Notes for piano owners
The room.
The rhythm.
The next visit.
You don’t need to know how the action works to give your piano a useful routine. Start with how often you play and what changes through the year.
Usually, twice a year.
For many home pianos, tuning about every six months is a useful starting point. Frequent playing, teaching, a new instrument or a change of location can call for more visits. A rarely played piano still responds to seasonal changes.
After the first appointment, we suggest an interval based on the instrument and its room. If it has been years since the last tuning, mention that when you request a visit.
A steady room helps.
Wood takes on and releases moisture as humidity changes. That movement affects string tension and can change the tuning. Keep the piano away from direct sunlight, heating vents and spots with large temperature swings when you can.
A room humidity gauge can help you notice a pattern. Talk through any humidity-control equipment with your technician before installing it; the room and instrument matter.
Leave a little quiet.
Clear the top of the piano and leave room around the bench and keyboard. Choose a time when the room can be quiet for 75–90 minutes, or up to 2 hours 15 minutes if a pitch raise is needed.
Have a list of sticking keys, pedal noises or changes you’ve noticed. You can be nearby; we’ll ask for a listen together at the beginning and end.
After a move
Should I tune it as soon as it arrives?
Let the piano settle into the room first. A few weeks is often useful, but the move, season and condition affect the timing. Tell us when it arrived and we’ll agree on a suitable appointment.
Find a rhythm for your piano.
We’ll start with its last tuning and the room it lives in.