TUNING Technique

Your piano will receive the finest tuning from Legacy Piano Tuning & Repair. The first step taken in the tuning process is determining how far out of tune the piano is. Typically, if the piano deviates more than 10% from A440, sharp or flat, a pitch correction must be performed. This is required because a large change in the tension of the strings will cause the piano to immediately go back out of tune. It is necessary to “overcompensate” on the pitch correction so the piano will return close to where it should be. After the pitch correction (if it was needed), the fine tuning is performed. Although your piano will be serviced by a technician who has been professionally trained to tune an entire piano by ear with no aid (except a tuning fork), a professional tuning software called TuneLab is used. With modern technology, tunings can be performed much faster, achieving the same result as an aural (by ear) tuning. TuneLab calculates the temperament based on the inharmonicity measurements taken prior to the tuning, and stretches the octaves just as if the piano were tuned by ear.

During the tuning process, several measures are taken to ensure your piano will hold its tune for as long as possible. For example, because a piano string holds tension in more than one place, it is necessary to “set the pin” to help release this tension. In simple terms, the string is tuned past perfect, then dropped into tune. Another very important way to release this tension is to perform “test blows” during tuning. This means the key is struck with force, again, releasing tension. Otherwise, this tension may be released later when the pianist plays with force, causing the piano to go out of tune.

After the fine tuning is completed, every note on the piano is checked with aural tests and perfected. This is done by comparing two notes with each other and listening to the pulsations they produce. Finally, one last test is performed for most pianos: every key on the piano is given a direct blow equal to that of a concert pianist. If any of the strings slipped, they are corrected and the test is performed again. Now your piano is in tune and ready to be enjoyed!

How Often Should a Piano Be Tuned?

Generally, piano manufacturers recommend that a piano be tuned every six months. Of course, several factors should be considered.

Environment. A piano can hold its tune longest in a stable environment. Most climate zones, including East Texas, are dry in the winter and moist in the summer. Thus the wood in a piano shrinks or swells during these humidity changes, causing the piano to go out of tune. To best maintain the environment for your piano, keep the room it is located in at a constant temperature and humidity. It is also a good idea to place the piano on an interior wall and away from any windows. You may also consider a piano moisture control system.

Usage. When a piano is played, the vibrations of the soundboard and the hammer striking the string cause fluctuations in the string’s pressure. Therefore, a piano that is heavily used will need to be tuned more often. For example, the average home piano may not need to be tuned as often as a church piano. Pianos in a university or concert venue obviously need to be tuned even more often.