All You Need to Know About Piano Tuning (2024)

What is piano tuning?

Piano tuning is adjusting the tension of the strings so that the notes have the correct pitch. Over time, piano strings loosen and the pitch drops (goes flat). Twisting the tuning pins on the pinblock with a special wrench tightens the strings, raising their pitch to the correct frequency.

Why do pianos need to be tuned?

Tuning ensures your piano is playing the notes at the correct frequencies, which creates a much more pleasant sound. Humidity fluctuations throughout the year will cause the wooden components in the instrument to swell or shrink, which in turn can cause the piano to go out of tune.

What does A440 mean?

This refers to the sound frequency of the A above middle C, which is used to calibrate the tuning of pianos, violins, and other musical instruments. The 440 means that the A has a vibration frequency of 440 Hz, and is often called "concert pitch." A properly tuned piano should have the A4 pitch (the 4th A on the keyboard) vibrating at 440 Hz.

How long does a piano tuning take?

Most piano tunings will take between 1 hour and 1 ½ hours. If small repairs to your instrument are needed, it may take up to 2 hours for the technician to finish.

Does a piano need to be tuned after it's been moved?

Yes, in most cases a piano will definitely need to be tuned after moving, as it will have been exposed to many variations in humidity and possibly some hard knocks, causing the strings to change their tension. Let the piano acclimate to its new environment for a month before getting it tuned, as it will hold its tune better.

Can a piano be tuned after 20 years?

Yes, any piano can be tuned after years of no use, as long as it is working condition. Keep in mind, however, that a severely out-of-tune piano will have gotten used to the lowered string tension, and the strings not stay at the correct tension for a longer period of time until it has had several tunings.

Can I tune a piano myself?

Although anyone can be trained to learn piano tuning, it's best to hire a professional piano technician to do this important maintenance on your instrument. Unless you really know what you're doing, you can do more harm than good! Technicians often have professional designations and have many years of experience tuning pianos.

What tools are used for piano tuning?

The most important tool in piano tuning is called the tuning hammer (also called a lever), which is a specialized wrench that helps the tuner turn the tuning pins, thereby adjusting the string pitch. Most tuners will also use an electronic app or device to check that the piano is playing the proper pitches, but in the past a tuning fork was used for this purpose. Rubber mutes and felt temperament strips are used to silence certain strings during the tuning process.

Where can you learn piano tuning?

According to Berklee, piano technicians can be trained through an apprenticeship or a training program, or can be self-taught. One can learn online using courses such as Randy Potter School of Piano Technology and with educational videos from Howard Piano Industries YouTube channel. However, it can take two to five years to become a professional piano technician.