Exceptional piano tuning from generations of skilled technicians since 1910.
Piano Tuning
Why does my piano go out of tune?
A piano’s tuning and stability are influenced by a variety of factors. The instrument is under constant tension, and even small changes in these stresses can cause the piano to gradually fall out of tune.
With more than 230 steel strings, each carrying a tension of approximately 150–200 lbs, the combined pressure placed on the iron frame and solid wooden back can exceed 18–20 tons. Over time, the strings naturally lose some of their tension, causing changes in pitch and affecting the overall tuning of the piano.
Regular professional tuning helps to manage these changes, maintaining the instrument’s tone, performance and longevity.
Useful tips at a glance
- Have your piano tuned at least TWICE a year
- Keep it at A440 (Concert Pitch) if possible
- Keep the room temperature stable (70°F ±5°F) is ideal
- Keep the room humidity stable (50% ±5%) is ideal
How often should my piano be tuned?
There is no definitive answer to how often a piano should be tuned, as many factors can affect its tuning stability. However, in a typical domestic environment where temperature and humidity remain relatively consistent, a good guideline is to have your piano tuned at least twice a year.
Ideally, tuning should take place around 2–3 weeks after the heating is switched on in winter, and again 2–3 weeks after it has been turned off in summer. This allows the piano time to acclimatise to the changing conditions and settle before the strings are carefully brought back to the correct pitch.
Piano tuning is a highly skilled and technical craft that requires many years of training, experience and a finely developed ear. While it may be tempting to attempt adjustments yourself, achieving a stable, accurate tuning is best left to a qualified professional.
Why do the strings slacken?
The answer comes down to the piano's physical construction and its sensitivity to its environment. Below are the main factors that cause a piano to drift out of tune.
Tuning pins and the soundboard
In older traditional pianos, the primary cause of strings slackening is the tuning pins, which are embedded in the wrest plank (or pinblock) becoming loose either due to general wear and tear over the years, or (more commonly) because the wrest plank has developed splits across or around the pin holes due to the wood drying out. Another primary cause is movement in the soundboard. This board is made of spruce and is responsible for the resonance of the piano. Spruce is used because of its elastic nature — the more elastic the soundboard the more pleasant the tone.
Atmospheric changes
Due to the materials and construction of a piano, it is highly sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity and atmospheric conditions.
During warmer months, increased humidity causes the wooden components of the piano to absorb moisture and expand. This places additional tension on the strings, causing the pitch to rise and the piano to gradually go out of tune. In winter, when central heating is used, the air becomes drier and moisture is drawn from the wood. As the wooden components contract, the strings lose tension, causing the pitch to drop.
Extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity can also cause serious damage over time, including cracking of the soundboard — a costly and complex repair. Maintaining a stable environment with controlled temperature and humidity is therefore essential to preserving your piano’s tone, condition and longevity.
Moving a piano
Contrary to popular belief, moving a piano does not necessarily cause it to go out of tune. As with tuning stability, the main factors are the environment and atmospheric conditions surrounding the instrument.
If a piano is moved from one room to another within a consistently heated home, it is unlikely to experience any significant change in tuning — even if the move involves stairs or repositioning within the property.
However, when a piano is relocated to a different building or environment where temperature and humidity levels differ, the instrument will need time to acclimatise. In these circumstances, a professional tuning is usually recommended a couple of weeks after the move, once the piano has settled into its new surroundings.
Continuous and heavy playing
Continuous and heavy playing will also make a piano go out of tune quickly, since the strings are being continually vibrated and will therefore slacken off over a period of time. If a pianist is playing that continually however, it is likely that they will be having their piano tuned 4–6 times per year. In commercial environments pianos can often need tuning on a weekly or monthly basis depending on usage and (again) environmental fluctuations.
How much does piano tuning cost?
The following table shows our pricing structure for piano tuning and servicing.
Pitch Raise
For pianos that have drifted significantly below A440 and need to be brought back to concert pitch.
Regulating
Adjustment of the piano action so each note responds evenly and consistently to the player.
Full Service
Tuning, regulation, voicing and a full mechanical health-check in one visit.
Cancellation with less than 48 hours notice — full fee charged.
These prices relate to normal hours of business: Monday – Friday 9:30am – 4:00pm. Tunings are available out of hours and at weekends, but do bear additional costs.
Piano Tuning FAQs
In a domestic environment with a stable temperature and humidity, we recommend having your piano tuned at least twice a year, keeping it at A440 (concert pitch) where possible. Pianos in heavy use, or in venues and schools, benefit from more frequent visits.
The 230+ steel strings inside a piano hold a combined tension of 18-20 tons, and any changes in temperature, humidity, heavy playing or the age of the instrument cause the strings to slacken and the pitch to drift. Regular tuning keeps this movement under control.
A standard tuning visit is £100. A pitch raise is £190, regulating is £400 and a full service is £800. Every visit is carried out by our experienced in-house technicians - use the booking form below and we will confirm your appointment.
Book a tuning
Tell us a little about your piano and we'll be in touch to schedule a visit.