"Our last piano tuner told us that our piano was untunable, with a bit of work Toby Johnson has bought it back to concert pitch and it has never sounded so good" (Shepperton)
Expert piano tuning and care across Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire and London
A piano is a finely balanced instrument, and regular tuning is an important part of keeping it sounding, playing and performing as it should.
Whether it is a family upright, a concert grand or a cherished period instrument, every piano has its own character and requirements. My approach is therefore not simply to tune the strings, but to listen to and assess the instrument as a whole.
More than simply tuning
During every tuning visit I take the opportunity to assess the general condition and performance of the piano.
Alongside bringing the instrument into tune, I look and listen for signs of wear, changes in playability, developing mechanical problems and anything else that may affect its performance.
Where I find something that needs attention, I will explain it clearly and advise whether it requires immediate attention, monitoring or further work.
The aim is simple: to keep your piano sounding its best while caring for the instrument itself.
Regular piano tuning
Changes in temperature and humidity naturally affect a piano’s wooden soundboard, bridges and other components, which in turn affect string tension and tuning stability.
As a general guide, most pianos benefit from tuning around twice a year. Pianos that are played heavily, or those in particularly demanding environments, may require more frequent attention.
Regular tuning also provides an opportunity to identify small problems before they develop into more significant and costly repairs.
Historic and period pianos
Older pianos require a sympathetic approach.
Period and historic instruments can have very different construction, materials and string tensions from modern pianos, and not every older instrument should simply be brought straight up to modern concert pitch.
When working with an historic piano, I consider its age, construction, condition and existing pitch before deciding how it should be tuned.
The priority is always to achieve the best musical result while respecting the instrument and protecting its long-term condition.
Concert pitch assessment
Not every piano can safely be tuned to modern concert pitch (A440).
As part of the tuning process, I assess the piano’s pitch level, strings, tuning pins and structural condition before deciding whether raising the pitch is appropriate.
If bringing the instrument to concert pitch could place unnecessary stress on the piano, I will explain the options and recommend a suitable approach.
Sometimes the best way to care for an older piano is not simply to make it conform to a modern standard, but to understand what the instrument itself requires.
Pianos in regular use
I also provide tuning and ongoing care for pianos in schools, hotels, hospitality venues, churches, community spaces, rehearsal rooms and performance environments.
Where an instrument is being played frequently by different players, regular tuning and inspection become particularly important.
What is included
A Runnymede piano tuning includes:
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Assessment of the piano’s current pitch
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Careful tuning for stability, balance and clarity
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A general assessment of the action and playing condition
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Checking keys, hammers, dampers and moving parts
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Identifying signs of wear or developing problems
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Minor adjustments where appropriate
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Advice on any repairs or further regulation that may be beneficial
Caring for your piano
A good tuning should leave you with more than a piano that is simply in tune.
It should leave you with a better understanding of your instrument and confidence that it is being properly cared for.
Whether your piano is a modern upright, a grand piano or a much-loved historic instrument, I aim to provide every piano entrusted to Runnymede Pianos the same personal care and attention,