Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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Please call or text to schedule an appointment today! 860-406-4037
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How often should I tune my piano?
How often should I tune my piano?
Ideally, pianos should be tuned twice a year. Pianos not being played should be tuned once a year. Humidity and changes in temperature are constantly causing your piano to go out of tune. By tuning your piano on a regular basis, you're helping maintain a stable piano that stays in tune.
What is a pitch raise and why do I need one? (and why I should pay for it...)
What is a pitch raise and why do I need one? (and why I should pay for it...)
A piano pitch raise is a preliminary tuning procedure used to bring a piano that is significantly flat back to its proper pitch, usually A440. When the piano is far out of tune, the tension across the strings is uneven, and a single tuning pass won’t stabilize the pitch effectively. The pitch raise involves making larger, approximate adjustments to the string tension to bring the piano closer to standard pitch. This process often causes some strings to drop slightly after adjustment due to redistribution of tension. A fine-tuning follows the pitch raise to stabilize and refine the sound.
TL;DR - Fine tuning a piano that hasn't been tuned in over a year will not result in a stable, pleasant-sounding tuning.
"I just purchased a piano/I haven't tuned my piano and years. And I don't know where to start..."
"I just purchased a piano/I haven't tuned my piano and years. And I don't know where to start..."
If you haven't tuned your piano in years or if you just got a new piano, it can be intimidating trying to figure out what you need. Please call me with any questions you have, and I'd be happy to discuss all things "piano" with you over the phone.
Please call or text me at 413-668-7315.
How do I pay?
How do I pay?
We accept cash or check at the end of the service visit.
How do you tune a piano?
How do you tune a piano?
Fine-tuning a piano involves adjusting each string such that it vibrates at the correct pitch. The standard pitch reference is A440, which is the note A above middle C vibrating at 440 Hz. To fine-tune, we use an electronic tuner set to A440. The technician adjusts the tension of each string, gradually increasing or decreasing its tension with a tuning hammer. This process creates a harmonious sound across all the keys. Fine-tuning typically happens after the piano has undergone a rough tuning (pitch raise), allowing the technician to fine-tune subtle discrepancies for perfect pitch.
Do strings ever break?
Do strings ever break?
It's unlikely that a string will break during a tuning. But on rare occasions, strings do break. This is more likely to occur when a piano has not been tuned for many years. Before any tuning (and especially during pitch raises), we will discuss the potential risks associated with the work. If a string breaks, you may elect to purchase a string replacement or not.
How long does a tuning take?
How long does a tuning take?
During the initial visit, the tuning will take about 2 hours to allow for us to assess your piano and perform the tuning. Typically, a standard tuning will take 1.5 hours, and a pitch raise + standard tuning will take about 2.5 hours.
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