Four Piano Tuning Tips That Will Save You Money

This report REVEALS strategic ways to plan your tuning schedule, saving you money and keeping your instrument sounding better for longer.

Remember the Piano Principle discussed in our first report? Keep this principle in mind for a better understanding of the points below. If you need to review this principle, click here: http://www.perfectlygrand.com/report1.html

How is having your piano tuned like getting your teeth cleaned? By the time 6 months goes by you need it done again – it’s cumulative – because pianos go out of tune a little bit each day.

1. How long should a tuning last?

Depending upon the time of year you tune your piano, it should stay fairly in tune until the next seasonal humidity change. (This is assuming that your piano tuner has done a good job.)


2. How do I know if my piano tuner has done a good job?

A good technician will play the keys forcefully while tuning, this equalizes string tension. As soon as your piano tuner leaves, play your piano vigorously for 30 minutes – if it still sounds in tune, then your tuner has done a good job. How long your piano stays in tune depends upon humidity changes inside your home - which are out of your piano tuner’s control.


3. How often should I have my piano tuned?

Pianos played regularly usually need to be tuned twice a year. Piano teachers often tune several times a year – once when the students come back from summer break; once when the heat comes on and once just prior to recitals. Advanced and professional players often have their pianos tuned multiple times a year based upon when they hear a need for it. Pianos that are not played should be tuned once every 1-2 years (but no less). If you only play your piano around the holidays, as is quite common, try and have the piano tuned within one week of that holiday.


4. When are the best times of year to tune a piano?

It is best to tune a couple of weeks after your seasonal humidity shift has taken hold (the humidity of summer, the dry heat of winter). By timing your tuning this way, your piano will have a chance to acclimate to the new level of humidity allowing it to stay stable for many more months, saving you money and increasing your enjoyment. However, as to which months you should tune – that varies greatly depending on your region.

For instance, in northern New England homeowners turn on the heat in October but it doesn’t get humid until June/July. In the southeast the heat might not come on until Dec/Jan with humidity coming back in May. So, even though you are tuning 2 times a year, the best times to tune are not necessarily in six month increments. In those parts of the country where it’s consistently very dry, or consistently humid you should base your tuning schedule around when the piano gets the most usage.

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Did you know ? . . .
Pianos used daily in concert halls are tuned everyday – right before the concert. Why? Because as soon as the hall fills up, 100s of people exhale high humidity and the relative humidity level of the concert hall spikes – which pushes the piano out of tune. By the next day, the relative humidity level of the hall has dropped requiring the piano to be tuned before the next performance – starting the cycle all over again.

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