Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my piano be tuned?
Your piano should be tuned at LEAST every 6-12 months. There are many factors in play to determine if you need it tuned more or less frequent. Typically, I advise students, teachers, players to get their piano tuned at least twice a year. If you don’t fall into that category then you can do it once a year. Generally, if you hear that your piano isn’t sounding its best, time for a tune.
Why does my piano go out of tune?
There are many factors as to why your piano goes out of tune. Most are primarily due to changes in the environment and the nature of the instrument itself. Let’s look at the main factors!
Humidity and Temperature Changes: Pianos are highly sensitive to fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Wood, which makes up 80% of the piano, expands and contracts with changes in humidity, causing the tension on the strings to vary. High humidity can make the wood swell, while low humidity can make it shrink, both affecting the tuning. I am a Certified Installer for these systems.
String Tension: The strings on a piano are under immense tension, typically around 150 to 200 pounds per string. Thats over 40,000 pounds of tension! Over time, this tension can cause the strings to stretch, and the tuning pins to slip slightly, leading to the piano going out of tune.
Frequency of Use: Regular playing can cause a piano to go out of tune more quickly. The vibration from playing can affect the tension of the strings and the stability of the tuning pins.
New Pianos: New pianos and pianos with new strings, tend to go out of tune more frequently in the first year or two because the strings are still settling and stretching, and the wood is acclimating to its environment.
Movement and Placement: Moving a piano, even within the same room, can affect its tuning due to changes in the positioning and the micro-environment around it. Placing a piano near a drafty window, a heating vent, or in direct sunlight can also lead to more rapid changes in temperature and humidity, causing it to go out of tune.
Quality and Condition of the Piano: The overall quality of the piano and the condition of its components, such as the tuning pins, strings, and the soundboard, play a significant role. Older pianos or those with worn parts may not hold their tuning as well as newer, well-maintained instruments.
How can I help my piano stay in tune
There are several proactive measures you can take to maintain a stable environment and care for the instrument properly.
Maintain a Stable Humidity Level: Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep the room's humidity levels consistent. Ideally, aim for a relative humidity of 40-50%. You can also use a piano humidity control system, such as a Dampp-Chaser, which helps regulate the humidity around the piano. The Dampp-Chaser Humidifier System is an excellent investment for piano owners looking to maintain the tuning stability and overall health of their instrument.
Control Temperature Fluctuations: Keep the piano in a room where the temperature remains relatively constant. Avoid placing the piano near heat sources (like radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents) or in direct sunlight, as these can cause rapid temperature changes.
Positioning: Place the piano away from windows, doors, or any areas that might have drafts. Avoid placing it against exterior walls where temperature changes are more likely.
Regular Tuning: Have your piano tuned at least twice a year. More frequent tuning may be necessary if the piano is new, played heavily, or subjected to significant environmental changes.
Use a Piano Cover: Covering your piano when it's not in use can help protect it from dust, humidity changes, and accidental spills.
Proper Cleaning: Dust the piano regularly, but avoid using harsh chemicals or too much moisture when cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth or a slightly damp cloth with mild soap for cleaning the exterior.
Professional Maintenance: Regularly have a professional technician check and maintain the piano. This includes looking at the tuning pins, strings, and other components to ensure they are in good condition and making necessary adjustments or repairs.
Can I tune my piano myself?
You can try..? Tuning a piano requires specialty tools and skills. Its best to have a trained professional like myself come and tune your piano. Tuning without the experience or knowledge can end up in potentially damaging the instrument.
Certified Installer for
Piano Life Saver.
How should I clean my piano?
Dust the exterior with a soft microfiber dry cloth regularly. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth with mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals. The keys can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a little dish soap. Make sure to dry them immediately. For wood finishes, I recommend Old English Cleaner and Conditioner, and for Polyester High Gloss or Satin finishes I recommend Cory Products (made specifically for piano finishes). Never clean the inside of the piano, the strings or in the action. Let your technician do that.
Why does my piano sound tinny?
Common Causes of a Tinny Sound in a Piano
Tuning Issues:
Out of Tune: If the piano is out of tune, certain notes might sound sharp or harsh, contributing to a tinny quality.
Inharmonicity: Poor tuning can lead to inharmonicity, where the overtones of the strings do not align properly, resulting in a metallic or tinny sound.
Environmental Factors:
Humidity and Temperature: Changes in humidity and temperature can affect the wood and strings, causing the piano to sound tinny. High humidity can swell the wood, while low humidity can dry it out, both affecting the soundboard and string tension.
String Condition:
Old or Worn Strings: Over time, piano strings can lose their elasticity and become worn, leading to a less full, more tinny sound.
Rusty or Dirty Strings: Rust and dirt can affect the vibration of the strings, resulting in a poor quality of sound.
Hammer Condition:
Hard or Worn Hammers: The felt on the hammers can become compressed or worn, making the sound harder and more metallic. Voicing or replacing the hammers can resolve this issue.
Soundboard Issues:
Cracked or Warped Soundboard: Damage to the soundboard can affect the resonance and overall sound quality, contributing to a tinny sound.
Action Problems:
Regulation Issues: If the action is not properly regulated, it can affect the touch and sound production, leading to undesirable tonal qualities.
Loose Components: Loose or improperly aligned parts within the action can cause unwanted vibrations and a tinny sound.
Bridge and Pinblock Issues:
Loose Bridge Pins: If the bridge pins that anchor the strings are loose, it can affect the transmission of vibrations, leading to a tinny or buzzing sound.
Worn Pinblock: A worn pinblock can cause tuning pins to slip, affecting tuning stability and sound quality.
Solutions to Address a Tinny Sound
Regular Tuning:
Ensure your piano is tuned at least twice a year by a professional technician to maintain optimal sound quality.
Humidity Control:
Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a consistent humidity level around 40-50%. A piano humidity control system like the Dampp-Chaser can also be beneficial.
String Maintenance:
Replace old or worn strings if they have lost their tonal quality. Clean strings regularly to prevent rust and dirt buildup.
Hammer Voicing and Maintenance:
Have a technician voice the hammers, which involves softening or reshaping the felt to improve tone. Replace hammers if they are excessively worn.
Soundboard Inspection:
Have a technician inspect the soundboard for cracks or warping and perform necessary repairs to restore proper resonance.
Action Regulation:
Regularly have the piano’s action regulated to ensure all components are properly aligned and functioning. This improves touch and sound consistency.
Bridge and Pinblock Repairs:
Have a technician check the bridge pins and pinblock. If any pins are loose, they can be repaired or replaced to ensure proper string tension and vibration.
What are some signs that my piano might need regulation?
If the touch feels uneven, keys are slow to return, or there are issues with dynamic control (playing softly or loudly), it might be time for regulation. This process adjusts the mechanical aspects to ensure optimal performance.
How long does a piano typically last?
With proper care, a high-quality piano can last 50 years or more. Regular maintenance, tuning, and environmental control are key to extending its lifespan.