Piano Tuning

A well-tuned piano is essential for maximizing the playing pleasure of you and your family. It can be hard to encourage a child to practice when the piano they are learning on is not particularly nice to listen to even when played well, and it can discourage you from sitting down to play. Furthermore, getting too used to hearing an off-pitch piano may potentially influence your or a child’s ear for correct pitch. At Piano Tuning Fort Worth our aim is to make piano playing a pleasure again.
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The international pitch standard for pianos is A-440. When some strings vary from this pitch the sound can jar against other notes or instruments, and those with a fine ear for music may find it unpleasant to listen to. Once the tuning of a piano lapses far off what it should be, the unpleasant jarring sound is noticeable to most people.

If you would like to discuss making an appointment for a piano tune, tap the button below to call us now:

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817-203-2990

Why does a piano need tuning?

​Temperature or humidity changes in the environment around the piano can cause the wood of the frame and parts to swell or contract. This alters the tension in the strings, and so the pitch. As the wood swells, the strings are pulled more taut as they stretch to extend over the larger frame. As the wood later contracts, the strings slacken as they have to extend over a shorter distance. This pulling and relaxing stretches the strings so they no longer are at the correct tension, and affects the different strings to varying degrees so they are no longer evenly tuned. Tuning the strings pulls them back into alignment and to the correct tension for the pitch.

A piano may also need an initial tune when it first arrives from the factory or shop, or after a house move. This is because even with the most careful piano movers and handlers the frame of the piano shifts slightly in moving, potentially affecting the tension in the strings. Difference in humidity and temperatures between its old and new homes can also affect the pitch once it has arrived at its new home.

If a piano has not been tuned for over a year, or has slipped a long way off pitch, a simple tune may not be sufficient and a pitch adjustment may be required first.

How often should I get my piano tuned?

​Even a well-cared for piano requires periodic tuning. Pianos should generally be tuned once a year, though they may need to be tuned more often if they experience high temperature or humidity fluctuations. Manufacturers usually recommend a new piano being tuned at least twice a year in their first couple of years of life, so it may be worth consulting the manufacturer’s guidebook. If you do not have the guidebook or would like our advice, please don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’d be pleased to help.

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How long does piano tuning take?

Piano tuning usually takes an experienced technician 1- 1 ½ hours, though the overall appointment may be set for 2 hours. If a pitch adjustment is required this will need to be done first, and takes a similar time for that stage alone. A pitch adjustment and a tune may be done in one session or may be spread over two or more. If a technician appears to tune your piano in 20 minutes or half an hour, this will unlikely be sufficient or thorough.

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Contact us

If you would like to make a booking for a piano tune or would like advice about your piano and its tuning or maintenance needs, please call us or fill in the enquiry form on this page and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

817-203-2990