How Often Should You Tune a Piano?

Have you noticed that your piano sounds a bit off when playing? Can you remember the last time you tuned your piano? Or are you just curious to know how often you should tune a piano? We have covered all you need to know about tuning a piano here!

So How Often You Should Tune a Piano? – Explained

In general, people that own pianos should have them tuned twice a year.

However, how frequently you tune your piano can depend on the type of environment you live in. If a piano sits in an area with a lot of humidity, they will need to tune it four times a year or more.

If a person has just purchased a new or used piano, they should have it tuned four times in the first year. When they tune a piano, they will find that it will sound better to them in many ways.

Piano Placement Changes How Often It Needs to be Tuned

Where people place their piano will also determine how often it will need to be tuned. One such spot is in front of a sunny window.

The temperatures will go up and down because of the sun and this will result in the person needing to have the piano tuned more frequently. Also, humidity can play a huge part too in how often a piano will need to be tuned.

Why Do Pianos End up out of Tune?

Many people are misled into believing that pianos go out of tune because of how often it is being played. This is not true. They go out of tune because of humidity and temperature fluctuations. A piano is made up of a soundboard, hammers, and strings.

When the soundboard experiences differences in humidity and temperature, it will contract or expand. Even if there are no fluctuations in humidity or temperature, the strings will be stretched over time and this will cause the sound of the piano to go flat.

How Can You Keep Track of When Your Piano Needs to be Tuned?

The best way that you can do this is to stick to a schedule twice a year to have your piano tuned. In this way, you won’t forget to do it.

You can also tell when the piano sounds either sharp or flat. This means that tuning will be needed in order for it to give off the proper sounds that a piano is known for.

How Is a Piano Tuned?

If you are wondering how to tune a piano, you first need to know more about it. Pianos with 88 keys have 230 strings. These are for both treble and bass notes.

All of the strings are wound around tuning pins that can regulate the sound. When a professional is going to tune a piano, they will adjust the tension of these tuning pins in order to make it sound the way that it should be.

Can You Tune a Piano Yourself?

Unless you really know what you are doing, it’s not recommended to try and tune a piano yourself. You will need to find a good professional by asking around for one or searching on the internet. Be sure that you ask for references to know that this person is a professional in the field. It can make all the difference in the world.

In most cases, you will use them, again and again, to keep your piano sounding great at all times. Be sure that you ask them what they cost when you first talk to them so that you have an idea of how much it will cost you.

How Long Does it Take to Tune a Piano?

In most cases, it will take around two hours to tune a piano. This will all depend on how the piano’s condition is and how much of an expert the piano tuner is. In order for the professional to do a thorough job at tuning your piano, it can take up to 3 hours or more.

If they recommend that you have a thorough tuning for your piano, it’s a good idea to listen to them. This will make it sound beautiful again and you’ll enjoy playing it even more than you did before.

What if You Want a Piano That Doesn’t Need Tuning?

There are some pianos that do not require tuning and they are digital pianos. The Yamaha Clavinova CLP645 is a good one to get. People find that it works well for them and they are pleased with it. You might want to look into it if you don’t want to worry about tuning a piano.

It can make a huge difference for you especially if your piano is older and is needing to be tuned often. Having your piano tuned properly will allow you to play it regularly and have it sound good. Make sure that you are tuning it as often as you need to so that it stays in good shape for a long time to come.

Getting the proper person to tune a piano is also important. They need to be a professional that will do it correctly. By keeping your piano tuned, you’ll be able to enjoy it a lot more and it will sound so much better.

Piano Care Tips

People that own a piano need to look at it as an investment. Part of the investment means that they will need to dust and polish it. Another part is that of having it professionally tuned. Keeping your piano in good nick will allow it to last a long time and continue to sound as good as possible. Here are some tips to keep in mind for the care of your piano:

– Dust It Regularly

You want to dust it regularly. Make sure to use a soft cloth when you are doing so.

– Polish It Too

When you want to polish it, be sure that you’re using a good polish that is recommended for pianos. You don’t want to use too much when you’re doing this.

– Have Your Piano Tuned Regularly

Your piano will need to be tuned on a regular basis and preferably by a professional in the field. It’s recommended that you get your piano tuned twice a year. Ones that are older or in bad shape may need to be tuned even more often than that.

Related Reading – How Much Do Piano Tuners Make Per Hour?