Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a piano go out of tune?
There are several factors, but humidity change is the primary reason. The soundboard expands and contracts against the strings as moisture in the air fluctuates. This movement changes string tension, which alters string pitch.
How often should my piano be tuned?
New pianos should be tuned four times the first year because of string stretch and settling. Twice a year thereafter is minimum in this climate for good tuning stability and sound. Heavily used or performance pianos may require several tunings, or tuning before each performance. Remember, pianos go out of tune whether used or not, so one that is idle should still be serviced once a year.
What happens if my piano is not tuned?
If not tuned regularly a piano will never give you its full sound potential and can inhibit the ear training of any student. If let go for a long period, soundboard movement and string stretch will lower your piano's pitch gradually and cause a tension imbalance. Several tunings and additional maintenance may be necessary to restore the pitch and stability of the instrument.
What is the best time of year to tune my piano?
There is no perfect time because the humidity is constantly fluctuating. It only takes a ten percent rise or fall to affect the tuning and action mechanisms. A regular tuning schedule will help offset these changes.
How should my piano be cleaned?
A soft damp cloth on all finishes and keys followed by a soft dry cloth. A mild soap may be added for heavily soiled areas.The inside of a grand piano around the strings and soundboard should be periodically vacuumed out by the owner. The piano and action should be thorougly cleaned by a technician every five to ten years. The inside of uprights should be done about every ten years.
What other maintenance will my piano require?
In addition to regular tunings your piano will need occasional cleanings, minor repairs (strings and action parts), regulating (resetting specs for action parts), and voicing (changing or restoring the piano's tone through hammer filing, needling, or chemical application.) These needs are determined by the piano brand, model, size, age, past care, usage, environment, your proficiency level, and personal preference.
Will moving my piano make it go out of tune?
No, not necessarily. The primary effect of moving is the different environment where the humidity is higher or lower.
Can I put my piano on an outside wall?
Yes. Homes today are well insulated. However, the piano should be kept away from heating/cooling vents and direct sunlight.
Who should service my piano?
Paul Bruesch, of course! I am a member of the Piano Technician's Guild (PTG) which is an international non-profit organization of skilled and experienced craftspeople involved in continuing education through regular meetings and seminars. As a full-time technician and member of PTG, I have full access to a network of fellow professionals to help with any issues which might otherwise prove to be a stumper.
What temperature and humidity is best?
A temperature range of 20° - 22°C (68° - 72°F) and relative humidity of 40 - 45 percent comprise optimum conditions for your piano. However, in our climate the humidity for homes and other buildings fluctuates more than in any other part of the world. It is not uncommon to see readings of 10% during the winter and over 80% during periods of the summer.

For a piano, this kind of change is extreme and not only affects the tuning, but can cause additional problems with loose tuning pins and cabinet parts, soundboard cracks, string rust, action part noises, warpage, looseness, and sluggishness. Even with air conditioning and furnace/room humidifiers, control efforts are only slightly improved as is evident in the thousands of humidity readings recorded by area piano technicians over the years in a wide variety of homes and other buildings.

To protect your instrument, I recommend the specially designed climate control system for the inside of your piano. This product, made by Dampp-Chaser Electronics Corporation, is both a humidifier and dehumidifier that alternate automatically to keep the humidity at an optimal 42% throughout the year. The unit is silent, hidden, easy to care for, and works better than anything else available. It has been around for many years and continues to prove its effectiveness in thousands of installations around the area.

The climate control system is endorsed by piano manufacturers, the Piano Technicians Guild, and many experienced technicians throughout the country. This product is the most effective way to care for your piano while saving yourself hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repair and maintenance costs. The climate control system will allow your instrument to give you its best in performaance and sound for many years to come.