Why Does My Piano Go Out of Tune So Quickly?

Have you recently had your piano tuned, only to notice that it sounds out of tune again a few weeks or months later?

You're not alone.

A piano's tuning can change for several reasons, including changes in humidity, temperature, how often the piano is played, and the condition of the instrument.

Understanding why your piano goes out of tune can help you keep it sounding better for longer.

Why Does a Piano Go Out of Tune?

A piano has more than 200 strings under significant tension.

Over time, the tension in these strings naturally changes. Even small changes in string tension can affect the pitch of the piano.

Several factors can contribute to this.

1. Changes in Humidity

Humidity is one of the most common environmental factors affecting piano tuning.

The wooden soundboard and other wooden components inside a piano respond to changes in moisture.

When humidity increases, wood can expand. When the environment becomes drier, wood can contract.

These changes can affect the tension of the strings and cause the piano's overall pitch to change.

This is particularly relevant in Perth, where environmental conditions can change throughout the year.

2. The Piano Hasn't Been Tuned Regularly

If a piano has not been tuned for several years, it can become significantly unstable.

Once a piano has fallen substantially below standard pitch, bringing it back to A440 may require a pitch raise and sometimes more than one tuning.

Regular tuning helps keep the instrument closer to its intended pitch and can make it easier to maintain tuning stability.

3. The Piano Is Played Frequently

Playing the piano causes movement throughout the action and strings.

A piano that is played every day will generally experience more changes than an instrument that is rarely used.

This doesn't mean frequent playing is bad for your piano.

In fact, regular playing is one of the best things you can do for an instrument.

It simply means that frequently played pianos may benefit from more regular tuning.

4. The Piano Has Recently Been Moved

Moving a piano can affect its tuning.

The change isn't necessarily caused by the piano being transported itself. Changes in temperature, humidity and the physical environment can all contribute to tuning changes after a move.

For this reason, it's recommended to allow the piano to settle after moving before having it professionally tuned.

5. The Piano Hasn't Had a Proper Pitch Correction

If your piano has been significantly below standard pitch for a long time, a normal fine tuning may not be enough to bring the entire instrument to a stable A440.

A pitch raise may be required first.

A pitch raise brings the overall string tension closer to the correct level before the final tuning.

You can learn more about this in our article:

What Is a Piano Pitch Raise and When Does Your Piano Need One?

6. The Piano May Have Tuning Stability Problems

Sometimes a piano continues to go out of tune because of an underlying mechanical or structural issue.

For example, problems involving:

• Tuning pins

• Pinblock condition

• Strings

• Bridges

• Soundboard

• Structural components

can affect the piano's ability to maintain a stable tuning.

This is one reason why simply tuning the piano repeatedly may not solve the problem.

A professional inspection can help identify the underlying cause.

How Long Should a Piano Stay in Tune?

There isn't one exact answer.

A well-maintained piano in a relatively stable environment may remain reasonably stable for many months.

However, tuning stability depends on the individual piano, its environment, how often it is played and its maintenance history.

For most home pianos, professional tuning at least once a year is a good starting point.

Pianos used for teaching, performance or frequent practice may benefit from more frequent tuning.

Does Perth's Climate Affect Piano Tuning?

Yes.

Changes in humidity can have a significant effect on the wooden components of a piano.

Keeping your piano away from direct sunlight, heaters, air-conditioning vents and other sources of rapid environmental change can help reduce unnecessary stress on the instrument.

Maintaining a reasonably stable indoor environment can also help improve tuning stability.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Piano in Tune Longer?

There are several simple things you can do:

• Keep the piano away from direct sunlight.

• Avoid placing it directly next to heaters or air-conditioning vents.

• Try to maintain a reasonably stable indoor environment.

• Have the piano tuned regularly.

• Address mechanical problems when they appear.

• Have the piano checked if it repeatedly goes out of tune shortly after servicing.

Regular maintenance is usually much easier than allowing small problems to develop into larger ones.

Does a Piano Need More Than Just Tuning?

Sometimes.

If your piano is constantly going out of tune, it may be worth having more than the pitch checked.

A technician can assess the tuning stability as well as the condition of the action, strings, tuning pins and other components.

The piano may also benefit from:

• Regulation

• Voicing

• Repairs

• Pitch correction

• General servicing

A properly maintained piano is more likely to provide consistent performance and a better playing experience.

Professional Piano Tuning in Perth

At Foad Piano Service, I provide professional piano tuning, pitch raises, repairs, voicing and servicing for upright and grand pianos throughout Perth and surrounding suburbs.

With more than 12 years of professional experience, I assess the individual condition of each piano rather than using the same approach for every instrument.

If your piano is going out of tune unusually quickly, I can assess the instrument and help determine whether the issue is environmental, related to tuning stability or caused by an underlying mechanical or structural problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my piano go out of tune after only a few weeks?

Changes in humidity, frequent playing, recent movement or an underlying tuning stability issue can all contribute. If the problem happens repeatedly, the piano should be inspected.

Does humidity really affect piano tuning?

Yes. Changes in humidity can cause wooden components inside the piano to expand and contract, which can affect string tension and tuning.

Will tuning my piano more often make it stay in tune longer?

Regular tuning helps maintain the piano closer to its intended pitch, but frequent loss of tuning can sometimes indicate an underlying issue that needs to be investigated.

Can an old piano stay in tune?

Yes. Age alone doesn't determine tuning stability. A well-maintained older piano can remain reasonably stable, while a newer neglected piano may have significant tuning problems.

Does a piano need to be tuned after moving?

Yes. Moving can affect the piano's tuning, and professional tuning after the instrument has settled is generally recommended.

Book a Piano Tuning in Perth

If your piano keeps going out of tune shortly after being tuned, there may be more to the problem than simply needing another tuning.

A professional assessment can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate solution.

Contact Foad Piano Service to arrange professional piano tuning and servicing in Perth.