Frequently Asked Questions About Piano Care and Maintenance

The are several factors, but humidity change is the primary reason. The soundboard expands and contracts against the strings as moisture in the air fluctuates.

New pianos should be tuned three or four times during the first year due to string stretch and settling. After that, once a year is minimum for good tuning stability and sound. A heavily used or a performance piano will require more frequent tunings. Pianos go out of tune whether used or not, so an idle one should still be tuned once a year.

A neglected piano will never give you its full potential and can inhibit the ear training of students. String tension will gradually become significantly reduced, making the piano sound flat, dull, and lifeless. This makes returning the instrument to standard pitch, or A440, difficult at best. Special and costly procedures may be needed to restore the pitch and stability of the piano. String breakage is sometimes the result of this procedure, escalating your maintenance cost even further.

Yes. Homes today are well-insulated. However, it is important to keep your piano away from heating or cooling vents, drafty doors and windows, and direct sunlight.