Tuning & Repair
Piano Repair in Washington, PA
Does My Piano Need Tuning?
If it's been over 6 months to a year since your last tuning, the answer is, yes. (In my experience, no more than one in 100 pianos can hold a decent tune longer than one year.)
When a piano is fully tuned up to standard pitch (A440), there is approximately 40,000 pounds of tension on the strings. As the piano sits, this pressure works to slowly cause the strings to slacken and the piano gradually goes flat.
Over time, your instrument will become so flat it will need what's called a "pitch raise." Simply put, this is a process where the tuner pre-stretches the strings before he tunes the piano. This tuning won't be as stable as subsequent tunings since the string tension has been drastically increased. That's why a second tuning needs to follow fairly soon after a pitch raise. Ron can recommend a safe waiting period until that time: usually 2-6 months.
What Causes A Piano To Go Out Of Tune?
The number one culprit against in-tune stability is humidity variation. The swelling or shrinking of the soundboard greatly affects the tension on the strings. Concerning long-term stability, read "Does My Piano Need Tuning?"
