Here are a selection of frequently asked questions regarding piano tuning and maintenance…
Why do pianos go out of tune?
Pianos go out of tune for a number of reasons… mostly due to changes in temperature and humidity rather than how much it is played. This is because the large wooden soundboard moves when temperature and humidity changes, causing the bridges and strings to move out of tune. If a piano is played very hard by a serious pianist (or enthusiastic young child!) then this can knock the strings out of tune.
How often should a piano be tuned?
Many of my customers have their pianos tuned every 6 months as this best covers the changes in the seasons through the years, but some customers find that every 12 months is sufficient if the room is very stable. Some of the piano professionals and teachers I tune for have their pianos tuned every 3-4 months.
What causes sticky keys?
There are a variety of issues that can cause sticking keys… often the cloth key bushings can swell slightly in the keys due to humidity changes. There can also be slow centre pins in the action or action parts binding on each other… even case parts fouling on the keys or pencils and kids toys stuck inside the piano!
Is an old piano worth repairing?
Sometimes yes… older pianos are very rarely completely restored these days unless they are of exceptional quality or manufacturer. However, some basic repairs and servicing can be a very sensible option to get the best out of your piano.
How do I schedule piano tuning before exams and performances?
If you are looking to book a piano tuning for a special event or performance, it is worth contacting me with several weeks notice so that an appropriate slot can be booked in just prior to the performance. Sometimes for a concert, a second tuning after the rehearsals can be desirable to make sure that the piano is in great shape for the event.
Why does moving a piano affect the tuning?
A piano going out of tune after being moved is actually more about the change in temperature and humidity at the two locations (and in storage/ delivery in between) than the physical movement of the piano. Once a piano has been moved it is advisable to allow the piano to settle for around 4 – 8 weeks before having it tuned. This will give a more stable result, rather than having it tuned straight after moving.
Paul Shearman 