PIANO TUNING

piano tuner

Request Form - please enter details in the form below including two or three convenient dates and we will contact you to arrange for your piano to be tuned

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Why does a piano go out of tune ?

There are a multitude of factors which affect the tuning and the stability of a piano. The entire piano is under continual stress (as are many of us !) to a varying degree and it is the fluctuations in these stresses that cause the piano to go out of tune. Considering the 230+ steel strings that are strained to between 150 - 200lbs each means the cumulative total on the iron frame, and the solid wooden 'back', are subject to stresses of between 18 - 20 tons. When these strings slacken naturally their tension reduces and the piano then becomes out of tune.

What causes the strings to slacken ?

In older pianos the primary cause of strings slackening is the tuning pins which are embedded in the wrest plank (or pinblock) become loose either due to general wear and tear over the years, or (more commonly) because the wrest plank has developed splits across or around the pin holes due to the wood drying out. Another primary cause is the movement in the soundboard. This board is made of spruce and is responsible for the resonance of the piano. Spruce is used because of its elastic nature ; the more elastic the soundboard the more pleasant the tone. The steel strings bear down on this soundboard through 'bridges' which in turn allows their vibrations to be amplified.

  • Atmospheric changes - Due to the very nature of the whole construction, pianos are very sensitive to atmospheric changes in temperature and barometric pressure. During the warmer months the atmosphere is quite humid and 'water laden' and the wood absorbs this and swells. The strings therefore tighten which causes the pitch to raise and the piano is then out of tune.During the winter if heating is used, the moisture evapourates from the wood which therefore shrinks and the strings slacken and the pitch drops, again resulting in the piano being out of tune. If these variations become too severe it can ultimately lead to the soundboard cracking which becomes a very expensive repair option. Controlling temperature and humidity therefore plays an important part in preserving your piano......... more