Tunings

Piano tuning is the act of making minute adjustments to the tensions of the strings of a piano to properly align the intervals between their tones so that the instrument is in tune. The meaning of the term in tune in the context of piano tuning is not simply a particular fixed set of pitches. Fine piano tuning requires an assessment of the interaction between notes, which is different for every piano, thus in practice requiring slightly different pitches from any theoretical standard. Pianos are usually tuned to a modified version of the system called equal temperament In all systems of tuning, every pitch may be derived from its relationship to a chosen fixed pitch, which is usually A440.

Pitch Raises

A piano that has not been tuned for several years will require a pitch raise. Over time strings lose their tension and drop in position, this causes the piano to sound out of tune. After the piano has been tuned for the first time in a while, the strings tend to fall back to that same position, causing the piano to go out of tune again. By repeating the tuning a couple of times it helps the strings stay tight and in a raised position. The repeated tunings are done over the course of several weeks in order to allow the strings time to stretch and settle. This process is known as raising the pitch.

If after a pitch raise the piano is tuned regularly, at least once a year, further pitch raises will not be necessary.

Voicing

After a piano is properly tuned, a technique known as 'voicing' can be used to drastically change and improve the tone of the instrument. An excessively bright tone can be mellowed, eliminating harshness. Likewise, if the tone is too mellow, the notes will not 'sing'. The correct balance throughout the 8 octave range from the bass to the treble will give a well-rounded sound that is full and expressive.

Climate Control

At Affinity Piano Tuning we highly recommend a climate control system for all piano's. We especially recommend this for piano's in New Jersey, where the temperature changes are frequent, and for piano's located near a door, an outside wall or a large venue. Affinity Piano Tuning has partnered with Dampp Chaser to bring you the best climate control system available. Their Piano Life Saver Systems have been proven to double the life of a piano and to sustain a tuning for an extended period of time.