Professional, Expert, Reliable Piano Tuning/Repairs In The Western Carolinas.

The duration of a piano tuning can vary depending on several factors, including the piano’s condition, how much it has gone out of tune, and the skill level of the piano tuner. On average, a standard piano tuning typically takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to complete. Technicians spend extra time addressing overall instrument and specific technical issues with the instrument. Most tuners and technicians spending less time than this tend to have unstable and inharmonic tunings.

A pitch adjustment is a process in piano tuning where the piano’s overall pitch is deliberately and temporarily raised or lowered before fine-tuning it to the correct pitch. This is necessary when a piano has gone significantly flat or sharp and needs to be brought closer to the standard pitch (A440) before it can be accurately tuned.

A piano goes out of tune due to changes in temperature, humidity, and the natural settling of its components, which affect the tension of the strings and alter the pitch of the notes.

The duration of a piano tuning’s effectiveness can vary depending on factors like climate, piano usage, and the piano’s condition. Generally, a well-maintained piano tuning can last about six months to a year before it may require another tuning to keep it in optimal pitch and sound quality. For first time tunings it may go out as soon as a week.

It is recommended to have your piano tuned at least once or twice a year to maintain its optimal sound quality and playability. To maintain stability a new piano should be tuned three to four times in its first year. Pianos respond to their environment and go out of tune even if they aren’t being used. It’s best practice to have a piano technician service the piano at least once a year for the health of the instrument and to maintain a beautiful tone.

To prepare for the piano tuner’s visit:

• • Clear the area on and around the piano.

• • Maintain a stable room temperature and humidity.

• • Share relevant information about the piano’s history and repair needs.

• • Please reschedule if anyone is sick.

Cleaning a piano can be done by gently dusting the surface with a soft cloth and using a mild solution of dawn dish soap and white vinegar to clean the keys. However, some aspects of piano cleaning, such as cleaning inside the piano or addressing more significant issues like sticky keys, require specialized knowledge and tools. It’s essential to have a professional piano technician perform these tasks to avoid potential damage and ensure the piano’s delicate components are handled with care. Additionally, regular professional piano maintenance and tuning are vital to keep the instrument in optimal condition and maintain its sound quality and performance.

A piano tuner focuses on adjusting the piano’s strings to bring it into tune, while a piano technician is skilled in various aspects of piano maintenance, including tuning, regulation, voicing, and repairs.

A Registered Piano Technician (RPT) is a professional designation awarded by the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of skill and knowledge in the field of piano technology. To become an RPT, a piano technician must pass a series of rigorous exams that test their proficiency in tuning, repairing, regulating, and maintaining pianos.

The PTG is a leading organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of piano service and technology. By earning the RPT credential, technicians show their commitment to professional development and their ability to provide expert piano care. RPTs are often sought after by piano owners, dealers, and institutions who value the assurance of receiving top-quality service for their instruments.

Piano Technicians Guild

The best place for a piano in the home is on an interior wall, away from direct sunlight, drafts, and extremes in temperature and humidity. Positioning it in a room with stable environmental conditions helps maintain the piano’s tuning stability and overall health.

Also known as a piano humidity control system is a device installed inside a piano to regulate and maintain stable humidity levels around the instrument. It includes a humidifier to add moisture when the air is too dry and a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture when the air is too humid. The system helps protect the piano from the harmful effects of fluctuating humidity, ensuring better tuning stability, and preserving the piano’s overall condition and sound quality.

Piano humidity control systems are especially beneficial in areas with significant climate variations and for high-quality pianos, such as grand pianos and antique instruments. These systems help ensure the piano remains in optimal playing condition, preserving its tone, touch, and structural integrity over time. By mitigating the effects of humidity changes, piano humidity control systems are valuable tools in piano maintenance and care.

Regulation is the process of adjusting and fine-tuning the mechanical components of a piano’s action to ensure consistent touch and responsiveness of the keys. It involves optimizing the piano’s key depth, key level, let-off distance, and other parameters. How often regulation is necessary depends on the piano’s usage and condition.

For a frequently played piano or one used for professional purposes, regulation may be required every 1 to 3 years. For a piano used less often, regulation might be needed every 3 to 5 years. Regular regulation is essential to maintain the piano’s playability, allowing for better control and expression while playing.

Yes, the touch of a piano can be adjusted. The heaviness or lightness of the keys, also known as the key touch or action, can be regulated by a piano technician. By making precise adjustments to the mechanical components of the piano’s action, such as the key weight and the distance the hammers travel, the technician can tailor the touch to your preference, providing a more comfortable and responsive playing experience.

Voicing is the adjustment of a piano’s tone quality by modifying the hammers and their felt covering. It is necessary when the piano’s sound is uneven, too bright or muffled, and when there are inconsistencies in volume or tone across the keys. Voicing helps achieve a balanced, expressive, and pleasing sound throughout the instrument. It is typically done by a professional piano technician with expertise in piano tone regulation.

A piano may need reconditioning or rebuilding when it has reached a state of significant wear, aging, or damage that affects its performance and sound quality.

Reconditioning is required for pianos in fair to good condition, while rebuilding is necessary for older or severely damaged pianos. Signs indicating the need for reconditioning or rebuilding include extensive wear of action parts, loose tuning pins, cracks in the soundboard, and inconsistent sound or touch.

The decision to recondition or rebuild depends on the piano’s age, quality, sentimental value, and the cost-effectiveness of restoration versus acquiring a new instrument.