Commonly asked questions about Piano Tuning

[Doug Freeze]

3 of the most commonly asked questions about Piano Tuning are:

1) How often should I have my piano tuned?
The two main factors that drive a piano out of tune are weather change and how 
much the piano is played, but the age of the piano has an effect also. Pianos 
newer than 5 years go out of tune much faster than older pianos and may need to 
be tuned as much as 4 times a year for the first few years. Pianos older than 
30 years may not have such great action or tone, but often hold their tune very 
well. If you practice more than an hour a day, you'll probably need to have it 
tuned at least twice a year to keep it sounding good.
I would say that unless your piano is just another piece of furniture, you 
should have it tuned at least once a year. If it's used every day, twice a year 
will keep your piano sounding good anytime you or a guest sits down to play it. 
If you are a vocalist, string player, or that rare pianist with a very 
sensitive ear, 3-4 times a year will keep it at concert pitch at all times.

2) My piano isn't being used. Do I still need to have it tuned?
Although it might seem unnecessary, it's important to keep a piano at least 
close to concert pitch, even if it's not being used. When your piano is in 
tune, a combined string tension of about 20 tons is exerted on the piano's 
structure. As the piano goes out of tune, the tension of the strings changes to 
varying degrees in different parts of the piano. If the tension becomes too 
uneven from one section to another, undue stress is exerted on the piano's 
frame. Also, a piano is much more difficult, and sometimes impossible to tune 
well after a period of neglect. For these reasons every piano should be tuned 
at least annually.

3) How much is it going to cost me to tune my piano?
Many people ask me this question in hopes of getting a rough estimate of what 
they would expect to pay for a professional piano tuning. "Pay what you can 
afford" is my motto. I care more about getting your valuable musical instrument 
in tune than I do the money. I've found that tuners charge between $75 & $120 
here in the Los Angeles area, my average is about $100.00. I would ask that you 
at least cover my travel expenses with gas prices the way they are. You will 
not insult me by paying less than the going rate. I have so much fun tuning 
pianos, meeting and talking to you that it makes it all worth while.

If you would like to know the year your piano was born, send me the name of the 
piano along with the serial number and I'll get back to you as soon as possible 
with your information.



Doug Freeze
626 290-0908
Glendora California
http://MasterTuner.com
Tuning pianos in the entire Southern CA area.

See my calendar and schedule a piano tuning appointment here:
http://DougFreeze.com/calendar.html







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