Tuning a piano after string repairs takes patience and care. New strings can take up to a year to stabilize, often requiring 4-6 tunings in the first year. Here’s a quick guide:
- Let Strings Settle: Wait 2 weeks after repairs before tuning. Play gently during this time.
- Gather Tools: You’ll need a tuning hammer, felt strips, rubber mutes, and a tuning fork.
- Tuning Steps: Start with rough tuning to A-440, adjust unison strings, and fine-tune pitch.
- Check Stability: Test with chromatic scales, chords, and dynamic playing to ensure even pitch.
- Control Humidity: Maintain 45%-55% humidity to protect the piano’s tuning and wood.
Quick Maintenance Tips:
- Tune 4-6 times in the first year, then twice annually.
- Avoid placing the piano near heat, windows, or direct sunlight.
- Hire a professional technician if you’re unsure about tuning.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your piano stays in tune and sounds its best over time.
Before You Start Tuning
Wait for String Settlement
Give new strings about two weeks to settle in before attempting to tune. During this time, play gently – playing too hard can throw off the tuning.
Check Repaired Strings
Take a close look at any repaired strings for signs of damage or missing parts [2]. Once you’re sure everything is in good shape, gather the tools you’ll need to start tuning.
Required Tools
Tuning a piano requires specific tools designed for the job:
| Tool Category | Essential Items | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Tools | AMS Piano Tuning Hammer | $25.95 – $157.95 |
| Muting Devices | Sutherland Felt Temperament Strips Schaff Rubber Mutes |
$1.95 – $19.95 |
| Pitch Reference | Wittner Piano Tuning Fork | $8.00 – $8.95 |
| Accessories | Tuning Lever Tip Wrench Tool Bag Lid Prop Block |
$5.50 – $23.95 |
If you’re new to piano tuning, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional technician for assistance.
Putting Unisons in Tune: Stability and Pin Setting Techniques
Tuning Steps
With your tools ready and strings checked, follow these steps to get the piano in tune.
Initial Pitch Setting
Start by setting the strings to the target pitch (A-440). If the piano is more than 15 cents off, do a quick rough tuning first, then follow up with precise fine-tuning. Make small, controlled adjustments – overshooting slightly and then correcting can help stabilize the tuning pin.
Unison Adjustment
Tune the unison strings until the "wah-wah-wah" beating sound is minimized. Slightly detuning unison strings can add character to the tone.
"Yes, our unisons must be clean, but not TOO clean." – Nathaniel LaNasa [3]
"In my own humble experience, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is absolutely no place for dead on unisons in any piano tuning." [4]
Final Pitch Adjustment
After each adjustment, test the stability of the tuning pin using these methods:
| Test Method | Purpose | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Gentle Lever Rattle | Check pin stability | Note should hold its pitch |
| Slight Overshoot | Neutralize pin torque | More stable final tuning |
| Listen for Beats | Verify unison quality | Clean, focused sound |
Aim for unisons that are clear and balanced, with minimal beats or waves. The goal is a stable, harmonious tone that holds its pitch well over time [5].
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Testing the Results
Check Overall Tuning
After making adjustments, test the repaired strings alongside neighboring notes. Play chromatic scales and chord progressions to ensure the pitches are accurate. Keep in mind that the tension of the new strings will be around 198 lb (90 kg) each [6].
Here are some ways to evaluate tuning stability:
| Test Type | Method | What to Listen For |
|---|---|---|
| Chromatic Check | Play neighboring notes | Smooth and even pitch progression |
| Chord Test | Play triads and octaves | Consistent harmony |
| Dynamic Test | Play softly and loudly | Pitch stability across dynamics |
Look for Problems
As the new strings settle, keep an eye (and ear) out for potential issues:
- Pitch drift: New strings often go out of tune faster than older ones [1].
- Uneven tension: Listen for differences in tone quality between the repaired strings and the original ones.
- Unwanted resonance: Check for buzzing or rattling sounds, which could mean there are loose parts.
Schedule Next Tuning
Once you’ve identified any issues, plan the next tuning session accordingly.
-
Initial Period
During the first three months, a technician should tune the new strings slightly sharp and use felt to dampen them, helping to manage pitch drop [1]. -
First Year Schedule
Expect to tune the new strings four to six times during the first year to help them stabilize and match the surrounding strings [1] [7]. -
Long-term Maintenance
After the first year, switch to a standard tuning schedule of twice per year. Keep monitoring the repaired area during these sessions, as it might still require some extra care.
Piano Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your piano goes beyond just tuning. Proper upkeep ensures it stays in great shape for years to come.
Control Room Humidity
Maintaining the right humidity levels is key to keeping your piano stable. Ideally, the humidity should stay between 45% and 55% [8]. Here’s how humidity affects your piano:
| Humidity Level | Effect on Piano | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Below 35% | Soundboard shrinks quickly | Use a room humidifier |
| 45-55% | Best range for stability | Use a hygrometer to monitor |
| Above 55% | Wood swells, pitch rises | Use air conditioning |
To protect your piano, avoid placing it near heating vents, windows, or direct sunlight. A hygrometer can help you track humidity levels. During dry winters, a room humidifier is a smart choice. For the best results, consider installing a dedicated humidity control system [9].
Playing Guidelines
How you play can also impact your piano’s tone and tuning. Keep the room temperature above 65°F (18°C) to avoid pitch issues [8]. Follow these tips for better results:
- Start with gentle playing and gradually increase intensity, especially with new strings.
- Pay attention to any changes in pitch or tone.
- If you notice major pitch shifts, reach out to your technician.
Regular Tuning Schedule
A consistent tuning schedule is essential to keep your piano sounding its best:
How often you tune might vary depending on how much you play, the environment, and how well the piano holds its tuning. If your piano hasn’t been played in six months or more, make sure to tune it before regular use [7].
Conclusion
After string repairs, piano tuning can take several months to stabilize completely – sometimes up to a year with multiple sessions required [1]. However, a skilled technician using gradual pitch adjustments may achieve better stability in as little as three months [1]. These steps help ensure the tuning holds over the long term.
Key Factors to Keep in Mind:
- Humidity and Temperature Control: Consistent environmental conditions, especially for humidity and temperature, play a big role in maintaining tuning stability [10].
- Skilled Technicians: Tuning challenges often require technicians with years of training and experience [11].
- Ongoing Monitoring: Collaborating with your technician to keep the new string slightly sharp and using felt muting can help reduce the effects of pitch drops over time [1].
Cost and Professional Services
The cost of professional tuning services typically ranges from $150 to $300 per session [10]. Hiring a certified technician offers several advantages:
- Extensive training and certifications
- Use of advanced electronic tuning devices (ETDs)
- Early detection of potential problems
- Expertise in tone adjustment and voicing [11]
To get the best results, schedule regular maintenance with a certified technician who can track your piano’s progress and make necessary adjustments. Cooper Piano provides tuning services performed by experienced professionals familiar with the complexities of post-repair string stabilization. For expert help, visit the Help and Services section at Cooper Piano.
Help and Services
After completing tuning and maintenance, expert support plays a crucial role in keeping your piano performing well over time. Professional post-repair tuning not only stabilizes your piano but also extends its lifespan. Experienced technicians can evaluate and fine-tune your instrument after string repairs, ensuring it stays in tune while the new strings settle.
Cooper Piano provides post-repair tuning and maintenance services tailored to these needs. Their technicians are available Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST. They begin with an initial tuning after repairs and suggest biannual follow-ups to maintain optimal performance.
They also offer a range of additional services, including:
- Restringing and rescaling
- Pinblock replacement
- Soundboard restoration
- Action restoration
- Key top restoration [12]
To schedule your post-repair tuning, call 404-329-1663 or visit their location at 1610 Northeast Expy NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2003 [13].