How Often Should You Tune a Piano in Perth?
If you're looking for professional piano tuning in Perth, one of the most common questions you may have is:
How often should you tune a piano?
The short answer is that most pianos should be professionally tuned at least once every 12 months. However, the ideal tuning schedule depends on how often the piano is played, its age, its condition, and the environment in which it is kept.
Why Do Pianos Go Out of Tune?
Many people assume that a piano only goes out of tune because it is played frequently. In reality, every piano naturally loses its tuning over time.
A modern piano has more than 220 strings under enormous tension. Seasonal changes in temperature and humidity cause the wooden soundboard to expand and contract, which changes the tension of the strings. Even if a piano is rarely played, these changes gradually cause it to drift away from concert pitch.
How Perth's Climate Affects Your Piano
Perth's climate includes hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. These seasonal changes can have a noticeable effect on every piano.
Changes in humidity influence the wooden components inside the instrument, making regular piano tuning an important part of maintaining a stable tone and touch.
Keeping your piano away from direct sunlight, heaters, air conditioners and external doors can also improve tuning stability.
How Often Should Different Pianos Be Tuned?
Home Pianos
For most family pianos, professional tuning once every 12 months is recommended.
Pianos Used Every Day
If the piano is used daily for lessons or regular practice, tuning every six months will usually provide better tuning stability and a more enjoyable playing experience.
Schools, Churches and Music Studios
Pianos in schools, churches and studios receive significantly more use and are generally tuned three to four times each year, depending on how frequently they are played.
Concert Grand Pianos
Concert and recording pianos are often tuned immediately before every performance to ensure the highest possible musical accuracy.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
Leaving a piano without tuning for several years allows the pitch to drop further and further below standard concert pitch (A440).
When this happens, a simple tuning is often no longer enough. The piano may first require a pitch raise, followed by a fine tuning to stabilise the strings at the correct pitch.
Regular tuning is usually more affordable than restoring a piano that has been neglected for many years.
How Long Does Piano Tuning Take?
A standard piano tuning normally takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the condition of the instrument.
Older pianos that have not been serviced for several years may require additional time if repairs or extra adjustments are needed.
Professional Piano Tuning in Perth
At Foad Piano Service, every piano receives careful attention to both sound quality and mechanical condition.
A standard tuning appointment includes:
Professional tuning to concert pitch (A440)
Basic inspection of the action
Pedal mechanism check
General assessment of the piano's condition
Advice on any maintenance that may be recommended
With more than 12 years of professional experience tuning upright and grand pianos, I provide reliable piano tuning, repairs, voicing and restoration services throughout Perth and surrounding suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a new piano need tuning?
Yes. New pianos normally require more frequent tuning during their first year because the strings and structure continue to settle.
Can an old piano still be tuned?
In many cases, yes. Even older pianos can often be successfully tuned, although some may first require a pitch raise or minor repairs.
When should I book my next tuning?
For most homes, booking a piano tuning every 12 months is the best way to maintain tuning stability, tone quality and the long-term health of the instrument.
Book Your Piano Tuning
If your piano has not been tuned in over a year, now is an excellent time to schedule professional maintenance.
Whether you own an upright piano, grand piano, school piano or family instrument, regular piano tuning helps preserve its sound, touch and value for years to come.
