Piano Tuning In Atlanta: What To Expect

What happened the last time you had a piano tuning in Atlanta? If you don’t remember, then you are like many people. However, knowing what to expect when you get your piano tuned will help you become a more educated pianist and piano owner. A registered piano technician (which is the only kind of piano tuner you should allow to work on your instrument) will follow a set protocol when he or she works on your piano. Let’s walk through what to expect.

Piano Assessment

The first step your registered piano technician will take is to conduct an overall assessment of your piano. This should include a visual inspection of the exterior and interior of the piano, and playing the piano to listen to the sound quality and test the action of the keyboard. Assessing the piano first will guide the next steps a technician takes to work on your piano.

Adjustments and Repairs

The next move a technician will take for piano tuning in Atlanta will be to make any necessary adjustments or repairs to the multiple parts of the piano before actually tuning the strings. This could include adjusting everything from the hammers to the keyboard. Adjustments and repairs must happen prior to the actual tuning of the strings as any adjustments will have an impact on the overall sound of your piano.

At this time, your registered piano technician may also recommend future repairs or adjustments based on what he or she finds during the inspection. Some repairs may take longer before tuning can take place. Other adjustments simply help keep the piano from running into larger problems down the road.

String Tuning

This is the part of piano tuning most people have become familiar with. This is when the piano technician sticks his or her head into the piano and begins making adjustments to the strings often using a tuning fork, a tuning hammer and mutes.

Tuning the strings requires significant experience and finesse since each piano is different from the next. These are handcrafted instruments, after all. Each string and pitch must be in harmony with the other strings and pitches to create the perfect sound quality. The technician will assess the intervals between notes and check frequencies to bring the piano into what is known as equal temperament. The standard fixed pitch in piano tuning is A440, which is the musical note A above middle C and has a frequency of 440Hz.

Communication
Throughout the while process of your piano tuning, your registered piano technician should maintain a clear line of communication, explaining each step in the procedure and seeking your input on any concerns or considerations of your unique instrument. These open lines of communication help you better understand your piano and know what to look and listen for and help your technician get to know your piano as well, improving each subsequent tuning. Ideally, you will build a relationship with a technician who will handle all your piano tuning in Atlanta needs throughout the time you own your piano.

Owning a piano means caring for your investment and the best way to care for a piano is through piano tuning in Atlanta. Are you ready for your next tuning?