Piano Care & Advice

Helping You Keep Your Piano in Tune

A piano is an instrument designed to last for generations when properly cared for. From regular tuning to simple everyday precautions, a little attention can make a significant difference to its sound, condition and playability.

Piano Care & Advice

With over 30 years of experience in the music industry, I’m always happy to offer straightforward, practical advice to help you look after your piano.

How Often Should You Tune a Piano?

Regular Tuning Makes All the Difference

For a piano to maintain the correct pitch and produce a balanced, enjoyable sound, regular tuning is important. As a general guide, I recommend having your piano professionally tuned at least once a year.

Some instruments may benefit from more frequent tuning, particularly if they are played regularly or have recently been moved.

Keeping up with regular tuning can also prevent the piano from drifting significantly away from its intended pitch.

Is Your Piano Out of Tune?

Signs It May Be Time for a Tuning

You don’t need to be an experienced musician to notice when something doesn’t sound quite right.

Common signs can include:

Notes sounding slightly sharp or flat
A wavering or beating sound when a note is played
Chords no longer sounding clean and balanced
The piano sounding noticeably different from other instruments
It having been more than a year since its last tuning

A wavering sound can be one indication that the strings responsible for producing a note are no longer correctly aligned in pitch.

If you’re unsure, I’m happy to advise.

Caring For Your Piano

Simple Ways to Protect Your Instrument

Keep the environment consistent
Pianos respond to changes in temperature and humidity, so try to avoid positioning your instrument directly next to radiators or in areas with significant temperature changes.

Arrange regular tuning
Routine tuning helps maintain pitch and allows the instrument to be checked regularly.

Keep it clean and clear
Avoid placing drinks or other items that could damage the finish or internal components on your piano.

Mention any problems early
Sticky keys, unusual noises or changes in the way your piano feels are worth mentioning during your next visit.

Has Your Piano Not Been Tuned for Years?

It May Need a Pitch Raise

If an instrument has gone a long time without being tuned, it may have fallen too far below its intended pitch for a normal tuning alone.

In these cases, a pitch raise or levelling tuning may be required before the instrument can be accurately fine-tuned.

I can assess the piano during my visit and explain what is required before proceeding with any additional work.

Before Your Appointment

To help make the tuning process as straightforward as possible, please remove photographs, ornaments and other items from the top of the piano before my arrival where possible.

If there is anything unusual about the instrument or you know it hasn’t been tuned for a considerable amount of time, feel free to mention this when booking.

Need Some Advice About Your Piano?

If you’re unsure whether your piano needs tuning, servicing or repair, simply get in touch. I’ll be happy to discuss the instrument and recommend the most appropriate next step.