Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to get my piano tuned?
My observations show that pianos tuned at approximately the same times each year, e.g., spring and fall, or summer and winter, sound their best and have the best tuning stability. Because humidity levels continually change with our New England seasons, there is no best time to tune.
Do you tune by ear?
Yes, I perform aural (by ear) tunings. I believe the ear is the best judge of a musically pleasing and sweet-sounding piano.
How often should I get my piano tuned?
Most of my tuning clients have their pianos tuned every six months. High visibility pianos used to accompany voice or musical instruments are often tuned more frequently. Concert and recording pianos are tuned most frequently, before every performance, and sometimes before every "take" in a recording session.
Can I place my piano against an outside wall?
Yes, your piano can be placed against an outside wall because most homes have well-insulated exterior walls. Many years ago, before the popularity of exterior insulation, an outside wall got cold and was a poor location for a piano. Unless you live in a really old house that has never been modernized, your exterior walls are probably insulated.
What about heaters and fireplaces?
I recommend locating your piano at least six feet from any heating or cooling source. Pianos do not like fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, so keep them as far away from these as possible. Excessive heat causes extreme dryness and this can, and often does, kill a piano.
What is the difference between a pitch adjustment and a tuning?
Both pitch adjustment and tuning involves changing tension on the piano's strings by adjusting tuning pins. A pitch adjustment is essentially a "rough" tuning to bring the piano close to the proper pitch were it can then be tuned. Piano strings must be adjusted in small amounts, so multiple pitch adjustments may be necessary to "step" a piano up (or down) to proper pitch depending on the amount of the piano's deviation from A=440 Hz ("concert A").
How long does it take to tune a piano?
On average, most maintenance tunings are 90-minute appointments that include disassembling the piano, tuning, minor tone adjustments and needle voicing if necessary, reassembly, and time for discussion with the owner. Some pianos can be tuned quicker, others sometimes take longer. Performance pianos and very small pianos require the most time.
Do I have to be present while work is done?
No, many of my clients arrange access without their presence necessary. You may wish to be present at my initial visit if you have questions or repair issues. I am a fully bonded and certified professional.
My observations show that pianos tuned at approximately the same times each year, e.g., spring and fall, or summer and winter, sound their best and have the best tuning stability. Because humidity levels continually change with our New England seasons, there is no best time to tune.
Do you tune by ear?
Yes, I perform aural (by ear) tunings. I believe the ear is the best judge of a musically pleasing and sweet-sounding piano.
How often should I get my piano tuned?
Most of my tuning clients have their pianos tuned every six months. High visibility pianos used to accompany voice or musical instruments are often tuned more frequently. Concert and recording pianos are tuned most frequently, before every performance, and sometimes before every "take" in a recording session.
Can I place my piano against an outside wall?
Yes, your piano can be placed against an outside wall because most homes have well-insulated exterior walls. Many years ago, before the popularity of exterior insulation, an outside wall got cold and was a poor location for a piano. Unless you live in a really old house that has never been modernized, your exterior walls are probably insulated.
What about heaters and fireplaces?
I recommend locating your piano at least six feet from any heating or cooling source. Pianos do not like fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, so keep them as far away from these as possible. Excessive heat causes extreme dryness and this can, and often does, kill a piano.
What is the difference between a pitch adjustment and a tuning?
Both pitch adjustment and tuning involves changing tension on the piano's strings by adjusting tuning pins. A pitch adjustment is essentially a "rough" tuning to bring the piano close to the proper pitch were it can then be tuned. Piano strings must be adjusted in small amounts, so multiple pitch adjustments may be necessary to "step" a piano up (or down) to proper pitch depending on the amount of the piano's deviation from A=440 Hz ("concert A").
How long does it take to tune a piano?
On average, most maintenance tunings are 90-minute appointments that include disassembling the piano, tuning, minor tone adjustments and needle voicing if necessary, reassembly, and time for discussion with the owner. Some pianos can be tuned quicker, others sometimes take longer. Performance pianos and very small pianos require the most time.
Do I have to be present while work is done?
No, many of my clients arrange access without their presence necessary. You may wish to be present at my initial visit if you have questions or repair issues. I am a fully bonded and certified professional.