Pianos in performance venues or that are used for teaching and serious practice will all need more frequent tuning and service. These conditions usually occur in old or neglected pianos.įrequency of use will also determine a pianos ability to stand in tune. Cracked bridges are also a source of tuning instability and may need repair. In some cases, the pin-block must be repaired or replaced.

Pianos with a compromised pin-block (the pin-block is a block of hardwood laminate that holds the tuning pins) can also be a source of tuning instability. For new pianos, most manufactures recommend four tunings in the first year to compensate for the elasticity of new piano wire.

The age and mechanical condition of the piano is also an important factor in how frequently a piano needs to be tuned. (See my detailed answer on this subject below.) An excellent option for controlling tuning stability and protecting your piano from the harmful affects of excess humidity, is to install a humidity control system inside the piano. Because of these seasonal variations, many piano owners opt for tuning their pianos twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter. Avoid heating and air conditioning vents, fireplaces and areas receiving direct sunlight. You can reduce the severity of these climatic effects by placing your piano in the room, so that it is away from windows or doors that are opened regularly. The soundboard will expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity and the string tension will fluctuate accordingly. The pianos soundboard, upon which the strings are attached via the bridge, is 3/8' spruce wood.

Extreme changes in humidity levels, as occur in the North East, can drastically affect tuning stability. Variations in the relative humidity is generally the most important criteria in determining how often a piano needs to be tuned. However, there are several factors that may necessitate more frequent tuning the environment, the mechanical condition of the piano, frequency of use and performance requirements. The recommended minimum for a household piano getting moderate use is tuning once a year.

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