FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my piano be tuned?

As a general guideline, most manufacturers recommend your piano be tuned every six months or at least once a year. Regular tunings and occasional pitch raises help your piano maintain its integrity and musicality, ensuring it sounds its best and prolonging its life span.

There are various reasons a piano may go out of tune, including excessive playing and environmental changes. Fluctuations in humidity or temperature may cause the soundboard to expand and contract, which in turn affects the spring tension.

A standard tuning takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, if your piano needs a “pitch raise” the appointment can take longer, possibly 3 or more hours.

A pitch raise is typically needed for pianos that haven’t been tuned within the past two years or have experienced high fluctuations in humidity. The ‘pitch adjustment’ is a procedure that corrects the overall pitch of the instrument when it has fallen significantly below the standard pitch of A440Hz. This “correction” is required so that the final tuning remains stable and precise.

Removing items from the top of the piano, such as books and picture frames, can be helpful, as I will need to open the panels to access the tuning pins and interior mechanisms. Acoustic pianos are tuned by ear, so keeping background noise such as televisions and loud conversation to a minimum is also greatly appreciated and necessary for precision tuning.

Yes, I offer pre-purchase consultations. A typical on-site assessment takes around 30 minutes. During this time, I evaluate the key structural and mechanical elements of the instrument, ensuring that you know what you’re getting before a purchase is made.

Pianos that I have restored and brought back to life may be listed on my PIANO SHOP page. Check back often for updated listings of uprights and grands that are available for sale, or contact me for questions concerning current restorations.

My travel area is roughly within __ miles of Merrillville, Indiana. Outside of this area, I charge a fee. The additional travel fee is $20

How often should my piano be tuned?

As a general guideline, most manufacturers recommend your piano be tuned every six months or at least once a year. Regular tunings and occasional pitch raises help your piano maintain its integrity and musicality, ensuring it sounds its best and prolonging its life span.

Why does my piano get out of tune?

There are various reasons a piano may go out of tune, including excessive playing and environmental changes. Fluctuations in humidity or temperature may cause the soundboard to expand and contract, which in turn affects the string tension.

How long will a typical tuning take?

A standard tuning takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, if your piano needs a “pitch raise” the appointment can take longer, possibly 3 or more hours.

Why do I need a pitch raise in addition to my regular tuning?

A pitch raise is typically needed for pianos that haven’t been tuned within the past two years or have experienced high fluctuations in humidity. The ‘pitch adjustment’ is a procedure that corrects the overall pitch of the instrument when it has fallen significantly below the standard pitch of A440Hz. This “correction” is required so that the final tuning remains stable and precise.

How should I prepare for a visit?
Removing items from the top of the piano, such as books and picture frames, can be helpful, as I will need to open the panels to access the tuning pins and interior mechanisms. Acoustic pianos are tuned by ear, so keeping background noise such as televisions and loud conversation to a minimum is also greatly appreciated and necessary for precision tuning.
Do you do evaluations?

Yes, I offer pre-purchase consultations. A typical on-site assessment takes around 30 minutes. During this time, I evaluate the key structural and mechanical elements of the instrument, ensuring that you know what you’re getting before a purchase is made.

Do you sell pianos?

Pianos that I have restored and brought back to life may be listed on my PIANO SHOP page. Check back often for updated listings of uprights and grands that are available for sale, or contact me for questions concerning current restorations.

Do you charge travel fees?

My service area is roughly within 20 miles of Merrillville, Indiana. Outside of this area, a travel fee is added based on location and distance. Please contact me for details