Photo: Alex Green

Can you tune a 30 year old piano?

Yes, any piano can be tuned after years of no use, as long as it is working condition. Keep in mind, however, that a severely out-of-tune piano will have gotten used to the lowered string tension, and the strings not stay at the correct tension for a longer period of time until it has had several tunings.

emmablairpiano.com - All You Need to Know About Piano Tuning

What is the hardest language to learn?

1. Mandarin Chinese. Interestingly, the hardest language to learn is also the most widely spoken native language in the world. Mandarin Chinese is...

Last updated Apr 7, 2018

What are the different types of music teachers?

8 Types of Music Teacher Jobs Teacher at a primary school. If you like children and music, this is a great option for you. ... Teacher at a middle...

Last updated Aug 29, 2018

Promotion

You're the proud owner of a beautiful acoustic piano, but you've got a lot of questions about maintaining it. Let's explore how often it needs to be tuned, approximately how much it costs, and more important information you need to know. Want to take the best care of your piano? Get more maintenance tips and learn how to clean the keys and finish.

What Is Tuning?

What is piano tuning? Piano tuning is adjusting the tension of the strings so that the notes have the correct pitch. Over time, piano strings loosen and the pitch drops (goes flat). Twisting the tuning pins on the pinblock with a special wrench tightens the strings, raising their pitch to the correct frequency. Why do pianos need to be tuned? Tuning ensures your piano is playing the notes at the correct frequencies, which creates a much more pleasant sound. Humidity fluctuations throughout the year will cause the wooden components in the instrument to swell or shrink, which in turn can cause the piano to go out of tune. What does A440 mean? This refers to the sound frequency of the A above middle C, which is used to calibrate the tuning of pianos, violins, and other musical instruments. The 440 means that the A has a vibration frequency of 440 Hz, and is often called "concert pitch." A properly tuned piano should have the A4 pitch (the 4th A on the keyboard) vibrating at 440 Hz. How long does a piano tuning take? Most piano tunings will take between 1 hour and 1 ½ hours. If small repairs to your instrument are needed, it may take up to 2 hours for the technician to finish. Does a piano need to be tuned after it's been moved? Yes, in most cases a piano will definitely need to be tuned after moving, as it will have been exposed to many variations in humidity and possibly some hard knocks, causing the strings to change their tension. Let the piano acclimate to its new environment for a month before getting it tuned, as it will hold its tune better. Can a piano be tuned after 20 years? Yes, any piano can be tuned after years of no use, as long as it is working condition. Keep in mind, however, that a severely out-of-tune piano will have gotten used to the lowered string tension, and the strings not stay at the correct tension for a longer period of time until it has had several tunings. Can I tune a piano myself? Although anyone can be trained to learn piano tuning, it's best to hire a professional piano technician to do this important maintenance on your instrument. Unless you really know what you're doing, you can do more harm than good! Technicians often have professional designations and have many years of experience tuning pianos. What tools are used for piano tuning? The most important tool in piano tuning is called the tuning hammer (also called a lever), which is a specialized wrench that helps the tuner turn the tuning pins, thereby adjusting the string pitch. Most tuners will also use an electronic app or device to check that the piano is playing the proper pitches, but in the past a tuning fork was used for this purpose. Rubber mutes and felt temperament strips are used to silence certain strings during the tuning process. Where can you learn piano tuning? According to Berklee, piano technicians can be trained through an apprenticeship or a training program, or can be self-taught. One can learn online using courses such as Randy Potter School of Piano Technology and with educational videos from Howard Piano Industries YouTube channel. However, it can take two to five years to become a professional piano technician. This is an antique tuning hammer used to turn a piano's tuning pins.

What holds the sheet music called?

music stand A music stand is a pedestal or elevated rack designed to hold sheets of music in position for reading.

Last updated Oct 3, 2019

What is the average price of a piano?

An upright piano costs between $3000 – $6500 on average. High-end upright pianos average around $10,000 – $25,000. Entry level grand pianos costs...

Last updated Aug 3, 2018

Promotion

How Often?

How often should your piano be tuned?

It depends! The frequency of tunings depends upon the age of the piano, where it is stored, and how often it is played. The frequency of tunings depends upon the age of the piano, where it is stored, and how often it is played. For brand new pianos, four times a year is recommended by most piano manufacturers. is recommended by most piano manufacturers. For pianos older than one year, twice a year is best. Have one tuning a month after the heat is turned on in the fall, and another tuning a month after the air conditioning is turned on in the summer. is best. Have one tuning a month after the heat is turned on in the fall, and another tuning a month after the air conditioning is turned on in the summer. For recording studios, concert halls, universities, and other venues where the piano is played for hours every day, tunings may be needed once a week or even every day (especially for recordings, where absolute accuracy is needed).

How to Tell If Your Piano Needs Tuning

If your piano shows one of the following characteristics, it's time to call a tuner! Notes not at the proper pitch (Don't wait until the piano sounds bad. If you don't have perfect pitch, use a tuning fork or a digital app to tell if the piano is out of tune.)

Buzzing or twanging when the hammer hits the strings

A closeup of the tuning pins on a grand piano

Finding a Tuner

Don't know of any piano tuners or technicians in your area? Here are some ways you can find them! Ask for recommendations. Music stores, piano teachers, churches, or universities will probably know of local tuners and technicians and can give you a good recommendation. Music stores, piano teachers, churches, or universities will probably know of local tuners and technicians and can give you a good recommendation. Look online. Do a quick Google search for "piano tuners near me," and you'll probably see quite a few results. Read reviews for each tuner and visit their social media pages or website to get more information about them. Do a quick Google search for "piano tuners near me," and you'll probably see quite a few results. Read reviews for each tuner and visit their social media pages or website to get more information about them. Search on the Piano Technicians Guild website. If you're looking for a certified technician or tuner, using the PTG website is a great place to start. Simply enter your zip code or postal code to find qualified technicians near you.

Cost

Where can I duplicate my skeleton key?

Can I duplicate skeleton keys? Perhaps you collect antique skeleton keys, or you live in an old home with interior locks that still use skeleton...

Last updated Feb 19, 2022

What chords to learn as a beginner?

The 7 essential most used beginner chords ALL guitar players should learn first are E major, E minor, A major, A minor, D major, C major and G...

Last updated Aug 21, 2019

Promotion

How much does a tuning cost?

Most piano tuners will charge $100-$150 per tuning, but the amount can go up to $200 depending upon the tuner's expertise. Remember, any repairs to your instrument (i.e. sticky key, broken hammer, faulty dampers, etc.) are not part of the tuning and will be an additional cost.

Conclusion

Do you have recommendations on finding piano technicians in your area? Or, are you a piano technician who wants to share tuning info with pianists? Let me know in the comments!

Other Piano Resources You'll Find Helpful

emmablairpiano.com - All You Need to Know About Piano Tuning

Are dyslexics gifted?

Practitioners and clinicians agree that the needs of a gifted student with dyslexia are very different from the individual with dyslexia or...

Last updated Feb 25, 2020

What are the four R's in apology?

So how do we build a worthy apology? Experts like Aaron Lazare and Nick Smith, in their book On Apology, point to four essential parts of the...

Last updated Aug 11, 2021

Join almost HALF A MILLION Happy Students Worldwide

Pianoforall is one of the most popular online piano courses online and has helped over 450,000 students around the world achieve their dream of playing beautiful piano for over a decade.

Learn More »

Promotion

Do you get worse at singing as you age?

As you enter your 60s and 70s, your voice starts to change. Your vocal folds weaken, cartilage in the larynx begins to ossify, and your respiratory...

Last updated Oct 25, 2021

Promotion

What is Disney No 1 song?

What are the highest-charting Disney songs? The only other Disney songs to chart higher than or match 'Bruno' and reach a Top 5 position on...

Last updated Sep 15, 2019