Frequently Asked Questions:
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Tune By Ear or Electronics
Most of the truly professional tuners who use an ETA are not only utilizing the latest technology in their work, but they are actually performing a “hybrid” tuning which uses both the device and their aural skills to tune your piano. All of the best ETA tuners were originally aural tuners.
How Often Should I Tune My Piano?
If your piano is used heavily, the recommendation is twice yearly. If used for family pleasure and lessons, it should be tuned at least once a year.
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How Long Should It Take To Tune My Piano?
An average tuning requires approximately 1-1/2 hrs if the piano has been tuned on a regular basis. Less frequently tuned pianos may require 2 – 3 hours.
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Is It Ever Necessary To Remove Parts Of My Piano From My Home?
This is a very rare occurrence. Most repairs can be done on site. The action may require removal if it has extensive damage or the need to replace multiple hammers or other larger mechanical pieces.
Even After Regular Tuning My Piano Doesn’t Stay In Tune?
This is rare but should be recognized at the time of tuning by a competent tuner. It is most often the result of a dried out Pin Block. This condition can be rectified by a Pin Block treatment which is less costly than a repining. A reliable tuner should let you know the options since repining is extremely expensive and often costs more than the piano value when a Block treatment will accomplish the same results.
Another reason for quickly going out of tune may be a cracked or broken Pin Block. This can be replaced / rebuilt but depending on the piano, may not warrant this option as it is very costly.
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Does A Piano Need Tuning After It’s Moved?
It depends. Most pianos are actually quite tough. They’re built to withstand 20 tonnes of string tension and decades of heavy usage, so in most cases the physical movement of a piano usually has very little effect on its tuning or other adjustments. It’s the difference in humidity between locations that will have the most affect on your piano. It’s best to let the piano adjust to its new environment for just a week or two (and not more!), then have it tuned. If the climate is similar your piano will probably sound fine until its next regular service date.
My Piano Is Buzzing
First remove all objects off the piano and any items that are close to the piano. If the buzzing does not disappear, it may mean a loose rib on the sounding board and needs professional attention.
Should I Keep Water Inside My Piano?
There are many different theories on this age old question. If you feel the air in your home is dry, then placing a plastic container (not metal) of water inside may help prevent Pin Block and action from drying out. Just remember to keep it filled. Some theorist think it causes rust but I have never found any evidence of this in my 50+ years of tuning. On the other side of the coin, if you have a problem with excess humidity, you may need to look at a Damp Chaser system. These range in price from approximately $150.00 and up. Can be installed quickly and easily.
If you want to completely eliminate any question, there are many units available today that control temperature and humidity with one unit.
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What Is An Upright Grand?
There really is no difference between an Upright and an Upright Grand. It was simply a ploy during the latter part of the 19th and early 20th century to promote sales of 52” pianos.​​
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What Does “A-440” Mean?
Sound occurs when air is set into motion rapidly. When a piano string is set into motion, it vibrates up and down repeatedly. If the note A above middle C is properly tuned, that string will appear to vibrate 440 times in one second. That’s what A-440 means.​
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Does It Hurt My Piano When Kids Pound On It?
Most pianos are built to withstand very heavy use. Listen to how hard your tuner pounds each key when tuning your piano. In comparison, a child’s small hands couldn’t possibly play that hard.
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