Piano tuning: how often, care and maintenance – Musik-Ebert Gmbh

Having a piano tuned is one of the few regular duties that come with an acoustic instrument. The most common question from new owners is: how often is it needed, and why does a piano go out of tune on its own?

This guide explains the usual interval, the reasons a piano drifts out of tune and the difference between tuning, regulation and voicing. It also shows what you can do yourself to keep the instrument stable and what belongs in the hands of a piano tuner.

01How often should a piano be tuned?

As a rule of thumb, a well settled piano is tuned once or twice a year. Anyone who plays a lot and at a demanding level tends to choose the shorter interval, while an instrument that is rarely used and kept in a stable room climate often manages with one tuning per year.

New instruments and those that have just been moved need tuning more often at first. The strings and the wooden body have to settle and adapt to the new room climate. During the first year or two, two to four appointments are therefore sensible until the instrument has stabilised.

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02Why does a piano go out of tune at all?

A piano holds more than 200 strings under high tension, several tonnes of pull in total. This tension naturally eases over time, and even small changes shift the pitch audibly.

The biggest factor is the room climate. Wood and the cast iron frame react to temperature and above all to humidity. In winter, dry heating air dries out the instrument; in summer the wood takes on moisture, the soundboard moves and the tuning drifts. A move or a change of position within the room also throws a piano out of tune, because the climate and the setup change.

03Tuning, regulation and voicing: the difference

These three terms are often confused but refer to different jobs. Regular tuning only covers the first point; the other two are carried out less often and as needed.

The three maintenance tasks at a glance
Task	What happens	How often
Tuning	The pitch of each string is set precisely using the tuning pins	1 to 2 times a year
Regulation	The action is adjusted so touch and key travel are even	every few years as needed
Voicing	The tone character is shaped via the hammer heads, softer or brighter	rarely, as needed

04What you can do yourself

The most effective care is a constant room climate. A relative humidity of around 45 to 60 percent and an even temperature keep the tuning stable the longest. Do not place the instrument directly next to a radiator, by a draughty window or in direct sunlight. During very dry heating periods, a room humidifier or a climate system built into the piano helps.

On the outside, dry or lightly damp dusting of the cabinet is enough, without harsh cleaners on polished surfaces. The keys can be cleaned with a soft, barely damp cloth. Anything to do with the interior, that is tuning, action and hammer heads, stays in the hands of the specialist.

05The first tuning after delivery

A newly delivered piano should not be tuned straight away. First give the instrument about two to four weeks to acclimatise to the room climate of your home. Wood and strings need to adjust to the new temperature and humidity before a tuning will hold.

Only then is it the right time for the first tuning at the new location. If you are still looking for the ideal spot, you will find dedicated tips in our guide on positioning a piano. A well chosen place with a stable climate will save you many touch up tunings later.

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A well cared for piano, with one or two tunings a year and a stable room climate, will stay with you for decades. If you are thinking about a new instrument, our selection of new pianos, from entry level to premium, has the right model for you.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I have my piano tuned?

As a rule, once or twice a year. New instruments or those that have just been moved need tuning more often at first, until they have adapted to the room climate.

Why does my piano go out of tune even though I hardly play?

The main cause is the room climate. Changing humidity and temperature make the wood and strings move, which shifts the pitch even without playing.

What is the difference between tuning and regulation?

Tuning sets the pitch of the strings. Regulation adjusts the action so that touch and key travel are even. That is done less often and as needed.

Can I tune my piano myself?

It is not advisable. Tuning requires experience and special tools, otherwise you risk damaging the strings and the pin block. This work is done by a piano tuner.

When should a newly delivered piano be tuned for the first time?

After about two to four weeks of acclimatising at the new location. This lets the instrument adapt to temperature and humidity before the first tuning will hold.