Frequently Asked Questions
1) Question: How much does piano tuning cost?
Answer:
The cost of piano tuning depends on the type of service required:
Standard Tuning: Costs around £80. This service is for pianos that are regularly maintained and need minor adjustments to stay at concert pitch (A440).
Pitch Raise Tuning: Costs approximately £140. This is required for pianos that haven’t been tuned for a long time or have significantly dropped in pitch. It involves multiple adjustments to stabilise the strings before fine-tuning.
For a precise quote, it’s best to contact us so we can assess your instrument and recommend the appropriate service. Regular maintenance ensures tuning costs remain predictable and avoids more extensive work in the future.
2) Question: How long does piano tuning take?
Answer:
The duration of a piano tuning typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours for a standard tuning, depending on the condition of the instrument. If a pitch raise is required (for pianos that haven’t been tuned in a while), the process may take longer.
It is crucial that the tuning process is carried out in a quiet environment with minimal distractions. Silence is key when tuning, as the fine adjustments we make to each string require a high level of concentration and precision. Any background noise or disruptions can hinder our ability to hear the subtleties of the tuning and may extend the time needed to complete the work to a high standard. To ensure the best results and a more efficient service, we kindly ask for peace and quiet during the tuning.
3) Question: Why do I need to have my piano tuned, and why should it be tuned 1–2 times a year?
Answer:
Tuning is essential to maintain the sound quality and performance of your piano. Over time, the tension of the strings naturally changes due to environmental factors such as fluctuations in temperature and humidity, as well as the vibrations caused by regular use. These changes can cause the piano to go out of tune, leading to dissonance and an unpleasant sound. Regular tuning ensures the piano remains in harmony with itself and produces the clear, beautiful tones it was designed for.
Pianos are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and even if they aren’t played frequently, these factors can still affect their tuning. For regularly played instruments, consistent vibrations contribute to the need for routine maintenance. Tuning 1–2 times a year helps:
Maintain tonal accuracy: Keeps the piano at concert pitch (A440) for harmonious sound.
Prevent larger issues: Regular tuning prevents the pitch from drifting too far, which can make future adjustments more complex and costly.
Extend the piano’s lifespan: Proper maintenance preserves both the structural and mechanical health of the instrument.
Neglecting regular tuning can cause the pitch to drift significantly, potentially requiring a more extensive pitch correction or repair in the future. Keeping your piano tuned not only ensures it performs at its best but also protects its long-term condition.
Question: Why is "suitable for a beginner" often misleading when buying a piano, and why should I buy the best piano I can afford instead?
4) Answer:
The phrase "suitable for a beginner" is often misleading because it can imply that an inexpensive, low-quality piano will be adequate for someone just starting out, which is far from the truth. Here's why:
Poor Playability on Low-Quality Pianos:
Many so-called "beginner" pianos, especially older or cheaper models, have heavy, unresponsive actions and can be out of tune. These pianos require more effort to play, making it harder for a beginner to develop the proper technique. Poor action can lead to frustration, causing beginners to struggle with basic skills like finger independence and touch control. An unresponsive keyboard can hinder progress, making learning harder and less enjoyable.Out of Tune Instruments:
A piano that is out of tune, even slightly, can have a detrimental effect on a beginner’s ear training. A student may struggle to understand basic musical concepts or learn how to play with proper pitch. Additionally, an instrument that is regularly out of tune can reinforce bad habits in playing, making it more difficult for beginners to adjust when they eventually transition to a better-quality piano.Limiting Development:
Playing on a low-quality piano can actually hinder the foundation of a beginner’s skills. The effort required to play an instrument that’s not properly tuned or responsive can negatively impact technique and overall enjoyment. A beginner will also be discouraged from practicing if the instrument sounds poor and feels difficult to play. Over time, they may lose motivation or become frustrated with their progress.Why Buy the Best Piano You Can Afford?
Buying the best piano you can afford ensures that the instrument supports and nurtures the development of a beginner’s skills. A high-quality piano offers smooth, responsive action, better sound quality, and greater tuning stability, all of which make learning more enjoyable and productive. A beginner who starts with a well-maintained, well-designed instrument will have a more rewarding learning experience and develop better technique. They will also have a greater appreciation for the instrument and its potential, motivating them to practice more.
Ultimately, investing in a good-quality piano, even at the beginner stage, lays a stronger foundation for learning and helps ensure that your commitment to practice and progress is supported by an instrument that enhances your musical journey.
5) Question: Should I contact a piano tuner before buying a piano?
Answer:
Yes, absolutely.
Consulting a professional piano tuner before purchasing a piano—whether new or second-hand—is highly recommended. A tuner can assess the instrument’s overall condition, ensuring you make an informed decision. Here’s why this is important:
Structural Integrity: A tuner can evaluate the piano’s internal components, including the soundboard, strings, and action, to check for issues like cracks, rust, or wear that may affect performance or lead to costly repairs.
Tuning Stability: A professional can determine whether the piano holds its tuning well or if it will require frequent adjustments, which is particularly important for older or neglected instruments.
Suitability: A tuner can advise on whether the piano is appropriate for your needs, whether you’re a beginner, advanced player, or buying for a particular space.
Cost Implications: A tuner can identify potential hidden costs, such as the need for a pitch raise, regulation, or extensive repairs, ensuring you don’t pay more than the piano is worth.
Purchasing a piano is a significant investment, and having it inspected by an expert beforehand ensures you choose a quality instrument that will serve you well for years to come.
6) Question: Should I buy a piano from Facebook Marketplace or accept one as a gift from a house clearance?
Answer:
Absolutely not. While it might seem tempting to acquire a piano for free or at a low cost, these instruments often come with hidden problems that could cost more to fix than they are worth. Here’s why it’s best to avoid these situations:
Unknown Condition: Pianos from house clearances or online marketplaces are often neglected, with unknown histories. They may have significant issues such as broken strings, damaged soundboards, or unrepairable structural problems.
Hidden Costs: Even if the piano is free, the costs of moving, tuning, repairs, or restoration can quickly add up. A professional evaluation might reveal the instrument is beyond economical repair.
Poor Quality: Many older pianos, particularly uprights from the early 20th century, were mass-produced and are not worth restoring. They may also have limited tonal quality or mechanical responsiveness, making them unsuitable for learning or serious playing.
Storage and Maintenance: Neglected pianos are often stored in poor conditions, leading to warped wood, rusted strings, or deteriorated felt, all of which can severely impact performance and durability.
Recommendation: Always consult a professional piano tuner or technician before acquiring any second-hand piano. A proper assessment will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure you invest in an instrument that will meet your needs. It’s often better to purchase a quality second-hand piano from a reputable dealer who has serviced and tuned it properly.
7) Question: Where should I keep my piano?
Answer:
Choosing the right location for your piano is essential to preserve its sound quality, structural integrity, and longevity. Here are some key considerations:
1. Temperature and Humidity Stability
Avoid extremes: Pianos are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Avoid placing your piano near radiators, heaters, air conditioning vents, or fireplaces, as these can cause the wood and strings to expand or contract.
Ideal conditions: Aim for a stable room temperature of around 18–22°C (64–72°F) and a humidity level between 40–50%. Using a humidifier or dehumidifier can help maintain these levels, especially in seasonal climates.
2. Away from Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can damage the piano’s finish and cause uneven heating, which may affect tuning stability and the lifespan of the instrument. Place the piano in a shaded area or use blinds or curtains to protect it.
3. Distance from External Walls
Avoid placing your piano directly against an external wall, as these can be prone to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Instead, position the piano against an internal wall, leaving a small gap (at least a few inches) to allow for air circulation.
4. Minimise Noise and Vibrations
Avoid placing the piano near sources of excessive noise or vibrations, such as washing machines or home theatre systems, as these can interfere with the tuning and overall sound quality.
5. Accessibility and Comfort
Position the piano in a room where it is easy to access and comfortable to play. A quiet, well-lit area will encourage practice and enhance the enjoyment of playing.
By placing your piano in a stable, protected environment, you can ensure it stays in excellent condition and provides a beautiful sound for years to come.
8) Question: Why should I buy a newer style piano and avoid old birdcage actions and console or mini pianos?
Answer:
When purchasing a piano, it’s essential to choose an instrument that will provide the best long-term value, quality, and playability. Here's why you should opt for a newer-style piano and avoid older models like birdcage actions and console or mini pianos:
Birdcage Actions (Old Pianos):
Older pianos, particularly those with "birdcage" actions, often feature outdated, inefficient mechanisms that result in a heavy, uneven touch and poor responsiveness. These pianos are typically harder to play, especially for beginners or more advanced pianists who require finer control. The action system is less precise, which affects the overall sound and feel of the instrument. Additionally, parts for these older pianos can be difficult and expensive to replace, and restoring them to optimal performance may not be economically viable.Console and Mini Pianos:
Console and mini pianos were designed as space-saving solutions but often sacrifice sound quality and mechanical integrity for compactness. These pianos tend to have weaker, tinny tones due to smaller soundboards and lower-quality materials. They also often have shorter strings, which limits their tonal depth and projection. As a result, these instruments lack the richness and clarity needed for serious study or performance. Additionally, the action and keyboard design may not be as comfortable or responsive, making playing less enjoyable.Newer Style Pianos:
A newer-style piano, especially one designed for both home use and professional performance, will offer better sound quality, smoother action, and improved durability. Modern pianos are built with more advanced materials and technology, ensuring better tuning stability, more precise action, and a more responsive touch. Newer pianos also benefit from the latest design innovations, offering greater tonal richness and clearer projection compared to their older counterparts.
In summary, while older pianos may seem like a bargain, they are often costly to maintain and may not offer the performance or reliability you need. Investing in a newer-style piano provides superior playability, tone, and long-term value, making it the better choice for both beginners and experienced pianists.
9) Question: Do you offer servicing and repair for pianos?
Answer:
Yes, we provide servicing and repair for pianos. However, it is essential that you notify us of any issues with the instrument before booking your tuning appointment. We will always conduct an initial assessment before providing a quote for any servicing or repair work.
To ensure the best results, we request that you provide a spacious area with good lighting and a quiet environment for us to work in. Adequate time will be required to complete the work thoroughly and bring your piano to its full potential.
A full day’s service is typically priced at £300, excluding the cost of materials and any tuning work. If we find that the cost of repair or servicing would exceed the value of your piano, we will inform you accordingly.
We generally offer servicing and regulation on newer or high-quality pianos. For older, neglected instruments, the work can be too complex and time-consuming to perform in your home. In such cases, it may border on restoration or rebuilding, which is a costly process and would likely require sending the piano away for extensive work. We can provide guidance on this if needed.
10) Question: What is regulation and servicing, and how often does a domestic piano need it, and how much does it cost?
Answer:
Regulation and servicing are important for maintaining your piano’s performance and longevity:
Regulation refers to adjusting the piano's action—the mechanism connecting the keys to the strings—to ensure it works smoothly and evenly. It includes tasks such as adjusting key weight, hammer alignment, and pedal responsiveness, ensuring a consistent touch across all keys. Proper regulation enhances playability, making the piano feel responsive and comfortable to play.
Servicing encompasses a wider range of tasks that include not only regulation but also tuning, checking for mechanical issues, inspecting the structure of the piano, and ensuring that everything is in good working order. Servicing helps keep the instrument in top condition and preserves its overall sound and structural integrity.
For a domestic piano, servicing and regulation are typically recommended every 1-3 years, especially if the piano is used regularly. However, if the piano is exposed to significant environmental changes (like fluctuating temperature and humidity) or is played more frequently, or in a professional setting, you might need servicing more often, possibly every 6 to 12 months.
Cost:
The cost for servicing and regulation can vary based on the complexity of the work and the condition of the piano. On average, a day’s worth of servicing and regulation typically costs around £300, excluding materials and tuning. If more extensive work is required, the price may increase. For routine maintenance, such as regulation and minor repairs, the cost may be lower but still varies depending on the individual technician's rates and the piano's specific needs.
Regular regulation and servicing ensure your piano remains in great condition, extending its lifespan and improving its sound and playability.
11) Question: What is voicing in piano maintenance?
Answer:
Voicing refers to the process of adjusting the tonal quality or "voice" of a piano, particularly the sound produced by the hammers striking the strings. This process is done to achieve a desired tonal balance, allowing the piano to produce a more even, clear, and pleasant sound across all notes.
Voicing typically involves:
Hammer adjustments: The piano technician may adjust the hardness or softness of the hammers by either filing them or needling them. Softer hammers produce a warmer, mellower tone, while harder hammers produce a brighter, sharper sound.
Tuning the tonal balance: Voicing helps ensure that the tonal quality is consistent across all registers of the piano, from the bass to the treble. If certain notes sound too harsh or too weak, the technician will make adjustments to balance the sound.
Voicing is typically required when a piano’s sound has become uneven, or when the player feels that the piano’s tone needs refinement. It is usually done as part of regular maintenance and may be required every few years, depending on the piano’s age, condition, and the player’s preferences.
Unlike tuning, which adjusts pitch, voicing adjusts the sound quality, giving the piano a more uniform, pleasing tone.