The process and precautions for tuning a piano

Article from the other day

As mentioned above, by tuning your piano every few months to keep it in good condition, you will not only improve the quality of your piano practice, but you will also be able to leave a good piano for future generations.

As I am writing this article, it is towards the end of summer, the typhoon has passed, and the weather is gradually getting cooler. I would like to tune the instrument during the changing seasons like this.

what should you do when actually tuning ?

Also, what should I be careful about ?

I don't tune myself

As I mentioned in a previous article, if you have no experience tuning a piano, please do not try to do it yourself.

Tuning tools can be purchased on the Internet, but it is dangerous for amateurs to do so.

The piano is more complex and delicate than you might think.

Tuning, which is supposed to improve a piano's performance and extend its lifespan, can greatly shorten its lifespan if done by an amateur.

Pianos themselves are very expensive, so make sure you don't regret making a choice to avoid irreversible damage.

Although it will cost a little more money, I recommend that ask a professional tuner to do it for you

get advice

The best way to find a good piano tuner to ask someone you trust .

Of course, they are people involved with pianos.

To give a specific example

• piano teacher
• Piano store (musical instrument store)
• local schools and universities
• A friend or neighbor who owns a piano

Personally, I think searching on the internet should be a last resort

As we will discuss later, ``Do they have the qualifications?'' and ``Is the cost appropriate?'' In addition, in most cases, you will be asked to ``enter the house,'' so it is better to choose someone you know than to choose someone you don't know at all.

If you are searching on the Internet , you can search for qualified people by prefecture from the website of the Piano Tuners Association

Please take advantage of them as well.

Points to note before tuning

Once you have found a piano tuner, you will need to get in touch with him to determine the specifics.

In addition to checking the date and time of the tuning, be sure to check the following to avoid regrets later.

qualification

Piano qualifications include the national qualification of ``Piano Tuning Technician''.

This qualification ranges from level 1 to level 3, with level 1 being the most difficult qualification.

In order to acquire this knowledge, you must have graduated from a specialized school and have practical experience.

When getting your piano tuned, check to see if they have this national qualification as a ``Piano Tuning Technician'' in order to know the level and quality of the person.

Of course, the level of the 1st grade is higher, but even the 3rd grade has a level of knowledge that cannot be compared to an amateur.

As a criterion for choosing whether a level is reliable, the minimum standard should be whether or not a person has this national qualification

cost

If you search for a tuner on the Internet, you will find that the typical price for a piano tuning is around 10,000 yen.

However, if you ask someone with a lot of experience to do the work and is certified as a ``Piano Tuning Technician 1st Class'', the price may go up to around 50,000 yen (or more).

Of course, if you have someone like that look at your car, they may be able to notice small details that a normal tuner wouldn't be able to find.

It depends on the value of the piano you are tuning, but if you are tuning a standard-priced piano, I think it would be enough to have it tuned for around 10,000 yen.

The price will also increase if you request a piano that has not been tuned for more than 10 years.

I can't say exactly what the price is, but it's only natural that it will be more expensive than a general tuning because they will perform an overhaul-level inspection.

If you are told a price of tens of thousands of yen without disclosing your background or asking about the condition of the piano, it would be better to find another tuner.

Finally, having it inspected during tuning may reveal parts that need replacing.

Especially if you need to replace the strings, it will cost more than 200,000 yen, so be prepared with your wallet and mind.

Of course, it's your decision whether to replace it or not.

If you think you don't have to spend hundreds of thousands of yen to replace parts, just refuse.

Make a tuning reservation

Contact the tuner, and if you are satisfied with the qualifications and cost, make an appointment with that tuner.

Let's check the days that suit each other's schedules.

In some cases, the tuner may even travel outside the prefecture.

Also, popular tuners often have a waiting list for reservations.

Please adjust your schedule patiently and without haste.

Things to do before tuning

Once the tuning date is set, don't just wait.

There are two things you need to do before tuning.

cleaning the piano

This goes without saying, but be sure to clean the piano that will actually be tuned to ensure there is no dust or dirt.

At this time, do not wipe with an extremely wet cloth or use regular cleaning detergents.

There is a risk that the coating around the piano may peel off or mold may develop on the wood inside the piano.

Similarly, please refrain from using air duster to blow the interior of the piano.

If you spray without knowing what you are doing, you may damage delicate piano parts.

Be sure to clean the surface with a dry cloth.

Secure space around the piano

Please leave as much space around the piano as possible so that the tuner can place tools and disassembled parts.

If you don't have enough space, tuning will take longer and in the worst case scenario, you may end up paying more for the tuning.

In some cases, this also includes lighting.

Try to remove as many items as possible so that the tuning process goes smoothly.

Also, be sure to put away equipment such as sheet music, covers, metronome, etc. just before tuning.

Things to ask a piano tuner

Once the tuner has finished tuning your car, there are some things you should ask him/her.

It's the tuning frequency.

A good tuner will not only look at the piano, but also the environment in which the piano is placed.

Is it an environment where the piano can last a long time even if left alone, or is it an environment where the piano is susceptible to damage?

It determines changes in humidity and temperature by looking at the area and storage location.

The frequency of tuning also depends on how long the instrument has been tuned.

If you bought it secondhand or someone gave it to you, be honest and tell them about it.

We hope that you will practice high-quality on a piano that has been successfully tuned and produces a beautiful tone.