Tuning
Piano tuning is the process of adjusting the tension of the strings on a piano to ensure that they produce the correct pitch. Over time, due to factors such as temperature changes, humidity, and the natural settling of the piano components, the tension in the strings can change, causing the piano to go out of tune.
Piano tuners use specialised tools, such as a tuning wrench, to adjust the tension of each string, bringing them to the correct pitch according to a standard musical scale. The goal is to ensure that the piano produces accurate and harmonious musical tones when played, with the notes evenly spaced within an equal temperament.
Piano tuning is a skill that requires training and experience, as it involves a keen ear to discern subtle differences in pitch. Professional piano tuners often undergo formal education and apprenticeships to develop their expertise. In addition to tuning, a piano technician may also perform other maintenance tasks, such as regulating the action (the mechanism that connects the keys to the hammers) and voicing (adjusting the tonal quality of the piano). Regular tuning and maintenance are essential to keep a piano sounding its best and to prolong its lifespan.
Frequency of Tuning:
Pianos are typically recommended to be tuned at least once or twice a year under normal conditions. However, some pianos, especially those in professional use or subjected to extreme environmental changes, may require more frequent tuning. New pianos will often go out of tune more quickly as they settle in to their new homes. Older pianos sometimes hold their pitch extremely well if they are in a stable environment, and need only minor touchups on an annual basis.
Pitch Standards:
The standard pitch reference for piano tuning is A440, which means that the A above middle C should vibrate at 440 hertz. This pitch standard is widely accepted in the music industry. However, historical tunings and alternative pitch standards exist for specific genres or historical periods. Some older pianos which have not been tuned for a long time may not be capable of getting up to this pitch, and instead can be tuned to a lower pitch. This effectively transposes the piano, so its in tune with itself, but will make it difficult to play along with a fixed pitch instrument like a clarinet, or to learn using a popular app like Simply Piano or Flowkey.
Electronic Tuning Devices:
While traditional piano tuning relies on the tuner's ear and experience, electronic tuning devices have become more common. These devices use sensors to analyze the pitch of the strings and assist tuners in achieving accurate results. I use Pianoscope or Tunelab, combined with my ear, to achieve very precise results. These pieces of software help set the pitch to within 1/100th of a semitone, and allow me to save the tuning measurements for each piano, making it easier to get consistent results at every service appointment.