What is piano tuning?
Piano tuning is the process of adjusting the pitch of the strings inside the piano responsible for producing the instruments sound. This is done by manipulating the tension of the string. Each string in the piano is designed with 3 factors in mind that when combined allow for the production of a specific pitch (note). These are length, mass (thickness), and tension. Once in the piano the length and mass of the string are set, the job of a tuner is to adjust the strings tension in order to produce the pitch required for the purpose of harmonic interaction with the other notes of the piano. Increasing the tension of a string will sharpen the pitch while decreasing the tension will flatten the pitch.
How long does it take to tune a piano?
The tuning of a piano is a lengthy process requiring intense focus that takes approximately one hour and forty five minutes depending on the state of the piano.
Why do pianos need tuning?
Pianos need tuning in order to maintain the pitch of each note required for the purpose of harmonic interaction with other notes of the piano. Over time normally pleasant sounding familiar songs will start to sound more and more unpleasant and eventually downright bad as different notes slip further and further out of tune. Also, pianos are designed to sit at a specific pitch based off the note A440 (aka concert pitch). This is a universal pitch to which different instruments are tuned that enables the harmonic interaction between different instruments so, when played together, they can produce what we commonly regard as music. Without regular tuning the overall pitch of the piano will fall below A440 and pleasant harmonic interaction between the piano and other instruments becomes increasingly difficult. Finally, pianos are painstakingly designed through trial and error with the help of complex mathematical equations to operate in a very specific state. When tuned within these complex design specifications, all of which can be accurately perceived by the sensitivities of the human ear, the piano will sound with optimal strength, presence and tonal clarity.
Why do pianos go out of tune?
Changes in humidity and temperature are the main cause for pianos going out tune. However even pianos situated in completely stable climates will gradually slip out of tune over time due to the high amount of tension placed on the strings and internal structures of the piano.
How often does a piano need to be tuned?
Pianos require a tuning at least once per year in order to maintain overall concert pitch and tonal clarity, however some instances my call for more frequent attention. Such as…
Brand new pianos, due to the high amount of natural elasticity in fresh strings, require 2 or more tunings per year for the first 2 years of life while the strings are still in the process of settling.
Pianos living within music studios require frequent tuning in order to maintain optimal tonal clarity when recording. In some instances tuning may be required before each recording session.
Pianos subject to frequently changing environmental conditions such fluctuations in humidity will require more frequent tuning as the changing conditions influence the structures of the piano.
Pianos used in concert situations, particularly when showcasing classical music where tonal precision is of great importance, often require tuning immediately prior to a shows commencement.
Can my piano be tuned?
In the day to day life of a piano tuner it is not uncommon to come across pianos that simply cannot be tuned, also known as PSO’s (Piano Shaped Objects). Problems such as a cracked or out of shape soundboard, broken cast iron plate, broken pin-block or worn out tuning pin holes will result in a piano being unable to maintain tuning and is therefor no longer usable for playing music. Unfortunately a common scenario is a piano purchased for cheap off buy and sell sites on the internet. Generally when a piano is advertised at a super cheap price it is done so for a reason and more often than not these “bargain” pianos will have huge faults that are expensive to fix or will simply be untunable. So avoid the traps and always speak to your local piano tuner before purchasing a second hand piano!
What other services might my piano require?
Aside from tuning pianos have other needs that require attention from time to time in order to keep the instrument in good condition. The most common extra services are:
Regulation - The pressing of a key on the piano sets in motion a mechanism (known as the “action”) that finishes with a wooden hammer covered in felt hitting a string that produces a sound. In order for the hammer to strike the string when the key is pressed the individual parts of the action must all work together within precise specifications. Adjustment of this mechanism is known as “regulation’. A well regulated piano will result in consistent feel and accurate response from your piano. Poor regulation means inconsistent response and in extreme cases silent notes and sticking keys.
Voicing - The hammers that strike the strings of the piano are covered in felt. The quality and state of these hammer felts is of great importance to a pianos tone. Over time these hammer felts will suffer wear and tear and may require attention in order to reinvigorate the instruments tonal quality. Manipulation of the state of a pianos hammer felt is known as voicing.
- Stringing - A pianos sound is produced by a complex array of steel strings placed under huge amounts of tension. Over time it is inevitable the strings will break and require replacing, this is particularly common when tuning older pianos that haven’t been tuned in many years. As strings age tonal quality will also gradually diminish and replacing of large sections of strings may be desired.
What is a pianola?
A pianola or player piano is a piano with an inbuilt pneumatic (operated by air or gas) mechanism that allows the instrument to play by itself. Traditionally the air required for the system was produced by a pump operated by the feet, and more recently also by electric pumps. Specifically designed scrolls with precise holes punched into the paper sit inside the piano. As air is delivered into the system it passes through small holes in the music scroll that in turn trigger specific keys to play. When a pianola is set in motion its keys can been seen to play themselves.
For further questions or to book in a tuning call Rob on
0475 841 596
or email at
imlachmusic@gmail.com
