Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I tune my piano?
It depends on your ear and environment. If you’re particular about sound — like for recording or frequent playing — every six months is ideal. For casual use, once a year should keep things sounding pleasant. New pianos need more attention in their first year (up to four tunings), while older, stable pianos in consistent climates may stretch to every two or three years. We’ll assess your piano and give tailored advice.
How much does a piano tuning cost?
Standard tunings start at $220. If your piano hasn’t been tuned in over three years, it may need extra work to bring it back up to pitch. Feel free to reach out while near the piano and we can give you a quick, obligation-free assessment.
What does tuning a piano actually involve?
Tuning is both an art and a science. Your piano has around 230 strings, each pulled tight with roughly 75kg of tension. Tuning adjusts each string’s tension so all the notes relate to each other in the right way. No two pianos are exactly the same — tuning is like solving a unique sonic puzzle each time. It may sound crazy but we actually stretch the octaves differently depending on the scale of your piano.
Fun fact — Its impossible for two pianos to be in-tune with each other unless they are exactly the same scale!
What is stretch tuning?
Each piano has a unique scale design — this includes string lengths, diameters, tensions, and the way the frame responds. Because of this, each string vibrates with its own set of overtones, which aren’t perfectly aligned with whole-number multiples of the fundamental note. This is inharmonicity, and it’s especially noticeable in the bass and high treble ranges. To compensate, we have to “stretch” the tuning:
– Bass notes are tuned a little flat
– Treble notes are tuned a little sharp
This makes the piano sound more in tune with itself, even though the actual frequencies deviate from “ideal” mathematical values.
So even if your piano is tuned to A440 and considered “in tune” on its own, it may register slightly sharp or flat when compared to a perfect mathematical reference pitch. If you were born with ‘perfect pitch’ you may even notice it with your ear, yet the piano sounds harmonious with itself!
Will my piano need a Pitch Raise? And what’s A440?
If a piano is very out of tune, a single tuning won’t hold. In those cases, we do a rough initial tuning — called a pitch raise — to get the instrument close to standard pitch, then follow up with a proper tune. A440 refers to the international standard frequency for the A above middle C (440Hz), and it’s the anchor point from which the rest of the piano is tuned. In some cases, a pitch raise will require a second visit to your home for the final tuning.
Should I bother tuning my piano if no one’s playing it?
Even an idle piano slowly drifts out of tune due to shifts in humidity and temperature. To keep it in decent shape and prevent bigger issues down the track, we suggest tuning at least every two years. Also, it helps keep pests away and preserves the instrument’s value in case it’s played or sold later.
How long does tuning take?
A standard tuning usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. If your piano hasn’t been tuned regularly, expect it to be closer to the 3-hour mark. A pitch raise may require multiple visits to your home.
My piano was just tuned but something sounds off — why?
Sometimes a piano might not sound “right” immediately after tuning, especially if it was significantly out of pitch to begin with. It may need a settling period or additional work like voicing (which adjusts tone, not pitch). Other times, what sounds odd could actually be part of the natural compromises involved in tuning. If something doesn’t feel right, let us know — we’re happy to have a listen and adjust to your taste.
Can my old piano be tuned to A440?
Usually, yes. Unless it’s in poor condition or has a history of breaking strings, most pianos can be brought back up with a pitch raise. Even if full A440 isn’t possible, we can tune the piano to a lower reference pitch so it will still sound in tune and harmonious to itself.
My piano’s been out of action for years — is one tune enough?
A single tuning will make a noticeable difference, but it often won’t hold perfectly. We usually recommend at least one follow-up session to let the pitch settle and stabilise the tuning pins. We regularly revive long-neglected pianos with excellent results — a follow-up tune a few months later usually does the trick. This is called a ‘Pitch Raise’.
What if something goes wrong with my instrument while you're working on it?
Instruments — especially older ones — can be a bit fragile. During tuning or repairs, it’s possible for things like strings or internal components to break, especially if they’re already worn or brittle. Tuning can also bring out hidden structural issues, and pre-existing quirks such as cracks in the pin block or frame damage. Vintage instruments may also have brittle plastic or worn/aging components. We take care with every instrument and try to identify any pre-existing and hidden issues before every job, but by booking a session, you acknowledge these risks. Additional fees may apply if pre-existing damage worsens. For all the details, check out our waiver—it’s worth a read before your appointment.
Do I need to move the piano before a tuner comes?
No need to shift it — we’ll work around it. Moving it away from the wall used to help with sound clarity, but with modern tools and techniques, that’s rarely necessary anymore. If we are physically unable to tune the piano due to its position we may ask to re-position it slightly in order to do the best job we can.
It is always helpful to remove any items from on top of the piano before we arrive, including anything obstructing the lid from opening.
For piano tunings, book here.
All other instruments, please enquire using the contact form