If you own a piano, you know that proper maintenance is important. The average piano has 220 strings, each with a different pitch and frequency. The strings affect the quality of the sounds your piano produces so it is crucial that you take proper care of them. Like any other parts of a musical instrument, strings can stretch due to tension, especially when you use your piano frequently. When the strings stretch they are easily able to shift out of tune. IAnother cause for tense strings is temperature. Just like many other things, the strings are prone to expanding and contracting with the fluctuating temperatures throughout the year.
Signs your piano needs tuning
When a piano is out of tune, the strings will not produce accurate and consistent notes. The quality of your piano’s sound may drastically change because of this and the music you play may not be as sharp and precise as you remember it. If you have experienced this, your piano may need a tuning. As a rule of thumb, pianos should be tuned twice per year in order to maintain their tone. Some other signs that your piano needs tuning are:
- The notes you play sound flat.
- Your piano produces incorrect pitch.
- The major chords don’t sound harmonious.
- There are overt octave issues.
- Wavering sounds are not noticeable.
If you start to notice any of these, it may be time to tune your piano. The more often you tune your piano, the less expensive the cost of tuning will be overall. If you wait a while to get your piano tuned it may take extra time, effort, and resources in order to get it back to an optimal condition.
The Importance of Piano Tuning
Some people believe that tuning a piano depends on the rate that you use it but that is not true. The strings are under constant tension whether the piano is played or not. Tuning a piano twice a year maintains its tone, value, and function. Regular piano tuning can also prevent irreversible damage to the piano that would otherwise render it unable to play. If you feel as though your piano might be in need of a tune up, it is best to do so earlier than later.
