FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PIANO TUNING

 

An acoustic piano should bring years of enjoyment to you and your family.  Care is necessary in order to protect your investment.

 

How often should I get my piano tuned?

 

Most piano manufacturers suggest tuning your piano at least twice a year. Tuning means correcting the pitch of every note by retightening the strings. Adopt a schedule of regular service. Regular service will keep your piano's performance, and as a consequence your enjoyment, at its peak level. It will also correct "progressive" problems early, before they turn into costly repairs. Keeping the piano tuned is very important for a student. It ensures that they are listening and training their ear to the correct pitch.

 

When should I get my piano tuned?

 

The change of climate is the biggest factor in putting the piano out of tune. Our Ottawa climate is quite extreme as we have very dry cold winters and very humid summers. Keeping the humidity level around your piano as constant as possible will help it stay in tune longer .We suggest to tune the piano in the spring after the air conditioning comes on, and in the autumn after the furnace is turned on.  

 

Who should tune the piano?

 

Select a Piano Technician with care. Hire a registered piano technician –someone who signs with the credential “RPT” after his/her name. Registered Piano Technicians are professionals who have committed themselves to the continual pursuit of excellence, both in technical service and ethical conduct. The Piano Technicians Guild grants the Registered Piano Technician (RPT) credential after a series of rigorous examinations that test skill in piano tuning, regulation and repair. Those capable of performing these tasks up to a recognized worldwide standard receive the RPT credential. This ensures that you are employing the services of a first rate tuner. Of course, keep in mind there are exceptions and there are non RPTs who are excellent tuners.
 

By Carmen Papalia

Owner of the Family business Ottawa Pianos