Most pianos should be tuned every 6 months.

This isn’t a sales trick — it’s based on how pianos physically respond to changes in temperature and humidity. A piano is made of over 10,000 parts, and most of them are wood. As humidity changes with the seasons, the soundboard expands and contracts, causing the strings to change pitch.

Regular 6-month tunings keep the piano stable, sounding clear, and prevent it from drifting far enough to require more invasive adjustments later.

For lightly played pianos in very stable environments, once a year can work — but in most homes, churches, and schools, 6 months is ideal.

Think of tuning like rotating the tires on your car:

You could skip it for a while, but doing it regularly prevents uneven wear and saves money long-term.

When a piano is tuned twice a year:

• Pitch stays closer to A440

• Less stress is placed on strings and tuning pins

• The piano holds its tune longer

• Future tunings are faster and less expensive

No — and a technician actually makes more money doing repairs, not regular tunings.

Consistent tuning reduces:

• Pitch raises

• Broken strings

• Loose tuning pins

• Structural wear

Skipping tunings leads to larger corrections later, which puts extra stress on the instrument and increases the chance of costly repairs.

Regular tuning is preventative maintenance — just like oil changes protect an engine.

Pianos are under 18–20 tons of string tension.

Small changes in humidity can cause:

• The soundboard to flex

• The bridges to shift slightly

• String tension to change

Even high-quality pianos will go out of tune naturally — especially in areas with seasonal weather changes.

As a piano ages, several things happen:

• Tuning pins gradually loosen in the pinblock

• Strings lose elasticity (“dead strings”)

• Wood dries and becomes less responsive

Older pianos often need more frequent tuning to maintain stability, not because they’re bad — but because the materials have aged.

Regular service actually helps older pianos hold tune better over time.

A dead string is a string that has lost its ability to vibrate cleanly.

This can happen due to:

• Age

• Corrosion

• Metal fatigue

• Dirt buildup

Dead strings cause:

• Dull or weak tone

• Poor tuning stability

• Notes that sound “off” even after tuning

In many cases, these strings can be replaced individually without major expense.

A pitch raise is required when a piano has fallen significantly below standard pitch (A440).

Instead of a normal fine tuning, the piano must be brought up gradually to avoid damaging the strings or structure.

Staying on a regular tuning schedule helps avoid pitch raises, which are more time-consuming and stressful on the instrument.

A few simple things make a big difference:

• Keep the piano in a climate-stable room

• Avoid placing it near vents, windows, or exterior doors

• Maintain indoor humidity around 40–45%

• Use a piano cover when not in use

• Tune regularly

• Consider a “Dampp-Chaser” system

For churches and schools, where HVAC cycles heavily, regular tuning is especially important.

Yes.

Churches and schools experience:

• Heavy weekly use

• Large humidity swings

• Inconsistent HVAC schedules

Manufacturers like Yamaha, Steinway, and Baldwin recommend two tunings per year minimum for institutional instruments.

• Standard tuning: 1–1.5 hours

• Pitch raise + tuning: 1.5–2 hours

Time varies depending on the piano’s condition and how long it’s been since the last service.

Signs include:

• Chords sound “wobbly”

• “Droning sound”

• Notes sound sour or dull

• It’s been over 6 months since the last tuning

• The seasons have changed

If you’re unsure, I’m happy to assess it and give an honest recommendation.

Piano tuning requires:

• Trained ears

• Specialized tools

• Experience with different piano types

• Knowledge of piano mechanics

An improper tuning can actually make a piano less stable, not more.