Piano Services

Regular tuning is as essential for the piano as an oil change is to a car. It maintains the pitch, tone, and overall performance. The average piano has around 230 strings with the combined tension, held by the frame, of a staggering 20 tonnes! With so much force at play, regular maintenance is crucial. That is why most manufacturers recommend servicing your piano at least once or twice a year to ensure it stays in optimal condition.

Here’s a quick guide to help you care for your piano:

1. New Pianos: These should be tuned every 3–6 months during the first year. As the strings and components settle, more frequent tuning ensures stability.

2. Regular Use: For most pianos in stable environments, tuning twice a year is ideal. This helps cater to seasonal changes in humidity and temperature which can affect string tension, making regular maintenance essential.

3. Concert or Studio Use: Pianos used in performances or recordings should be tuned before every session to deliver the most precise and reliable sound.

*Note that when a piano hasn’t been tuned for an extended period and requires a significant pitch raise, it’s recommended to schedule another tuning within six months. This is because Pianos that experience such large adjustments often shift again as the strings and structure adapt to the new tension levels.

Caring for your piano is about more than just sound—it's about protecting an intricate instrument built to withstand incredible forces. Regular tuning keeps those 230 strings, their pins, and the entire mechanism working in harmony.

If your piano has not been seen to for a number of years it is more likely that it will require a slightly longer appointment. I would recommend booking a corrective tuning with service.

You can tell if your piano needs a service by noticing a few key signs. If the piano sounds out of tune, has sticking or sluggish keys, squeaky pedals, or notes that continue to ring after being played, it’s likely time for maintenance. Changes in tone, such as a harsh or overly bright sound, can also indicate the need for voicing or regulation. Regular servicing keeps the piano in good condition, so if it’s been 2 years or more since the last check-up, it’s worth scheduling a service to ensure everything is working smoothly.

If you are still unsure please feel free to get in touch and I will be happy to assist.

• Standard Tuning:
  Standard tuning refers to adjusting the piano to the internationally accepted pitch standard, where the note A above middle C (A4) is tuned to 440 Hz. This ensures the piano is in line with the correct pitch for most musical instruments and recordings, providing consistency when playing with others or alongside recordings.

• Pitch Raise:
  A pitch raise is a more significant adjustment required when a piano has fallen substantially out of tune, usually due to environmental factors or lack of regular maintenance. When the overall pitch has dropped far below standard, a pitch raise brings all the strings closer to the correct pitch in one or more passes before fine tuning can be performed. This is often necessary for pianos that haven’t been tuned for a long time. Please note that old pianos may not be able to get to A440 pitch.

• Fine Tuning:
  Fine tuning is the process of making precise adjustments to the tension of each string after an initial tuning or pitch correction. It involves small, exact changes to each note to ensure the piano sounds perfectly in tune across all registers. This is typically done after the piano has been brought close to the desired pitch to fine-tune the accuracy.

Voicing is the process of adjusting the tone quality of a piano by altering the hardness of the felt on the hammers that strike the strings. Over time, playing can cause the hammers to harden, leading to a harsh or overly bright sound. Voicing helps restore balance by softening or reshaping the hammers, resulting in a warmer, richer tone. This process allows the piano to produce more expressive, nuanced sounds, enhancing the overall playing experience and adapting the instrument’s tone to the pianist’s preferences.

Light voicing is included in each service package when booking a tuning. If you would like to know or discuss more about voicing please do get in touch or feel free to ask during the appointment.

Supporting music education and recognising its vital role in the lives of individuals and communities is an important value with Patrick Nicol Pianos.

Schools, Music Teachers, Groups and Institutions with multiple pianos can enjoy the benefit of discounted tuning rates. Simply get in touch with your request to find out more.

Why Pianos Go Out of Tune

While factors like frequent and forceful playing, moving the piano, and the age of tuning pins contribute to a piano going out of tune, the primary culprit is changes in humidity. The piano's natural materials react to humidity fluctuations, leading to expansion and contraction, which in turn affects the soundboard's compression and the instrument's overall tuning.

Humidity Effects

• Swelling: During humid months, the soundboard swells, increasing pressure against the strings, particularly in the middle sections. This results in a rise in pitch, especially in the tenor and middle registers.

• Shrinking: In drier conditions, such as during the heating season, the soundboard shrinks, causing a drop in pitch, again more pronounced in the middle sections.

Mario Igrec, a renowned piano technician, emphasises that "controlling the climate is an absolute prerequisite for a piano's stability and longevity." Inconsistent climate conditions can lead to severe issues, including degraded soundboards, cracked wooden parts, damaged finishes, and compromised action mechanisms.

Tips for Caring for Your Piano

To preserve your piano's condition and ensure it remains a joy to play, follow these key guidelines:

1. Avoid Temperature and Humidity Fluctuations:

   • Keep Away from Radiators and Heating Sources: Proximity to radiators, underfloor heating, and other heat sources can cause rapid changes in the piano's wood, leading to damage and tuning instability.

   • Shield from Windows and Draughts: Windows and draughty areas expose the piano to varying temperatures and humidity levels, which can harm its delicate internal components.

   • Limit Direct Sunlight Exposure: Direct sunlight can overheat the piano's surface, causing the finish to crack and fade, while also affecting the wood's stability.

2. Maintain a Stable Environment:

   • Consistent Temperature: Aim to keep the piano in a room with a stable temperature, ideally between 18-22°C (64-72°F).

   • Optimal Humidity Levels: Strive to maintain relative humidity between 45-55%. Using a hygrometer can help monitor humidity levels, and a humidifier or dehumidifier can assist in regulating the environment as needed.

3. Make Sensible Compromises:

   • If ideal conditions are unattainable, prioritise the lesser of two evils. For instance, placing the piano beside a radiator might be preferable to an open window, as it prevents direct exposure to external weather changes. Above all safety first, all upright pianos should be supported against a strong wall and safety castors should be installed on all school pianos to decrease the risk of falling.

If you think humidity might be an issue for you and your piano get in touch and I'll be happy to discuss options.