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How is a piano tuned? A piano tuner must precisely adjust the tension of over 200 strings. I use a combination of tuning by ear and using a computer program. Precise control over the tuning lever (wrench) are needed to achieve an accurate, stable tuning. I have had over 30 years experience with the tuning phase of piano work. How often should my piano be tuned? All pianos need tuning on a regular basis, primarily because the piano’s soundboard is made of wood and is subject to seasonal expansion and contraction. Most manufacturers recommend 2-4 tunings per year. In a concert hall setting, a piano may be tuned much more, such as once a week or more. In the home, some people are satisfied with once a year. I can help you determine an appropriate schedule for tuning your piano, based on your particular type of piano, type of usage, and humidity variation in your environment. If your piano goes out of tune rapidly, it may require a climate control system installation in the piano to stabilize it, which can save you money over time by not having to tune as often. Is it better to tune by ear or with an electronic tuning aid? Many great tuners tune by ear, and many great tuners use an electronic tuning aid (professional quality, not the cheap ones you see in music stores). There are a lot of mediocre piano tuners, both tuning by ear or machine. All of the really terrible piano tuners I know of tune by ear; it seems as though the machine will at least get it in the ball park, regardless of skill level. Is there more than one way to tune a piano? The way pianos are usually tuned today is very different from how they were tuned in the 18th or 19th centuries. Twelve mathematically equal semitones, known as "equal temperament", has only been commonly used for about a hundred years. (Contrary to many books, Bach popularized not "equal" temperament, but "well" temperament.) I prefer to tune in the Equal Beating Victorian Temperament, invented by Bill Bremmer in the late 20th Century. This tuning is suitable for all modern as well as classical music, and adds beauty to sustained chords that is unavailable in equal temperament. (Of course I can tune equal temperament if you prefer.) A piano can also be tuned with various amounts of "stretch", where the bass is tuned lower and the treble sharper, to accommodate the inharmonicity of piano strings. This will not be done correctly if one tries to tune using an inexpensive electronic tuning device. What is a pitch raise? When a piano has not been tuned for years it will definitely need to be tuned twice to stabilize it. This is because the first tuning will go out immediately. I am able to tune twice in a one hour session. (Here in Michigan, most tunings require two passes, due to the seasonal humidity changes.) Two passes results in a more stable and accurate tuning. I charge a flat rate for tuning, because most pianos need to be tuned twice. I also believe in tuning almost all pianos to A=440 Hz, which is standard pitch. Leaving the piano tuned to a lower pitch is normally not necessary, even in an older piano. Does a piano need tuning after it’s moved? It depends. Unless the piano has structural problems such as loose tuning pins, the move itself should have little or no effect. However, pianos are very sensitive to changes in climate and humidity. It’s a good idea to get a tuning a few weeks after a move, giving the piano time to adjust to the new environment, especially when moving to a different climate. (One other way a move can affect tuning is when the floor is not level. This does not apply to grand pianos because they stand on three legs. When a vertical piano is moved and the four wheels are not on the same plane, the uneven forces may shift the tuning a small amount.) What is Voicing? While tuning involves the strings, voicing involves primarily the hammers. Voicing is as important as tuning to achieve the proper sound. It refines the sound to a higher degree than tuning alone. An example of a piano needing voicing is when discordant sounds are produced because the hammers which strike the strings become overly hard or worn; reshaping, needling or aligning the hammers can improve clarity of tone. I often include minor voicing when I tune and find it makes a huge improvement to the overall sound. Voicing can also be used to completely change the character of a piano, such as making your piano sound brighter or darker by hardening or softening the hammers. What is Regulation? Adjusting and refining the touch of the keyboard mechanism (“action”) is known as regulating. An action that plays evenly and responsively is a joy to play. An unresponsive action that “plays like a truck” may frustrate even a beginner. A good sign that your piano needs regulation is when you try to play very softly and no sound comes out at all. Often one or two simple adjustment will drastically improve the touch. More extensive regulation may include cleaning, polishing, lubricating, aligning, tightening or adjusting the various parts of each of the 88 keys. What is the best thing I can do for my piano? Regular service is of course important for your piano. So is keeping the environment stable. Seasonal humidity fluctuations cause pianos to go out of tune more rapidly, especially here in Michigan. Installation of a climate control system inside the piano will prolong its life, help keep it in tune longer, and prevent many other future problems. I recommend using a Piano Life Saver system by Dampp-Chaser, which has a humidifier and dehumidifier. I can install this invisibly in any piano. |
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