HOW LONG DOES A TUNING LAST?
There are a number of factors that determine how long a tuning lasts. Has the piano been tuned frequently, or was the last tuning the first one in many years? Other factors incude the amount of use the piano gets, how well the tuner sets the tuning pins, the type of repetoire that is played, the severity of humidity changes in its environment, the condition of the piano, the torque on the tuning pins, and the tolerance level of the player to out of tune notes. Generally speaking it may take several months for most people to hear that their piano is going out of tune, although the process is ongoing due to the above listed factors.
To understand why a piano goes out of tune, it is first necessary to remember that the instrument is alway under stress. The 230 or so strings are stretched at average tensions of 100 to 200 pounds each, so the cast iron plate along with the wooden frame carries a tension load of 18-20 tons. This is the reason why a piano that hasn't been tuned in years will be quite flat in pitch. The tension of the strings will want to equalize themselves at a lower tension.
The soundboard is fastened within the piano frame with nowhere to go and thus is sensitive to changes of humidity and temperature. In dry conditions , the moisture in the soundboard passes off, and the board shrinks, the strings have less tension exerted on them by the soundboard resulting in a drop of pitch. The opposite occurs, of course in moister conditions. This wouldn't be so bad if all the notes would move equally out of tune. However strings that pass near the centre of the soundboard can move much more. This is because the degree of movement is more pronounced in the centre than on the edges. This is quite apparent when playing wide intervals like P5ths and P8ths across the bass/tenor break. High treble strings because of their short length will go out of tune quicker than some longer strings.
This flexing of the soundboard is a continual process, not just a seasonal one. The soundboard is slowly rising and falling short distances each day and therefore suffering variations in its ability to hold the strings up to proper pitch. So a piano will start to go out of tune soon after a piano tuner leaves. However, as mentioned before, this is not too noticeable for awhile.
To understand why a piano goes out of tune, it is first necessary to remember that the instrument is alway under stress. The 230 or so strings are stretched at average tensions of 100 to 200 pounds each, so the cast iron plate along with the wooden frame carries a tension load of 18-20 tons. This is the reason why a piano that hasn't been tuned in years will be quite flat in pitch. The tension of the strings will want to equalize themselves at a lower tension.
The soundboard is fastened within the piano frame with nowhere to go and thus is sensitive to changes of humidity and temperature. In dry conditions , the moisture in the soundboard passes off, and the board shrinks, the strings have less tension exerted on them by the soundboard resulting in a drop of pitch. The opposite occurs, of course in moister conditions. This wouldn't be so bad if all the notes would move equally out of tune. However strings that pass near the centre of the soundboard can move much more. This is because the degree of movement is more pronounced in the centre than on the edges. This is quite apparent when playing wide intervals like P5ths and P8ths across the bass/tenor break. High treble strings because of their short length will go out of tune quicker than some longer strings.
This flexing of the soundboard is a continual process, not just a seasonal one. The soundboard is slowly rising and falling short distances each day and therefore suffering variations in its ability to hold the strings up to proper pitch. So a piano will start to go out of tune soon after a piano tuner leaves. However, as mentioned before, this is not too noticeable for awhile.
What is a pitch raise?
When a piano string is raised to pitch, the additional load on the piano's structure causes the pitch of previously adjusted string to change somewhere in the neighbourhood of 1/3 to 1/4 of the amount it was raised by. Thus the only way to achieve a fine tuning on a piano is to have the tension of all strings very close to their proper place. This is why something called a pitch raise must be done on a piano that is not close to pitch due to lack of tuning or humidity shifts. A pitch raise is basically a quick tuning pass to bring the strings close to pitch where a fine tuning can be done.
when is the best time of year for tuning?
In Saskatchewan there is no best time to tune a piano! There will always be humidity changes, many of them quite sudden. It's best to tune the piano by the calendar. If you follow the recommended tuning frequency of twice per year, then it's best to get the piano tuned every six months. If you tune the piano once a year, it's best to have it tuned at the same time of year, then the piano will be back to the same seasonal conditions as the last tuning. If you get your piano tuned every ten years or so, it probably doesn't matter
when should i tune my piano next?
It all depends on the combination of how fast the piano goes out of tune, how much out of tuneness the ear can handle, and on one's budget. Ideally it's best to tune the piano every six months.
What can I do to keep my piano in good tune?
As you can guess the best way to keep a piano in tune is through frequent tunings and a stable environment , temperature and humidity wise. If your piano is going out of tune quite badly, it's best to examine humidity conditions in your house. A humidifier can be installed on the furnance or a humidity control system can be installed in the piano. Notice I'm talking about lack of moisture since I deal with pianos on the Canadian Prairies. We really don't have a problem with excessive moisture unless there's a flood! The best humidity level for wood is 42% relative humidity. 15% on either side is acceptable. To track humidity changes in your home, a relatively inexpensive hygrometer can be purchased. The important thing to remember about a stable enivironment for the piano, is that it not only keeps the piano in more acceptable tune but more importantly it helps protect all the wooden parts, and glue joints.
What is regulation?
Regulation is the adjustment of the moving parts within a piano to compensate for wear, the compacting and settling of cloth, felt and bucksins, as well as dimensional changes in wood and wood parts due to changes in humidity. If you notice a deterioration of the piano's response in regards to poor legato touch, decreased dynamic range,uneven chords, loss of subtlety in phrasing and an inablility to play quick passages or even repetitions, the piano is probably in need of regulation or you are in need of practice. I say it's best to blame the instrument! Some visual clues include an uneven key and hammer line.
There are three systems involved in regulation:
the action- mechanical part of the piano that transfers the motion of the fingers on the keys to the hammers that strike the strings. It is composed of over 9,000 parts which require adjustment to critical tolerances to be able to respond properly to a pianist's will.
the trapwork- the system of levers, dowels and springs that connect the pedals to the action affecting sustain and dynamics.
the damper system- stops the vibration of the string when you release the key and is controlled by the key and pedal systems.
Frequency and type of regulation is dependent upon amount of use, climatic conditions and the quality and age of the piano, and the wishes of the player. In an upright piano, there are 44 steps in a full regulation. In a grand, there are 54 steps in a full regulation.
There are three systems involved in regulation:
the action- mechanical part of the piano that transfers the motion of the fingers on the keys to the hammers that strike the strings. It is composed of over 9,000 parts which require adjustment to critical tolerances to be able to respond properly to a pianist's will.
the trapwork- the system of levers, dowels and springs that connect the pedals to the action affecting sustain and dynamics.
the damper system- stops the vibration of the string when you release the key and is controlled by the key and pedal systems.
Frequency and type of regulation is dependent upon amount of use, climatic conditions and the quality and age of the piano, and the wishes of the player. In an upright piano, there are 44 steps in a full regulation. In a grand, there are 54 steps in a full regulation.
What is voicing?
Voicing can be defined as tone building. Most people will think of voicing as adjusting the tone of the hammer. There are many other factors that will influence the tone of the piano, such as the condition of the soundboard, the design of the piano, the regulation of the action, and the condition of the strings However to keep this brief, attention will be solely on the hammer. Piano hammers wear through prolonged use and the felt is flattened, compacted,and grooved from hitting the strings resulting in a harsh tone. To achieve a proper sound the hammer must be egg shaped. Worn hammers are reshaped by filing away the outer layers of felt to bring back the original shape. There is no need to replace hammers unless filing has been done over many times and the hammer is much smaller and cannot produce an acceptable tone.
How can you tell the piano needs voicing?
-when the piano sounds unmusical, harsh, or maybe even too soft
-when the tone still doesn't sound good after tuning
- the tone varies widely from note to note
- you can't vary tone or dynamics very easily
Voicing consists of altering the felt of the hammer . Needling and steaming softens the felt thus creating a softer tone, while a harder tone can be acheived by use of hardener solutions applied to the hammer. Radical changes in the tone cannot be achieved as technicians cannot overcome basic hammer designs or piano design problems
Voicing can be likened to tuning as an ongoing process. It changes continuously. In most concert tuning situations when I have to check the piano in between rehearsals, I can easily spend more time voicing the piano than tuning it. This is because the artist can play so forcefully making certain notes of the piano sound harsher than their neighbours.
How can you tell the piano needs voicing?
-when the piano sounds unmusical, harsh, or maybe even too soft
-when the tone still doesn't sound good after tuning
- the tone varies widely from note to note
- you can't vary tone or dynamics very easily
Voicing consists of altering the felt of the hammer . Needling and steaming softens the felt thus creating a softer tone, while a harder tone can be acheived by use of hardener solutions applied to the hammer. Radical changes in the tone cannot be achieved as technicians cannot overcome basic hammer designs or piano design problems
Voicing can be likened to tuning as an ongoing process. It changes continuously. In most concert tuning situations when I have to check the piano in between rehearsals, I can easily spend more time voicing the piano than tuning it. This is because the artist can play so forcefully making certain notes of the piano sound harsher than their neighbours.
Can I tune my own piano?
Tuning actually is more difficult than it appears to be. Most technicians say that it isn't until they tuned at least a thousand pianos, that they begin to tune well. Even with the use of computer tuning devices and programs, the tuner must manipulate the tuning pin properly in order for the string to stay in tune. This is perhaps the most difficult part of the tuning process. It's not rocket science, but it takes much practice and time to achieve.
Where should I place my piano?
It's best to place the piano away from sources of heat such as hot air registers. The piano should also be placed away from direct sunlight. In the past, piano owners were advised not to place the piano by an outside facing wall. However, with modern insulation, this does not present a problem.
What piano make is the best ?
This question is as difficult to answer. Just like any other product where there are many competitors, there are a wide variety of choices to suit a wide variety of preferences, and budgets. It is best to try to play as many pianos as possible. Try to determine what tone, and touch you want out of piano. Talk to music teachers and serious pianists about their own preferences. Try some of the links listed in the link page of this site. There are links to many piano manufacturers and other related sites.
What things should I look out for when buying a used piano?
This question could take a lot of space to answer! A similar analogy would be if you were interested in buying a used car. If you are familiar with the workings of the car, and have the equipment to perform some basic tests, then you should be able to judge the condition of the vehicle fairly accurately. Same with the piano. Pianos are machines. They get worse as they age, and they may prematurely age in a bad environment. It's probably best in my opinion to have a technician appraise the piano. This can save money and headaches in the future. Of course, being a technician, I'll advise this!
If you do want to go it alone, there are a few things to look for.
1). Open the lid and take a look at the strings. Check for rust on the strings and tuning pins. Are there any missing strings? Do you notice any replacement strings(strings that look newer). This could be a sign that there is a problem with string breakage because of metal fatigue or rust.
2). Check the hammers. Are they deeply grooved? Have they flattened out at the crown(where the hammer hits the string)? Again, take a look for any replacement hammer shanks and heads. Is the colour of the wood lighter or darker? Darker could indicate wood rot.
3.) Inspect the keys. Are the keys level? Are there any missing or broken keytops? Play each note from the bottom on up. Are there notes that sound like you are playing 2 or more different notes at once. This is usually an indication of pinblock problems. There may be cracks in the pinblock or it may be delaminating. Are there any notes that seem to make a snare drum or buzzing sound? This could indicate a larger soundboard crack.
4). Open the bottom board. There usually is a spring clamp underneath the keybed that holds the board in place. Take a flashlight and shine it on the bridges and soundboard. The bridges are the raised pieces of wood that the strings will contact near their bottom section. Are there are cracks in the wood? Soundboard cracks are generally not problematic, and are quite common on older pianos in this climate. They only become a problem if there is a big enough gap between the crack and the ribs that are behind the soundboard. This gap can cause a buzz. Spot repairs on the section of soundboard that is responsible can be done.
5) Take a look at the case for wear and imperfections. Does it still have casters? Does the piano come with a bench or stool?
For more detailed information
Piano Buyers Information from Piano Technicians Guild website
There is a newly designed online course for piano shopping. It covers how to shop at a piano store and private sales. There is also a section that answers some general questions.
www.pianotechnicianacademy.com/pages/piano-shopping-course
There is one additional thing to be aware of when buying a used piano, particularily a used Yamaha piano. Some dealers in North American have imported used Yamaha pianos from Japan and other parts of Asia. They are referred by technicans as "wet" or "grey market" piano.s The wood in these pianos have not been dried to North American export levels. The piano is also used to a much more humid environment than central North America, and many of these pianos have been heavily used in institutions without any replacement of parts. The result is that these instruments deteriorate fairly quickly. I've included a link below which talks about these pianos in more detail. You can also use this site to check to see if the piano you're buying is a North American market Yamaha or not.
Beware of used Yamahas
If you do want to go it alone, there are a few things to look for.
1). Open the lid and take a look at the strings. Check for rust on the strings and tuning pins. Are there any missing strings? Do you notice any replacement strings(strings that look newer). This could be a sign that there is a problem with string breakage because of metal fatigue or rust.
2). Check the hammers. Are they deeply grooved? Have they flattened out at the crown(where the hammer hits the string)? Again, take a look for any replacement hammer shanks and heads. Is the colour of the wood lighter or darker? Darker could indicate wood rot.
3.) Inspect the keys. Are the keys level? Are there any missing or broken keytops? Play each note from the bottom on up. Are there notes that sound like you are playing 2 or more different notes at once. This is usually an indication of pinblock problems. There may be cracks in the pinblock or it may be delaminating. Are there any notes that seem to make a snare drum or buzzing sound? This could indicate a larger soundboard crack.
4). Open the bottom board. There usually is a spring clamp underneath the keybed that holds the board in place. Take a flashlight and shine it on the bridges and soundboard. The bridges are the raised pieces of wood that the strings will contact near their bottom section. Are there are cracks in the wood? Soundboard cracks are generally not problematic, and are quite common on older pianos in this climate. They only become a problem if there is a big enough gap between the crack and the ribs that are behind the soundboard. This gap can cause a buzz. Spot repairs on the section of soundboard that is responsible can be done.
5) Take a look at the case for wear and imperfections. Does it still have casters? Does the piano come with a bench or stool?
For more detailed information
Piano Buyers Information from Piano Technicians Guild website
There is a newly designed online course for piano shopping. It covers how to shop at a piano store and private sales. There is also a section that answers some general questions.
www.pianotechnicianacademy.com/pages/piano-shopping-course
There is one additional thing to be aware of when buying a used piano, particularily a used Yamaha piano. Some dealers in North American have imported used Yamaha pianos from Japan and other parts of Asia. They are referred by technicans as "wet" or "grey market" piano.s The wood in these pianos have not been dried to North American export levels. The piano is also used to a much more humid environment than central North America, and many of these pianos have been heavily used in institutions without any replacement of parts. The result is that these instruments deteriorate fairly quickly. I've included a link below which talks about these pianos in more detail. You can also use this site to check to see if the piano you're buying is a North American market Yamaha or not.
Beware of used Yamahas
Why does a piano go out of tune after a move?
There are two things that happen to the piano during and after a move. When a piano is moved, especially up and down stairs, its major structural parts will be flexed. Also the wood will adjust to the different environments it will be subjected to during the move. Each house will have a different humidity and temperature which will affect the tuning. The greatest change will occur in the first few days. The traditional answer is that it's best to wait about two weeks to tune the piano. Although it's fine to tune within a few days.
Where can i buy a new piano?
Do You Repair ELectric Pianos and Organs?
No I do not. The best person to contact is Bill Thurmeier at Golden Eagle Organ in Saskatoon. Phone number: 306-230-7269. Email: [email protected]