How to Tell If Your Piano Needs Repair or Just a Tuning
If your piano doesn't sound or feel quite right, you may be wondering whether it simply needs tuning or whether there is a more serious problem that requires a repair.
Tuning and repair are two different types of piano maintenance. A piano can be perfectly tuned but still have mechanical problems, while another piano may simply be out of tune and require no repairs at all.
Knowing the difference can help you understand what your piano needs and avoid unnecessary work.
What Does Piano Tuning Do?
Piano tuning adjusts the tension of the strings so that each note is at the correct pitch and the piano sounds harmonious across the keyboard.
Over time, the tension of the strings changes due to use, temperature, humidity and the natural movement of the piano. This causes the piano to go out of tune.
If your piano sounds generally out of tune but the keys, pedals and action are working normally, a professional piano tuning may be all that is required.
For most regularly maintained pianos, tuning is an important part of ongoing piano care.
What Does Piano Repair Involve?
Piano repair deals with physical or mechanical problems that cannot be corrected simply by tuning the strings.
Depending on the piano, repairs can involve the action, keys, hammers, dampers, pedals, strings or other internal components.
Examples of common piano repairs include:
Sticky or slow piano keys
Broken strings
Noisy or loose keys
Hammers that do not strike correctly
Double-striking or hammer repetition problems
Dampers that do not stop the sound properly
Pedals that are noisy or not working correctly
Worn or damaged key bushings
Loose or damaged action parts
Excessive mechanical noise
Problems with the piano's regulation
In these situations, tuning alone will not solve the underlying problem.
5 Signs Your Piano May Need Repair
1. A Key Is Sticking
If one or more keys do not return properly after being played, there may be a mechanical problem inside the action.
Humidity, worn bushings, damaged components or other issues can cause keys to become slow or sticky.
This is generally a repair or adjustment issue rather than a tuning problem.
2. A Key Plays Twice
If a hammer hits the string more than once when you play a key, the piano may have an action or repetition problem.
This can sometimes be related to regulation, backcheck position, repetition spring tension or other action adjustments.
Tuning the piano will not normally correct this type of problem.
3. The Pedals Are Not Working Correctly
If the sustain pedal does not sustain properly, the soft pedal does not work as expected, or the pedals make unusual noises, the pedal mechanism may require adjustment or repair.
4. You Hear Buzzing, Clicking or Mechanical Noise
Not every unusual noise means that the piano needs tuning.
Buzzing, clicking, rattling or other noises can come from the action, dampers, pedals, cabinet or other components.
A technician can inspect the piano to identify where the noise is coming from.
5. The Piano Feels Uneven
If some keys feel heavier, lighter, slower or different from others, the action may require regulation or repair.
A piano can be correctly tuned while still having an action that needs attention.
Can a Piano Need Both Tuning and Repair?
Yes.
In fact, it is very common for a piano to need both.
For example, an older piano that has not been serviced for several years may need:
Repairs to worn action parts
Regulation of the action
Voicing
Pitch correction
Final tuning
In these situations, repairing the mechanical problems and tuning the piano together can produce a much better result than simply tuning the strings.
What If the Piano Hasn't Been Tuned for Many Years?
A piano that has been neglected for a long period may have more than one issue.
The pitch may have dropped significantly, the strings may have become unstable, and the action may have developed mechanical problems from age and wear.
A professional assessment can determine whether the piano needs a standard tuning, pitch raise, repairs, regulation, voicing or a combination of services.
You can learn more about pitch raises in our article:
What Is a Piano Pitch Raise and When Does Your Piano Need One?
What About an Old Piano?
Age alone does not mean that a piano needs major repairs.
Some older pianos are in excellent condition, while others may require significant restoration.
The condition of the soundboard, bridges, pinblock, strings, hammers and action is much more important than the age of the piano by itself.
If you are considering buying a second-hand or older piano, a professional piano inspection can help identify potential problems before you buy.
Tuning, Repair or Voicing?
It can sometimes be difficult to know exactly what your piano needs.
Here is a simple guide:
The piano sounds out of tune:
→ It may need a tuning.
The piano sounds harsh or uneven:
→ It may benefit from voicing.
Keys or pedals are not working correctly:
→ It may need repair or regulation.
The piano has not been serviced for many years:
→ It may need a combination of tuning, repair, regulation and voicing.
You are buying a used piano:
→ Consider a professional piano inspection before purchasing.
Professional Piano Repair and Tuning in Perth
If your piano does not sound or feel right, it is worth having the problem properly assessed rather than assuming that it simply needs tuning.
A professional piano technician can inspect the piano and determine whether it requires tuning, repair, regulation, voicing or more extensive restoration.
I provide professional piano tuning, repairs, voicing, inspections and restoration services in Perth, for both upright and grand pianos.
If you're unsure what your piano needs, feel free to contact me and I can assess the piano and recommend the most appropriate service.
Book a Piano Service or Inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
Does piano tuning fix mechanical problems?
Usually not. Tuning adjusts the pitch of the strings, while mechanical problems usually require repair, regulation or adjustment of the piano action or other components.
How do I know if my piano needs a repair?
Sticky keys, double-striking hammers, noisy action parts, broken strings, pedal problems and uneven key feel are common signs that a piano may need repair or adjustment.
Can a piano be repaired and tuned at the same time?
Yes. In many cases, completing necessary repairs before the final tuning provides a better overall result.
Should I repair an old piano?
It depends on the condition and value of the piano. An inspection can help determine whether repair or restoration is worthwhile.
How often should a piano be serviced?
Regular tuning is usually recommended to maintain stable pitch and good sound. The need for additional servicing depends on the piano's age, condition, use and previous maintenance.
Professional Piano Tuning & Repair in Perth
Foad Piano Service provides professional piano tuning, repairs, voicing, inspections and restoration for upright and grand pianos throughout Perth.
Contact Foad Piano Service to arrange a piano service or inspection.
