Piano FAQ — Everything You Need to Know

Real answers to the questions piano owners ask most about tuning, maintenance, humidity, moving, cleaning, repair, and more. Serving North Metro Atlanta & North Georgia

Piano Tuning

How often should I have my piano tuned?

Most piano manufacturers recommend tuning your piano at least twice a year. Pianos used heavily for lessons, rehearsal, or recording may benefit from three to four tunings per year. The more consistently you tune, the more stable your piano stays between visits. Letting it go year after year is a bit like skipping oil changes — it catches up with you eventually.

How much does a piano tuning cost?

At Expert Piano Tuning, we charge a flat rate of $145 — and that includes a pitch raise if needed. No surprise charges. Standard tuning rates across the US typically range from $125 to $350, depending on the technician’s experience, location, and whether additional work is required.

Why does my piano go out of tune?

Primarily because of changes in humidity and temperature. The piano’s wooden soundboard and internal components expand and contract with the seasons, which shifts string tension. Heavy use, the natural stretching of strings, and age all play a role too. A piano starts going out of tune the minute the tuner walks out the door — it’s simply the nature of a stringed instrument built mostly from wood.

How long does a tuning appointment take?

A standard tuning takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. If a pitch raise is needed first, plan on up to two hours. Setting aside quiet, uninterrupted time for the full appointment gets you the best result.

Does playing more often make my piano go out of tune faster?

Heavy playing is a minor factor. Humidity changes are almost always the bigger culprit. A piano played daily by a serious student may benefit from an extra tuning or two per year, but the environment it lives in matters far more than how many hours a week it gets played.

Can my piano be tuned if it hasn’t been serviced in years?

Yes — it’s never too late to start taking care of a piano. However, a severely neglected piano may need a pitch raise before fine tuning is possible, and there may be minor repairs needed first. Your technician will assess all of this when they arrive. The longer you wait between tunings, the more work it takes to get the piano back in shape — and the higher the cost tends to be.

Pitch & Tuning Standards

What is A440 and why does it matter?

A440 means the note A above middle C vibrates at 440 cycles per second (440 Hz). It is the internationally accepted standard pitch used by virtually all modern pianos, orchestras, and instruments worldwide. Keeping your piano at A440 ensures it sounds correct when played alongside other instruments, recordings, or accompaniment tracks.

What is a pitch raise and do I need one?

If a piano has dropped significantly below standard pitch — usually because it hasn’t been tuned in a long time — it needs a pitch raise before fine tuning can be completed. This involves bringing all the strings up to approximately the correct tension level first. Because the strings are all interconnected through the piano’s structure, you can’t fine-tune one section without the whole instrument being near the correct pitch. A pitch raise and fine tuning are done in the same appointment, which is why our flat rate covers both.

Can you tune my piano to a different pitch than A440?

Yes — some situations call for it. Historically informed baroque performances may use A415 (a half step below modern pitch), and some European orchestras tune to A442 for extra brilliance. If you need a non-standard pitch for a recording session or to match another instrument, just communicate that when you book so the tuner can plan accordingly.

Piano Placement & Humidity Control

Where is the best place to put a piano in my home?

The ideal location is on an interior wall, away from windows, exterior doors, fireplaces, and heating or air conditioning vents. Direct sunlight is particularly damaging — it deteriorates the finish, fades the keys, and can warp the soundboard over time. Forced air from vents dries the piano out rapidly and is one of the leading causes of tuning instability. An interior wall gives you the most consistent temperature and humidity exposure.

What humidity level is best for a piano?

Piano manufacturers recommend approximately 42% relative humidity, with a range of 40–50% being generally safe. Stability matters more than hitting the exact number — large seasonal swings are harder on a piano than a steady humidity level that’s slightly off the ideal. In North Georgia’s climate, hot and humid summers followed by dry heated winters create a wide swing that can really stress a piano over time.

What happens if my piano’s humidity isn’t controlled?

Too much humidity causes wood to swell, leading to sticking keys, sluggish action, and tuning drift. Too little humidity dries out the soundboard, which can cause cracking, loose glue joints, and — in serious cases — a dried-out pinblock where tuning pins begin to slip and the piano simply won’t hold a tune anymore. Replacing a pinblock is a major and expensive rebuilding job. Humidity control is one of the best long-term investments you can make in your piano.

What is a piano humidity control system?

A piano humidity control system — the most well-known brand being the Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver — is installed directly inside the piano cabinet. It combines a humidifier, a dehumidifier rod, and a humidistat to maintain a stable micro-climate inside the piano year-round, regardless of what’s happening in the room. It’s the gold standard for piano preservation, especially in climates like ours that see significant seasonal swings.

Cleaning & Everyday Care

How do I clean my piano keys?

Use a soft white cloth, slightly damp, followed by a dry cloth. Wipe each key from back to front to avoid pushing moisture down between the keys. Avoid all household cleaners. The single most effective habit you can build is washing your hands before you play.

Can I use furniture polish or household cleaners on the piano’s finish?

No. Most piano manufacturers explicitly advise against household furniture polishes. Products containing silicone can be absorbed into the wood finish and make it nearly impossible to refinish later. Common lemon oil and general furniture polishes offer no real protection and can cloud or soften the finish over time. For modern high-gloss polyester finishes, a damp microfiber cloth followed by a dry cloth is usually all you need. When in doubt, ask your technician.

How do I clean the inside of my piano?

Don’t attempt it yourself. The interior — strings, soundboard, hammers, and action parts — contains fragile components that are easy to damage with the wrong tools or technique. Your technician can clean the interior safely.

Should I keep the piano lid open or closed?

Keep the keyboard lid closed when not in use — it protects the keys from dust, debris, and accidental spills. The top lid on a grand can be left open during play to project sound, and closed when the piano isn’t being used. For uprights, the top lid position has less effect on sound projection in most home settings.

Repair, Regulation & Voicing

How do I know if my piano needs repairs?

Common signs include: keys that stick or don’t return properly, notes that buzz, rattle, or sound muffled, keys that produce no sound when pressed, pedals that don’t operate smoothly, tuning that won’t hold for more than a few weeks, and clicking or thudding sounds from the action. A good technician will often catch issues during a routine tuning that you may not have noticed yet.

My piano has a broken string. Can it be replaced?

Yes. Piano strings can be replaced individually. Treble strings are plain steel wire and are generally easy to source. Bass strings — the thick wound copper strings in the lower register — are custom-made for specific piano models and may need to be ordered, which can take a week or two. After a new string is installed, it will need several additional tunings to stabilize as it stretches in.

What is piano regulation?

Regulation is the adjustment of the hundreds of moving mechanical parts in the piano’s action so that every key responds consistently and evenly under the player’s fingers. A well-regulated piano feels responsive and balanced across the full dynamic range. An unregulated piano may have keys that feel uneven, heavy, or sluggish. Regulation is separate from tuning and is typically recommended every five years for home pianos, or annually for heavily used instruments.

What is piano voicing?

Voicing is the adjustment of the density and shape of the felt hammer heads to change the piano’s tone quality. Harder felt produces a brighter, more brilliant sound. Softer felt creates a mellower, rounder tone. Voicing can also even out tonal inconsistencies across the keyboard — for example, when one note sounds harsh or thin compared to its neighbors. It’s one of the most overlooked services in piano care, and the difference it makes can be dramatic.

What is the difference between tuning, regulation, and voicing?

Think of it this way: tuning addresses pitch — are the notes in tune? Regulation addresses touch — does the action respond correctly and evenly? Voicing addresses tone — does the piano sound the way it should? All three work together. A piano can be perfectly in tune but still feel awkward to play or sound harsh. Ideally, all three are addressed periodically as part of a complete maintenance cycle.

Rebuilding, Restoration & Lifespan

What’s the difference between reconditioning, rebuilding, and restoration?

Reconditioning means cleaning, adjusting, and repairing a piano to improve its condition without replacing major parts. Rebuilding involves complete disassembly and replacement of all worn components — strings, hammers, pinblock, dampers, and sometimes the soundboard. A rebuilt piano can perform as well as a new one. Restoration takes a similar approach but uses original parts and historically accurate materials, prioritizing authenticity over maximum performance — most often done on antique or historically significant instruments.

How long does a piano last?

A well-maintained piano from a quality manufacturer can last 40 to 80 years or more. Steinways and other premium instruments have been performing beautifully for over a century. The key factors are the quality of the original instrument, consistent humidity control, and regular professional service. A neglected piano deteriorates far faster than one that’s been properly cared for.

Is an older piano worth repairing or should I just buy a new one?

It depends on the brand and condition. A quality older piano — Steinway, Baldwin, Mason & Hamlin, Yamaha, Kawai — is often worth significant investment because its fundamental construction is superior to many new entry-level instruments. An inexpensive older piano in poor condition may not justify the cost of repair. Have your technician give you an honest evaluation before you make a decision either way.

Moving & Storage

Can I move a piano myself?

Small upright pianos can sometimes be moved short distances with proper furniture dollies and padding. However, grand pianos and larger uprights should always be handled by professional piano movers — not general furniture movers. Pianos are extremely heavy, top-heavy, and fragile in ways that aren’t obvious. Improper moving causes injuries and expensive instrument damage. It’s not a risk worth taking.

Should I tune my piano right after moving it?

Wait at least two to four weeks after a move before scheduling a tuning. The piano needs time to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of its new location. Tuning too soon may result in a tuning that doesn’t hold, because the wood is still settling. If you have an urgent performance situation, a tuning can be done sooner — just plan on a follow-up tuning once the piano has fully adjusted.

How does moving affect my piano’s tuning?

Moving affects tuning primarily through the change in environment, not from the physical act of moving itself. When a piano arrives in a new home with different humidity levels, the wooden soundboard expands or contracts accordingly, shifting string tension. Temperature extremes during transit — especially in unheated trucks in winter or hot trucks in summer — can accelerate the need for re-tuning.

What should I know about storing a piano?

Always choose climate-controlled storage. Temperature and humidity extremes in a standard storage unit — especially in Georgia’s summer heat — can cause serious damage: cracked soundboards, failed glue joints, rusted strings, and pinblocks that can no longer hold a tune. A piano stored improperly for even a year can come out in very poor condition.

Buying a Piano

Should I buy a used piano? What should I look for?

Used pianos can be excellent value — or expensive traps. Always have a qualified piano technician inspect any piano before you buy it. Key things to evaluate: the soundboard (cracks or separation from the ribs), the pinblock (whether it holds tuning pins firmly), the condition of strings and hammers, and the overall structural integrity of the case and bridges. A pre-purchase inspection typically costs a modest fee and can save you thousands in unexpected repairs.

Are free pianos worth taking?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Many free pianos have been neglected for decades and carry structural problems — cracked soundboards, failed pinblocks, extensive action damage — that cost more to repair than the piano is worth. Moving alone can run $300 to $600 or more, so a free piano that needs $1,500 in repairs isn’t actually free. Have a technician evaluate it before you commit to moving it.

What are some reliable piano brands?

Among grands: Steinway & Sons, Bösendorfer, Bechstein, Blüthner, Fazioli, Yamaha, Kawai, and Mason & Hamlin are widely respected. Among uprights, Yamaha and Kawai consistently produce excellent instruments at various price points. Baldwin made outstanding American grand pianos through most of the 20th century and vintage Baldwins are still highly regarded. Your technician can help you evaluate specific instruments based on condition and age.

What’s the difference between an upright and a grand piano for maintenance purposes?

Both require regular tuning and care. Grand pianos have a more complex action mechanism that allows for more precise regulation and generally a more responsive touch. Their horizontal string orientation can make them sensitive to floor-level humidity changes. Uprights are more compact and easier to fit into most homes. For the fundamentals — consistent humidity, regular tuning, and periodic regulation — the approach is essentially the same for both.

Preparing for Your Appointment

How do I prepare for my piano tuning visit?

Clear everything off the top of the piano. Make sure there’s clear space around it. Minimize noise in the home — TV off, quiet household. Keep children and pets occupied in another area. Make a mental note of any issues like sticky keys, odd buzzes, or notes that don’t sound right, and share them when the tuner arrives. If the piano was recently moved, give it two to four weeks to settle first.

Do I need to be home during the tuning?

It’s best to be home or have someone there who can answer questions. You don’t need to sit in the room — in fact, the technician needs quiet and concentration, so feel free to go about your day. But stay accessible in case something comes up. If you genuinely can’t be there, leave a note about any known issues and a way to reach you by phone.

What qualifications should I look for in a piano tuner?

Look for significant hands-on experience, and a strong local referral base. Look for someone who is honest about the condition of your piano, communicates clearly, and treats your instrument with care. At Expert Piano Tuning, Theodore has serviced over 5,000 pianos across California and North Georgia.

What areas does Expert Piano Tuning serve?

We serve North Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, covering Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gilmer, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Paulding, and Pickens counties. Not sure if we cover your area? Just reach out and ask.

North Atlanta’s Most Trusted Piano Tuner