In Tune With The Seasons – Piano Tuning by Chupp’s Piano Service
Fall is in the air. The air is a bit chillier, hot cider is back on the menu, Thanksgiving plans are being worked out… and it’s time to have your piano tuned. For many pianists and piano owners, getting their acoustic piano tuned in the Spring and then again in the Fall is akin to a family tradition. But why is that the case? This quick blog article covers why this musical habit is one you may want to place in your toolbox.
1: Getting it Done
Let’s face it. We live in a hectic world and we live busy lives. Planning things out helps make sure we actually get things done. This principle of preparedness covers piano tuning. Getting your piano tuned on a regular, scheduled basis makes sure that you don’t forget it! Making sure your piano is regularly tuned has a few side benefits beyond the pleasant sound of an in-tune instrument.
A well-qualified piano technician/tuner while tuning the piano, can inspect for any potential structural or mechanical issues while they are in your home. This can ensure that any issues are dealt with quickly and can get you many more years of good performance out of your prized piano. Never underestimate the power of preventative maintenance!
2: Humidity = Fluctuation
Swings in humidity are the primary reason for your piano’s tuning to fluctuate. Your piano is a combination of thousands of pieces of metal, wood, and other components. Wooden parts shrink and swell with the changes in the room’s humidity. A typical piano’s soundboard, pinblock, and action parts are all made out of some type of wood, most often spruce and maple. This continual process of shrinking and swelling coupled with the thousands of pounds of string tension causes the piano to slip out of tune.
The largest humidity swings occur during the changing of the seasons. From the more humid summer to the dry fall and then back again come springtime, these swings are often the primary cause of an out of tune piano. Consistency in humidity is key to a stable instrument. The installation of a good home humidification control system and a Piano Life Saver System from Dampp Chaser can help ease this, however, it obviously cannot be fully prevented. This is one of the key reasons why getting your piano tuned in coupling with a season change may be the right choice for you.
P.S. Obviously, you can, and should get your piano tuned and maintained when you feel it needs to be, regardless of what season it is. However, we do recommend paying extra attention during the change in seasons, due to the aforementioned humidity swings!
Do you need your piano serviced? Are you interested in the purchase of a vintage, restored Steinway & Sons Grand or a new Kawai piano? If so, get in contact with us today for more information!
Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. | Restored Steinway Pianos | New Kawai Grands, Uprights & Digitals | Concert Service
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