Here are some answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions.

Q: How often does a piano need to be tuned?

A: There are a few main factors that will impact on how often a piano requires tuning:

• How often does it get played?

• How stable is the humidity and environment it is in?

• What level of playing or performance does the piano need to be able to deliver?

Most manufacturers recommend that a piano should be tuned every 3 months in the first few years, and then once every six months after that. 

However, it is much more common for pianos to be tuned once a year... and in some circumstances, pianos can remain in tune for 2+ years

The more it is played, and the more extreme the environment is, generally correlates to how often the piano should be tuned.

Q: Why does a catch up tuning cost more than a regular tuning?

A: Pianos that haven't been tuned regularly often require a pitch raise before a normal tuning can be performed. This extra step is not required in a normal tuning. Alongside this extra step, there is also a greater risk that the piano or its strings will break during tuning, especially if the technician tries to bring it straight up to A3 = 440hz. 

Before starting a pitch raise or catch up tuning, a detailed inspection is completed on the core components of a piano. Are there cracks in the bridge? Rust on the pins? Are the screws all tight? These inspections are vital so that the best course of action can be taken to get your piano singing again!

Q: I've played piano for years and I want to try to tune my piano myself, is that a good idea?

A: Realistically, no, it is not a good idea. It is possible to ruin a good piano when tuning it through the use of poor tuning technique. This happens when pins get bent, strings get pulled up too high or other mechanisms get broken. Setting a temperament, tuning perfect unisons and getting a piano stable are all very difficult to do well. I would always suggest getting a trained piano technician to tune your piano... but if you do tune it yourself and you're not happy with how it sounds, I'll be more than happy to come and get it singing again!

Q: One of my keys isn't working properly, is there a quick fix I can try?

A: Sadly, the art of piano maintenance features many moving parts and co-dependent mechanisms. It is always recommended that you get a professional piano technician around to make an assessment. If it's an easy fix, I'll be happy to look after you and your piano promptly and affordably. 

Q: How much would it cost to get a piano rebuilt or refurbished?

A: This varies depending on how much work the piano will need. Minor repairs can range from $200-$500. More serious repairs could cost between $600-$3000. Full refurbishments could cost anywhere between $3000 - $10000+

Pianos are intricate, complicated instruments. They can have over 2000 moving parts, 220 strings and 15-30 tonnes of tension on the frame. They have their own stories, their own identities and sadly... a lifespan.

Sometimes pianos truly are worth preserving for future generations to enjoy. Technicians worldwide work to restore old and unique piano models, and the results can be amazing.

Pianos can also be upcycled into new bits of furniture... or taken apart for parts that can be used to repair other pianos in the future. Please get in contact to explore your options!

If you have any more questions, please let me know!

                         apianotuning@yahoo.com

                         Thanks,

                          Antonio Rafael Valente Salgado