Piano tuning and repairs across Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, London

Professional Piano Tuning – Keeping Your Piano Sounding and Performing at Its Best

​

Regular piano tuning is essential to maintain the best possible sound, performance, and longevity of your instrument. A piano is a complex mechanical structure made primarily from wood, felt, steel strings, and metal components, all of which are affected by changes in the environment. Without routine tuning and inspection, even a high-quality piano will gradually lose pitch stability, tonal balance, and responsiveness.

​

As a general guideline, a piano should be tuned every six months. This applies to both upright and grand pianos and is widely recommended by manufacturers, teachers, and professional piano tuners.

​

Why Regular Piano Tuning Is Important

​

Seasonal changes in temperature and humidity cause the wooden soundboard, bridges, and structural components of a piano to expand and contract. This movement directly affects string tension, which causes the piano to drift out of tune over time.

​

Even pianos that are played infrequently will go out of tune and benefit from regular piano tuning. In fact, instruments that are not played at all can deteriorate just as quickly, as lack of use does not prevent environmental changes from affecting the structure of the piano.

​

Regular tuning helps to:

​

• Maintain accurate pitch and harmonic balance

• Preserve the tone and character of the instrument

• Prevent excessive strain on strings and tuning pins

• Identify early signs of mechanical wear or damage

• Extend the overall lifespan of the piano​

 

Consistent maintenance ensures that your piano remains enjoyable to play and avoids costly repairs caused by long-term neglect.

​

Tuning Period and Historic Pianos

​

I am also happy to tune period and historic pianos, including older upright and grand instruments with traditional construction. These pianos are often more sensitive to environmental changes due to their age, materials, and design.

​

Historic pianos frequently operate at lower string tensions than modern instruments and may require tuning as often as every three months to remain stable. Special care is always taken to respect the original character, voicing, and construction of these instruments.

​

When tuning period pianos, I work sympathetically with the instrument, ensuring that tuning methods and pitch levels are appropriate for its age and condition. The goal is always to achieve the best possible musical result while protecting the piano’s long-term health.

​

Piano Tuning for Schools, Venues, and Commercial Use

​

Pianos that receive heavy or constant use require more frequent tuning than domestic instruments. This includes pianos found in:

​

• Schools and colleges

• Hotels and hospitality venues

• Bars, restaurants, and ships

• Rehearsal studios and performance spaces

• Churches and community halls​

 

In these environments, a piano may be played for many hours each day by multiple players, which places increased stress on the action, strings, and mechanical components. Regular piano tuning not only ensures a pleasant and professional sound for players and audiences, but also helps prevent long-term mechanical issues caused by excessive wear.

A respectable piano tuner should always be checking the instrument for signs of wear and tear during each tuning visit. Early detection of problems can significantly reduce repair costs and downtime.

​

What’s Included in a Professional Piano Tuning

​

When I tune a piano, I do far more than simply adjust the pitch. Each tuning appointment includes a general inspection of the instrument’s condition and performance.

​

During a piano tuning, I will:

• Check the overall pitch level of the piano

• Tune the instrument to achieve balance, stability, and clarity

• Assess the condition of the action, including keys, hammers, and dampers

• Inspect felts, bushings, and moving parts for wear

• Make small adjustments where required to improve playability

• Identify any developing issues that may affect tone or performance

 

If any concerns are found, I will clearly explain what is happening and advise whether repairs or further regulation may be beneficial. This proactive approach ensures that your piano is not only sounding its best, but also performing reliably and comfortably for the player.

​

Concert Pitch and Pitch Assessment

​

Not every piano can safely be tuned to modern concert pitch (A440), particularly older or neglected instruments. As part of every tuning visit, I assess whether the piano can safely withstand the tension required for concert pitch.

​

This assessment takes into account:

​

• The age and design of the piano

• The condition and age of the strings

• The tightness and stability of the tuning pins

• The structural integrity of the soundboard and bridges​

 

If tuning to concert pitch would place the instrument at risk, I will advise whether a lower pitch standard is more appropriate to protect the piano from damage. This ensures the long-term safety of the instrument while still achieving the best possible musical result.

​

A Complete Piano Care Service

​

Piano tuning is not just about pitch – it is about caring for the entire instrument. Each tuning visit is an opportunity to assess the piano’s health, address minor issues before they escalate, and ensure that the instrument continues to perform as intended.

​

Whether your piano is a modern upright, a grand piano, or a cherished historic instrument, regular professional tuning is the key to maintaining sound quality, playability, and value.

​

If you are looking for reliable, knowledgeable, and careful piano tuning, routine maintenance will ensure your piano continues to sound and feel its best for years to come.