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Tuning Your Piano

Why does my piano go out of tune?

There are several variables that determine how quickly a piano goes out of tune:

          Humidity variations

          The condition of the piano

          How often the piano is played

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Humidity change is the biggest factor in making a piano go out of tune, causing the soundboard to swell and stretch the strings in the humid Michigan summers. Then in the winters, when the furnace comes on, the air dries out and causes the soundboard to shrink and flatten out, with the piano strings unstretching and going flat.

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Of course, if a piano is not in good condition, particularly if the tuning pins are loose, the pitch of the piano may slip faster, especially with increased use. Also, some pianos are more susceptible to humidity changes than others because of the types of woods and finishes used in their manufacture. Therefore they may absorb more moisture and go out of tune sooner.

How often should I have my piano tuned?

If pressed for an answer, I usually tell people to have it tuned at least once a year. Some customers will have pianos tuned 2, 3, or more times a year. Others who only use their pianos sparingly may wait longer as long as the building and piano conditions don't warrant more frequent tunings.

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How often someone might have their piano tuned also depends on how much an out-of-tune piano offends their ear. Some people can't stand even the least bit of dissonance. Others are not bothered by a piano that is quite out of tune.

How long will it take to tune my piano?

That can vary depending on the condition of the piano, if it needs a pitch raising or lowering, and the type of piano. I take longer than some other tuners, but I am very careful to give each customer the best tuning possible for your piano. So, a tuning usually takes an hour and a half to two hours, but it can be two-and-a-half hours or more if the piano is really out of tune.

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