How often should you tune your piano?

It's advisable to have an acoustic piano tuned every six to eight months, or even every 3-4 months for frequently used pianos like those in music studios. New pianos, especially, require more frequent tuning in their first two years due to the stretching of the new strings, which takes time to settle. Consequently, new pianos tend to go out of tune faster, necessitating more regular tuning sessions.

Even if a piano is not played, it's still recommended to tune it annually to maintain the strings' condition. This yearly tuning also provides an opportunity to inspect the piano for any necessary servicing or repairs. Therefore, tuning an unused piano once a year can potentially save money in the long term.

Due to the high humidity in Singapore, the soundboard of a piano may swell, causing the strings to stretch and the pitch to become sharper, which is not ideal. Since many components of the piano are made of wood, fluctuations in humidity can lead to wood movement and result in issues such as changes in string tension, sticky keys, among others. It is crucial to maintain a consistent humidity level inside the piano by keeping the heater running continuously to prevent these problems.

The images above show my recently tuned piano. The heater, almost the same length as the piano, ensures uniform heat distribution throughout the instrument. Despite being almost 15 years old, my piano still looks relatively new inside due to regular tuning and maintenance.

Ensuring your piano is well-maintained is crucial to preserving its beautiful tone and enhancing your overall piano playing experience. As time passes, if a piano remains out of tune, it becomes increasingly challenging to restore its optimal tuning. Therefore, it is essential to regularly assess the tuning of your piano to maintain its quality.

When considering whether it is time to schedule a tuning for your piano, listen closely to the sound it produces. If you notice any discrepancies in the tone or if the notes sound off-key, it may be an indication that your piano requires tuning. Ignoring these signs can lead to a decline in the instrument's performance and affect your enjoyment of playing.

Professional piano tuners recommend establishing a consistent tuning schedule to prevent the piano from falling out of tune for extended periods. By adhering to a routine maintenance plan, you can prolong the lifespan of your piano and ensure that it continues to produce harmonious melodies.

So, is it time to have your piano tuned?