Piano tuning is the act of precisely adjusting the tension of the strings inside a piano in order to make the instrument sound in harmony with itself and other instruments. This is achieved by methodically turning tuning pins inside the piano with a tool called a piano tuning hammer to tighten or loosen the piano strings in an organized and calculated manner. The looser a piano string is, the lower the pitch with become. The tighter the string, the higher the pitch.
The reason piano tuning is a specialized skill is because of the challenges inherent with each individual piano. Each piano is created differently and requires a certain level of compromise and know-how in order to make each unique piano sound the best it possibly can.
Unlike a guitar where there are 6 strings and each string can be tuned to a standard frequency even by a novice musician; the piano requires a high level of skill, experience, and specialized tools in order to not only bring the piano it to pitch; but to ensure the piano will stay in tune for as long as possible due to the instruments intricacies.
The piano is a very complex instrument containing well over 200 strings, a frame, plate, pin block, tuning pins, bridges and a soundboard all working together to contain between 12-15 tons of pressure created by string tension inside the piano. It takes thousands of hours of practice to become competent with leaving all components in a state of stability and harmony.
The main forces that contribute to pianos going out of tune are humidity and temperature. Pianos are largely made of wood and metals which can expand and shrink with our season’s many changes. To ensure the longevity of your tuning, be sure your piano is kept in a spot in your home where it is least susceptible to the influx of heat and humidity. That means avoid leaving your piano near windows, heaters, and vents.
The best way to ensure your piano sounds its best year round is to get it tuned by a professional twice a year to keep it healthy, stable and pleasing to your ears. Pianos can be temperamental and prefer small incremental changes instead of intense increases in tension which can limit the longevity of tuning stability.
The reward we get from taking care of our pianos is a playing experience that is always satisfying and encourages our willingness to practice, play and enjoy our cherished instruments. These massive pieces of musical furniture carry our songs, stories, music heritage and memories that are priceless.
Please contact PianoTuners if you have a piano in Toronto or anywhere in the GTA for more information on how to bring out the best it can be.
