with moderate use.
With older pianos it varies according to their age and condition. Some
sturdy well made older pianos only need tuning once a year whilst others need
tuning every 6 months. A wood framed piano should ideally be tuned every 3
months.
A piano which gets medium to frequent use would need tuning at least
every half year.
A professional pianist (and the enthusiastic amateur) who use their
piano for most of their practice would have their piano tuned every 2-3 months,
as well as having it periodically voiced and regulated.
A concert piano should be regularly voiced and regulated, and tuned
before each performance.
A piano that is new to the home would require a short period of time to
acclimatize to the new temperature and humidity of its surroundings, usually 2-3
months so it's better to have it tuned after then but of course if you're eager
to start playing then by all means get it tuned straight away and then again
when it has settled.
In conclusion, it's better for the piano to be tuned regularly; keeping
your piano in tune at A440Hz means keeping an even tension across the strings
which will maximize its condition, quality and even lifespan. Older and
neglected pianos are sometimes an exception to this, they are often better tuned
lower, usually A435Hz. Most pianos get tuned on a yearly basis but it all
depends on the age and condition of the piano, the amount of use it gets and its
importance to the owner. Shaun reminds his customers by telephone (with their
consent) yearly or half yearly if requested. He can advise you on this.
Why does a piano need tuning?
Seasonal humidity changes are the main reason a piano goes out of tune
and why a piano goes out of tune even when it has not been played. Even though
the pianos soundboard has been sealed water vapour can still get in and out
through the end grain. This causes the soundboard to expand or contract
depending on the increase or decrease of humidity levels. When the soundboard
swells it pushes the bridge out causing the strings to tighten raising the
pitch, when it contracts the pitch drops.
The high tensile steel strings of an upright piano exert about 18 metric
tons of pressure on the pianos load bearing components and are very slowly
pulling themselves out of tune. Other factors such as intensity of use also have
an influence.
Seasonal changes mean the pitch rises and falls but string tension and
intensity of use cause it to drop meaning over time the pitch will go down.
The pianos load bearing components-the frame, the wrestplank, the tuning
pins, the soundboard, the ribs and the bridges all work together to withstand
the string tension, and the strings themselves are "scaled" i.e. designed
according to their pitch, length and diameter to exert an even tension across
the range of the piano when they are in tune with note A37 tuned at 440 cycles
per second (or Hertz). These load bearing components are also constructed to
move the least when the strings are at this tension.
This interdependent and intricate relationship means that the
load bearing components are holding the strings in tune for the maximum time
possible whilst the strings are in turn holding these components steady! One can
only feel humbled with respect for the people behind these designs.
The upshot of all these facts is that if a piano is below pitch these
components will not maintain the same rigidity, wooden parts are more likely to
separate, or even warp and metal parts will creep, all adversely affecting the
pianos structure and its tuning stability.
To avoid getting too hysterical, it should be mentioned that these
things only happen with long term neglect, in the short term the piano will go
out of tune faster than necessary when below pitch and if it is tuned a minor
third below pitch (3 semitones) the piano will not stay in tune at all.
If a piano is above pitch or at an uneven tension these load bearing
components are in danger of being seriously damaged by string pressure
necessitating expensive repairs.
Why bother
getting it tuned again this year? It still sounds fine to me
Fair enough, you're the boss. But if you were to get it tuned you should
notice the difference; each note would sound crisper and more well defined, and
if the pitch needed raising the whole piano would sound much brighter following
a tuning.
You also might
like to consider reading the section above entitled, "why does a piano need
tuning?"
Could I tune my own piano?
You can't compare the turning of a pianos tuning pin to the tuning of a
guitar. This is a gross oversimplification and doesn't take into account the
tensions along the string, within the tuning pin and the piano itself. The fact
that the piano must sound harmonious in every key is another difficulty the
amateur will encounter.
The tuning pin.
Lift the top lid of an upright piano or remove the music desk of a grand
and you will see around 200 tuning pins protruding from the frame. You are only
seeing around 1/3 of each pin as the rest of them are held tightly in holes in a
laminated block of wood (usually maple), behind or beneath the frame. This is
called the wrestplank. A modern tuning pin will be between 2 and 2.5 inches
long. These mild steel pins are held so tightly in the wrestplank that when the
tuner turns them with his/her crank the rear part of the pin will turn a short
while after the front part due to the pin's elasticity.
Turn this pin until you think the string is in tune and then move on to
the next as you would in a guitar and there will be a further rise in pitch as
the forces within the pin reach an equilibrium rendering your efforts futile.
The professional piano tuner uses a certain technique to get round this problem.
It's not enough to just know this method, it must be practiced over and over
again to fall within the tuners grasp; how much time do you have?
The String.
The note that you hear when the string vibrates is not the full length
of the string, it is a portion known as the speaking length. There are several
other parts crossing various friction points which are all at different
tensions. The speaking length has the lowest tension whilst the coil around the
tuning pin has the highest.
Tighten or loosen the string until it sounds in tune and
move on to the next and the pitch of this note will continue to alter until the
different tensions along its full length reach a balance. Once again the method
used to counter this problem must be practiced repeatedly to gain control over
these forces.
Still want to tune your piano? Read on.
The Piano.
If a piano is only 5 beats below pitch at A435Hz and you start to tune
it up to the required pitch the resultant increase in pressure will push the
strings into the bridge which will in turn press into the soundboard flattening
its crowned shape a little. The more strings you tune the further the bridge
will push in, causing the strings to slacken a little resulting in a secondary
drop in pitch. The tuner must take the strings over the required tension in
order for them to drop to the correct pitch. This is called an allowance. The
piano is then fine tuned.
The flatter the piano is originally, the higher the allowance must be.
Go too high and the strings will snap as they reach their breaking strain, too
low and you'll have to tune the piano a third or even a fourth time. That's
around 200 strings, times 4; very laborious.
Harmony in every key.
Musical instinct and a good sense of pitch are not enough to tune a
piano. Music occurs naturally enough; you can hear it in birdsong and the
rhythms of nature, but mankind has quantified and rationalized it. The keys that
we have in westernized scales are not perfect, not if you want to include every
key in an instrument. Each interval must be tempered and all keys must be
slightly out of tune to accommodate each other; out of tune maybe, but not so
much so as to offend the ear.
This is called Equal Temperament, all modern music is based on this, and
it takes hours of continued practice to achieve this at a competent
level.
So yes, you can tune your own piano. All you have to do is invest at
least 3 years of your life and enroll on one of the few college courses left in
this country or find an experienced piano tuner who is willing to take on an
apprentice. You then knuckle down to some intensely focused study and practice.
Or you could let Shaun do it!
How do I look after my piano?
Make sure your piano is tuned regularly. It will give the optimum tone
and maintain its condition and quality when kept at
A440Hz.
Don't put it in front of or too close to a radiator or other heating
device. It will be ruined in no time. It is best placed against an inside wall
and not in a direct draught although good air circulation is beneficial.
If the room is being plastered move the piano as far away from that room
as possible. The increase in humidity as the plaster dries has caused pianos to
be written off.
Don't put plants or drinks on top of your piano. Spillages can cause
serious damage to the action, casework and load bearing components, it's best
not to tempt fate. Dried flowers are fine.
Some
aerosol polishes can damage a pianos casework and keys.
A lightly dampened cloth will remove most stubborn marks. Burnishing cream is one
of the best polishes for open pored surfaces, to be sure try it first on an area that's not
highly visible. Avoid getting any moisture on the main wooden body of the
keys.
The room is best kept between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-22 degrees
Celsius) and at a humidity level between 45% and 60%, you can buy a max-min
thermo/hygrometer from some gardening centres with a greenhouse section
If you're emigrating with your piano, make sure it's kept in a sealed
unit when transporting it across water. Humidity levels are far higher at
sea.
The Low-down on piano tuning (FAQ)
How often does a piano need tuning?
Ideally a piano should be tuned every six months although with modern
pianos which get moderate use a yearly tuning is acceptable. A brand new piano
usually takes a few years (7-10) to "bed in" (or for its inner tensions to reach
an equilibrium) and therefore would require tuning more often; about once every
seven months with moderate use.
With older pianos it varies according to their age and condition. Some
sturdy well made older pianos only need tuning once a year whilst others need
tuning every 6 months. A wood framed piano should ideally be tuned every 3
months.
A piano which gets medium to frequent use would need tuning at least
every half year.
A professional pianist (and the enthusiastic amateur) who use their
piano for most of their practice would have their piano tuned every 2-3 months,
as well as having it periodically voiced and regulated.
A concert piano should be regularly voiced and regulated, and tuned
before each performance.
A piano that is new to the home would require a short period of time to
acclimatize to the new temperature and humidity of its surroundings, usually 2-3
months so it's better to have it tuned after then but of course if you're eager
to start playing then by all means get it tuned straight away and then again
when it has settled.
In conclusion, it's better for the piano to be tuned regularly; keeping
your piano in tune at A440Hz means keeping an even tension across the strings
which will maximize its condition, quality and even lifespan. Older and
neglected pianos are sometimes an exception to this, they are often better tuned
lower, usually A435Hz. Most pianos get tuned on a yearly basis but it all
depends on the age and condition of the piano, the amount of use it gets and its
importance to the owner. Shaun reminds his customers by telephone (with their
consent) yearly or half yearly if requested. He can advise you on this.
Why does a piano need tuning?
Seasonal humidity changes are the main reason a piano goes out of tune
and why a piano goes out of tune even when it has not been played. Even though
the pianos soundboard has been sealed water vapour can still get in and out
through the end grain. This causes the soundboard to expand or contract
depending on the increase or decrease of humidity levels. When the soundboard
swells it pushes the bridge out causing the strings to tighten raising the
pitch, when it contracts the pitch drops.
The high tensile steel strings of an upright piano exert about 18 metric
tons of pressure on the pianos load bearing components and are very slowly
pulling themselves out of tune. Other factors such as intensity of use also have
an influence.
Seasonal changes mean the pitch rises and falls but string tension and
intensity of use cause it to drop meaning over time the pitch will go down.
The pianos load bearing components-the frame, the wrestplank, the tuning
pins, the soundboard, the ribs and the bridges all work together to withstand
the string tension, and the strings themselves are "scaled" i.e. designed
according to their pitch, length and diameter to exert an even tension across
the range of the piano when they are in tune with note A37 tuned at 440 cycles
per second (or Hertz). These load bearing components are also constructed to
move the least when the strings are at this tension.
This interdependent and intricate relationship means that the
load bearing components are holding the strings in tune for the maximum time
possible whilst the strings are in turn holding these components steady! One can
only feel humbled with respect for the people behind these designs.
The upshot of all these facts is that if a piano is below pitch these
components will not maintain the same rigidity, wooden parts are more likely to
separate, or even warp and metal parts will creep, all adversely affecting the
pianos structure and its tuning stability.
To avoid getting too hysterical, it should be mentioned that these
things only happen with long term neglect, in the short term the piano will go
out of tune faster than necessary when below pitch and if it is tuned a minor
third below pitch (3 semitones) the piano will not stay in tune at all.
If a piano is above pitch or at an uneven tension these load bearing
components are in danger of being seriously damaged by string pressure
necessitating expensive repairs.
Why bother
getting it tuned again this year? It still sounds fine to me
Fair enough, you're the boss. But if you were to get it tuned you should
notice the difference; each note would sound crisper and more well defined, and
if the pitch needed raising the whole piano would sound much brighter following
a tuning.
You also might
like to consider reading the section above entitled, "why does a piano need
tuning?"
Could I tune my own piano?
You can't compare the turning of a pianos tuning pin to the tuning of a
guitar. This is a gross oversimplification and doesn't take into account the
tensions along the string, within the tuning pin and the piano itself. The fact
that the piano must sound harmonious in every key is another difficulty the
amateur will encounter.
The tuning pin.
Lift the top lid of an upright piano or remove the music desk of a grand
and you will see around 200 tuning pins protruding from the frame. You are only
seeing around 1/3 of each pin as the rest of them are held tightly in holes in a
laminated block of wood (usually maple), behind or beneath the frame. This is
called the wrestplank. A modern tuning pin will be between 2 and 2.5 inches
long. These mild steel pins are held so tightly in the wrestplank that when the
tuner turns them with his/her crank the rear part of the pin will turn a short
while after the front part due to the pin's elasticity.
Turn this pin until you think the string is in tune and then move on to
the next as you would in a guitar and there will be a further rise in pitch as
the forces within the pin reach an equilibrium rendering your efforts futile.
The professional piano tuner uses a certain technique to get round this problem.
It's not enough to just know this method, it must be practiced over and over
again to fall within the tuners grasp; how much time do you have?
The String.
The note that you hear when the string vibrates is not the full length
of the string, it is a portion known as the speaking length. There are several
other parts crossing various friction points which are all at different
tensions. The speaking length has the lowest tension whilst the coil around the
tuning pin has the highest.
Tighten or loosen the string until it sounds in tune and
move on to the next and the pitch of this note will continue to alter until the
different tensions along its full length reach a balance. Once again the method
used to counter this problem must be practiced repeatedly to gain control over
these forces.
Still want to tune your piano? Read on.
The Piano.
If a piano is only 5 beats below pitch at A435Hz and you start to tune
it up to the required pitch the resultant increase in pressure will push the
strings into the bridge which will in turn press into the soundboard flattening
its crowned shape a little. The more strings you tune the further the bridge
will push in, causing the strings to slacken a little resulting in a secondary
drop in pitch. The tuner must take the strings over the required tension in
order for them to drop to the correct pitch. This is called an allowance. The
piano is then fine tuned.
The flatter the piano is originally, the higher the allowance must be.
Go too high and the strings will snap as they reach their breaking strain, too
low and you'll have to tune the piano a third or even a fourth time. That's
around 200 strings, times 4; very laborious.
Harmony in every key.
Musical instinct and a good sense of pitch are not enough to tune a
piano. Music occurs naturally enough; you can hear it in birdsong and the
rhythms of nature, but mankind has quantified and rationalized it. The keys that
we have in westernized scales are not perfect, not if you want to include every
key in an instrument. Each interval must be tempered and all keys must be
slightly out of tune to accommodate each other; out of tune maybe, but not so
much so as to offend the ear.
This is called Equal Temperament, all modern music is based on this, and
it takes hours of continued practice to achieve this at a competent
level.
So yes, you can tune your own piano. All you have to do is invest at
least 3 years of your life and enroll on one of the few college courses left in
this country or find an experienced piano tuner who is willing to take on an
apprentice. You then knuckle down to some intensely focused study and practice.
Or you could let Shaun do it!
How do I look after my piano?
Make sure your piano is tuned regularly. It will give the optimum tone
and maintain its condition and quality when kept at
A440Hz.
Don't put it in front of or too close to a radiator or other heating
device. It will be ruined in no time. It is best placed against an inside wall
and not in a direct draught although good air circulation is beneficial.
If the room is being plastered move the piano as far away from that room
as possible. The increase in humidity as the plaster dries has caused pianos to
be written off.
Don't put plants or drinks on top of your piano. Spillages can cause
serious damage to the action, casework and load bearing components, it's best
not to tempt fate. Dried flowers are fine.
Some
aerosol polishes can damage a pianos casework and keys.
A lightly dampened cloth will remove most stubborn marks. Burnishing cream is one
of the best polishes for open pored surfaces, to be sure try it first on an area that's not
highly visible. Avoid getting any moisture on the main wooden body of the
keys.
The room is best kept between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-22 degrees
Celsius) and at a humidity level between 45% and 60%, you can buy a max-min
thermo/hygrometer from some gardening centres with a greenhouse section
If you're emigrating with your piano, make sure it's kept in a sealed
unit when transporting it across water. Humidity levels are far higher at
sea.
The Low-down on piano tuning (FAQ)
How often does a piano need tuning?
Ideally a piano should be tuned every six months although with modern
pianos which get moderate use a yearly tuning is acceptable. A brand new piano
usually takes a few years (7-10) to "bed in" (or for its inner tensions to reach
an equilibrium) and therefore would require tuning more often; about once every
seven months with moderate use.
With older pianos it varies according to their age and condition. Some
sturdy well made older pianos only need tuning once a year whilst others need
tuning every 6 months. A wood framed piano should ideally be tuned every 3
months.
A piano which gets medium to frequent use would need tuning at least
every half year.
A professional pianist (and the enthusiastic amateur) who use their
piano for most of their practice would have their piano tuned every 2-3 months,
as well as having it periodically voiced and regulated.
A concert piano should be regularly voiced and regulated, and tuned
before each performance.
A piano that is new to the home would require a short period of time to
acclimatize to the new temperature and humidity of its surroundings, usually 2-3
months so it's better to have it tuned after then but of course if you're eager
to start playing then by all means get it tuned straight away and then again
when it has settled.
In conclusion, it's better for the piano to be tuned regularly; keeping
your piano in tune at A440Hz means keeping an even tension across the strings
which will maximize its condition, quality and even lifespan. Older and
neglected pianos are sometimes an exception to this, they are often better tuned
lower, usually A435Hz. Most pianos get tuned on a yearly basis but it all
depends on the age and condition of the piano, the amount of use it gets and its
importance to the owner. Shaun reminds his customers by telephone (with their
consent) yearly or half yearly if requested. He can advise you on this.
Why does a piano need tuning?
Seasonal humidity changes are the main reason a piano goes out of tune
and why a piano goes out of tune even when it has not been played. Even though
the pianos soundboard has been sealed water vapour can still get in and out
through the end grain. This causes the soundboard to expand or contract
depending on the increase or decrease of humidity levels. When the soundboard
swells it pushes the bridge out causing the strings to tighten raising the
pitch, when it contracts the pitch drops.
The high tensile steel strings of an upright piano exert about 18 metric
tons of pressure on the pianos load bearing components and are very slowly
pulling themselves out of tune. Other factors such as intensity of use also have
an influence.
Seasonal changes mean the pitch rises and falls but string tension and
intensity of use cause it to drop meaning over time the pitch will go down.
The pianos load bearing components-the frame, the wrestplank, the tuning
pins, the soundboard, the ribs and the bridges all work together to withstand
the string tension, and the strings themselves are "scaled" i.e. designed
according to their pitch, length and diameter to exert an even tension across
the range of the piano when they are in tune with note A37 tuned at 440 cycles
per second (or Hertz). These load bearing components are also constructed to
move the least when the strings are at this tension.
This interdependent and intricate relationship means that the
load bearing components are holding the strings in tune for the maximum time
possible whilst the strings are in turn holding these components steady! One can
only feel humbled with respect for the people behind these designs.
The upshot of all these facts is that if a piano is below pitch these
components will not maintain the same rigidity, wooden parts are more likely to
separate, or even warp and metal parts will creep, all adversely affecting the
pianos structure and its tuning stability.
To avoid getting too hysterical, it should be mentioned that these
things only happen with long term neglect, in the short term the piano will go
out of tune faster than necessary when below pitch and if it is tuned a minor
third below pitch (3 semitones) the piano will not stay in tune at all.
If a piano is above pitch or at an uneven tension these load bearing
components are in danger of being seriously damaged by string pressure
necessitating expensive repairs.
Why bother
getting it tuned again this year? It still sounds fine to me
Fair enough, you're the boss. But if you were to get it tuned you should
notice the difference; each note would sound crisper and more well defined, and
if the pitch needed raising the whole piano would sound much brighter following
a tuning.
You also might
like to consider reading the section above entitled, "why does a piano need
tuning?"
Could I tune my own piano?
You can't compare the turning of a pianos tuning pin to the tuning of a
guitar. This is a gross oversimplification and doesn't take into account the
tensions along the string, within the tuning pin and the piano itself. The fact
that the piano must sound harmonious in every key is another difficulty the
amateur will encounter.
The tuning pin.
Lift the top lid of an upright piano or remove the music desk of a grand
and you will see around 200 tuning pins protruding from the frame. You are only
seeing around 1/3 of each pin as the rest of them are held tightly in holes in a
laminated block of wood (usually maple), behind or beneath the frame. This is
called the wrestplank. A modern tuning pin will be between 2 and 2.5 inches
long. These mild steel pins are held so tightly in the wrestplank that when the
tuner turns them with his/her crank the rear part of the pin will turn a short
while after the front part due to the pin's elasticity.
Turn this pin until you think the string is in tune and then move on to
the next as you would in a guitar and there will be a further rise in pitch as
the forces within the pin reach an equilibrium rendering your efforts futile.
The professional piano tuner uses a certain technique to get round this problem.
It's not enough to just know this method, it must be practiced over and over
again to fall within the tuners grasp; how much time do you have?
The String.
The note that you hear when the string vibrates is not the full length
of the string, it is a portion known as the speaking length. There are several
other parts crossing various friction points which are all at different
tensions. The speaking length has the lowest tension whilst the coil around the
tuning pin has the highest.
Tighten or loosen the string until it sounds in tune and
move on to the next and the pitch of this note will continue to alter until the
different tensions along its full length reach a balance. Once again the method
used to counter this problem must be practiced repeatedly to gain control over
these forces.
Still want to tune your piano? Read on.
The Piano.
If a piano is only 5 beats below pitch at A435Hz and you start to tune
it up to the required pitch the resultant increase in pressure will push the
strings into the bridge which will in turn press into the soundboard flattening
its crowned shape a little. The more strings you tune the further the bridge
will push in, causing the strings to slacken a little resulting in a secondary
drop in pitch. The tuner must take the strings over the required tension in
order for them to drop to the correct pitch. This is called an allowance. The
piano is then fine tuned.
The flatter the piano is originally, the higher the allowance must be.
Go too high and the strings will snap as they reach their breaking strain, too
low and you'll have to tune the piano a third or even a fourth time. That's
around 200 strings, times 4; very laborious.
Harmony in every key.
Musical instinct and a good sense of pitch are not enough to tune a
piano. Music occurs naturally enough; you can hear it in birdsong and the
rhythms of nature, but mankind has quantified and rationalized it. The keys that
we have in westernized scales are not perfect, not if you want to include every
key in an instrument. Each interval must be tempered and all keys must be
slightly out of tune to accommodate each other; out of tune maybe, but not so
much so as to offend the ear.
This is called Equal Temperament, all modern music is based on this, and
it takes hours of continued practice to achieve this at a competent
level.
So yes, you can tune your own piano. All you have to do is invest at
least 3 years of your life and enroll on one of the few college courses left in
this country or find an experienced piano tuner who is willing to take on an
apprentice. You then knuckle down to some intensely focused study and practice.
Or you could let Shaun do it!
How do I look after my piano?
Make sure your piano is tuned regularly. It will give the optimum tone
and maintain its condition and quality when kept at
A440Hz.
Don't put it in front of or too close to a radiator or other heating
device. It will be ruined in no time. It is best placed against an inside wall
and not in a direct draught although good air circulation is beneficial.
If the room is being plastered move the piano as far away from that room
as possible. The increase in humidity as the plaster dries has caused pianos to
be written off.
Don't put plants or drinks on top of your piano. Spillages can cause
serious damage to the action, casework and load bearing components, it's best
not to tempt fate. Dried flowers are fine.
Some
aerosol polishes can damage a pianos casework and keys.
A lightly dampened cloth will remove most stubborn marks. Burnishing cream is one
of the best polishes for open pored surfaces, to be sure try it first on an area that's not
highly visible. Avoid getting any moisture on the main wooden body of the
keys.
The room is best kept between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-22 degrees
Celsius) and at a humidity level between 45% and 60%, you can buy a max-min
thermo/hygrometer from some gardening centres with a greenhouse section
If you're emigrating with your piano, make sure it's kept in a sealed
unit when transporting it across water. Humidity levels are far higher at
sea.
The Low-down on piano tuning (FAQ)
How often does a piano need tuning?
Ideally a piano should be tuned every six months although with modern
pianos which get moderate use a yearly tuning is acceptable. A brand new piano
usually takes a few years (7-10) to "bed in" (or for its inner tensions to reach
an equilibrium) and therefore would require tuning more often; about once every
seven months with moderate use.
With older pianos it varies according to their age and condition. Some
sturdy well made older pianos only need tuning once a year whilst others need
tuning every 6 months. A wood framed piano should ideally be tuned every 3
months.
A piano which gets medium to frequent use would need tuning at least
every half year.
A professional pianist (and the enthusiastic amateur) who use their
piano for most of their practice would have their piano tuned every 2-3 months,
as well as having it periodically voiced and regulated.
A concert piano should be regularly voiced and regulated, and tuned
before each performance.
A piano that is new to the home would require a short period of time to
acclimatize to the new temperature and humidity of its surroundings, usually 2-3
months so it's better to have it tuned after then but of course if you're eager
to start playing then by all means get it tuned straight away and then again
when it has settled.
In conclusion, it's better for the piano to be tuned regularly; keeping
your piano in tune at A440Hz means keeping an even tension across the strings
which will maximize its condition, quality and even lifespan. Older and
neglected pianos are sometimes an exception to this, they are often better tuned
lower, usually A435Hz. Most pianos get tuned on a yearly basis but it all
depends on the age and condition of the piano, the amount of use it gets and its
importance to the owner. Shaun reminds his customers by telephone (with their
consent) yearly or half yearly if requested. He can advise you on this.
Why does a piano need tuning?
Seasonal humidity changes are the main reason a piano goes out of tune
and why a piano goes out of tune even when it has not been played. Even though
the pianos soundboard has been sealed water vapour can still get in and out
through the end grain. This causes the soundboard to expand or contract
depending on the increase or decrease of humidity levels. When the soundboard
swells it pushes the bridge out causing the strings to tighten raising the
pitch, when it contracts the pitch drops.
The high tensile steel strings of an upright piano exert about 18 metric
tons of pressure on the pianos load bearing components and are very slowly
pulling themselves out of tune. Other factors such as intensity of use also have
an influence.
Seasonal changes mean the pitch rises and falls but string tension and
intensity of use cause it to drop meaning over time the pitch will go down.
The pianos load bearing components-the frame, the wrestplank, the tuning
pins, the soundboard, the ribs and the bridges all work together to withstand
the string tension, and the strings themselves are "scaled" i.e. designed
according to their pitch, length and diameter to exert an even tension across
the range of the piano when they are in tune with note A37 tuned at 440 cycles
per second (or Hertz). These load bearing components are also constructed to
move the least when the strings are at this tension.
This interdependent and intricate relationship means that the
load bearing components are holding the strings in tune for the maximum time
possible whilst the strings are in turn holding these components steady! One can
only feel humbled with respect for the people behind these designs.
The upshot of all these facts is that if a piano is below pitch these
components will not maintain the same rigidity, wooden parts are more likely to
separate, or even warp and metal parts will creep, all adversely affecting the
pianos structure and its tuning stability.
To avoid getting too hysterical, it should be mentioned that these
things only happen with long term neglect, in the short term the piano will go
out of tune faster than necessary when below pitch and if it is tuned a minor
third below pitch (3 semitones) the piano will not stay in tune at all.
If a piano is above pitch or at an uneven tension these load bearing
components are in danger of being seriously damaged by string pressure
necessitating expensive repairs.
Why bother getting it tuned again this year? It still sounds fine to me
Fair enough, you're the boss. But if you were to get it tuned you should
notice the difference; each note would sound crisper and more well defined, and
if the pitch needed raising the whole piano would sound much brighter following
a tuning.
You also might like to consider reading the section above entitled, "why does a piano need tuning?"
