Noteworthy piano tuning and repair . . .

Why do pianos go out of tune?

The number one factor that causes pianos to go out of tune is the seasonal changes in humidity. As we enter the humid summer season, the warmer air begins to hold more moisture than the colder winter air. Because pianos are made primarily out of wood, this increase in relative humidity causes the wood to swell. As wooden parts of the piano (sound board, bridges, action) swell, it causes significant changes in the tuning. The increase in humidity is sometimes enough to cause changes in the movement between the mechanical action parts as well.

Just has the relative humidity levels increase in the spring, the cold, dry air of fall and winter creates another change in humidity. Because of this reoccurring cycle, it is recommended that a piano be tuned 1-2 times per year.

Contact us to schedule your next piano tuning.

How often should my piano be serviced?

The following article is a reprint of a technical bulletin published by the Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. on www.ptg.org. It is provided as a service to piano owners.

Your piano is an investment in your future. It can bring you and your family a lifetime of music, adding immeasurable joy and beauty to your home. Since it is also such a large investment, it should be maintained with the utmost care. Regular servicing by a qualified technician will preserve your instrument and help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

Because your piano contains materials such as wood and felt, it is subject to change with climatic conditions. Extreme swings from hot to cold or dry to wet cause its materials to swell and contract, affecting tone, pitch, and action response or touch. You can reduce the severity of these effects by placing your piano near a wall away from windows or doors that are opened frequently. Avoid heating and air conditioning vents, fireplaces and areas which receive direct sunlight. Your piano will perform best under consistent conditions neither too wet nor dry, optimally at a temperature of 68 degrees F and 42 percent relative humidity.

While pianos generally fall into vertical and grand model categories, each manufacturer selects its own materials and utilizes its own unique scale and furniture designs. Every piano requires a different level of maintenance, depending upon the quality of materials used and the design and level of craftsmanship. Manufacturers can provide general advice on tuning frequency but your technician can give specific recommendations based upon your usage and locale.