6 Frequently Asked Questions about Piano Tuning Cost

A Piano is a very intricate piece of instrument that needs to be tuned up regularly so it could always perform at its best and last a lifetime. If you are thinking of purchasing a piano, you need to understand and accept your responsibilities as the owner. Keep in mind that a piano is truly a work of art and it deserves expert care. Do not worry about piano tuning cost. The important thing is it will always sound beautiful and will continue to provide you and your family sweet music for many years.

If you are a first-time owner and want to know more about piano tuning here are Frequently Asked Questions or FAQs that can help you out.

1. How often should I have my piano serviced?

New pianos require being serviced four times the first year and twice a year thereafter. Different brands require a varied frequency of maintenance because each brand uses different materials and implements different standards of manufacturing. Here are the maintenance schedule of some brands:

Kawai piano – at least twice a year

Yamaha – at least twice a year

Steinway & Sons – three to four times a year

Baldwin – at least twice a year

Young Chang – at least twice a year

Remember to strictly adhere to your maintenance schedule to keep your piano functioning at its best. A perfectly tuned piano makes playing a delightful experience.

2. How much does piano tuning cost?

The standard price range for Upright pianos is SGD60 – SGD150 and for Grand is SGD 120 –SGD350. Some tuners charge a flat rate for basic tuning. If the piano has not been properly maintained, there will be more work done on the unit and there will be additional charges to cover pitch raise, replacement, and repair of piano parts. If the piano has not been tuned for years, it is best to have your unit assessed first before you have it serviced. The piano tuning cost will be based on the overall condition of your unit and the extent of the repairs needed to be done.

3. Who should service my piano?

Do not attempt to tune it yourself in order to save on piano tuning cost. Leave it to the professionals, please. If the brand you bought has a service center in the country, do not hesitate to give them a call and book the service of their in-house technician. There are many skilled piano tuners in Singapore and you can ask friends for referrals or go online. Make sure you go to licensed piano technicians who have been in the business for long, to ensure top quality service.

4. What is basic piano tuning?

This involves adjusting the strings to tune the piano to A-440, the international pitch standard. The technician uses a tuning lever/hammer, tuning fork or electric chromatic tuner and mutes. Most tuners charge a flat rate for this process and sometimes can raise the pitch of the piano for free if it only requires minor adjustments.

5. What causes the piano to go out of tune?

Some owners are inclined to think that when the piano is hardly played on, tuning it is not necessary. Whether it’s frequently played on or has been untouched for months, it is still necessary to have it tuned every six months. Here are the other factors causing changes in the tone.

Humidity. A piano is made of wood which expands or shrinks due to changes in humidity. When wood expands, the tone of the piano goes sharp and when it shrinks the tone of the piano goes flat. You can get a humidifier to protect your piano.

Temperature changes affect the strings of the piano. In extreme heat, strings loosen and sounds flat while in cold weather, strings tighten and piano goes sharp.

Moving the piano. The tuning pins inside are very sensitive and when the piano is lifted or pushed improperly, these pins shift in position causing changes in tone. The piano must be moved to another location by professional movers to avoid damaging it.

Hard playing. The excessive force used on the keys affects the equalization of tension along the strings. This causes pitch alterations. This is normal for families with little children. They love to bang on the piano keys out of excitement.

Dust. A build up can cause dull hammer action which affects the clarity of tone.

6. How do I avoid expensive piano tuning cost?

Take good care of your piano. Proper maintenance will keep your piano in good condition and keep your piano tuning cost minimal. When you decide to buy this beautiful instrument you have to be committed to taking good care of it. Keep in mind that it is necessary to spend for its maintenance. Neglect can lead to costly repairs or even irreparable damage causing the owner to spend more.

A piano is more than just a musical instrument. It is an elegant and enchanting conversation piece that beautifully produced music will entice people to gravitate toward you. It is an investment that pays off dividend, not just in terms of value but unquantifiable joy!

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