Pianova FAQ’s
Q: How often should my piano be tuned?
A:
I believe that Steinway
and Sons puts it best:
“We [Steinway & Sons] recommend that
your tuner be called at least 3 or 4 times a year. You, however, are the final
judge and should have the piano tuned as often as you think necessary. To put
the matter of tuning into perspective, remember that a concert piano is tuned
before every performance and a piano in a professional recording studio, where
it is in constant use, is tuned 3 or 4 times each week as a matter of course.”
I have found that pianos with Dampp-Chaser humidity
control systems require less tuning than pianos without the system.
Q: How long have you been tuning
pianos?
A:
I began tuning professionally in 1994.
Q: How did you learn to tune
pianos?
A:
I began researching the topic while attending The Evergreen State College in
the early 90’s. After a few months of self-study, I began an apprenticeship and
shortly thereafter joined the Piano Technicians Guild as an Associate
Member. Through the guild
I met other piano technicians and rebuilders and was
able to work as a shop assistant for a number of years. In 1994 I passed the
Piano Technician Guild exams becoming a Registered Piano
Technician. Shortly thereafter I acquired a business
license, and began advertising my services. Click the following link to view my resumé.
Q: Do you tune by ear or use a
machine?
A:
Tuning by ear was what initially fascinated me. The idea of using only a few
simple tools and careful listening to create a beautiful tuning was very
appealing. Since the most successful and skilled technicians can tune by ear, I
made a decision early on to pursue that tradition.
Q: Are machines more accurate than
the ear?
A: Yes and no. Machines are very accurate at measuring the
frequency (speed of vibration) of a note. The problem is they are less accurate
at knowing what the frequency of a particular note should be. They make certain
assumptions based on the harmonic characteristics of the particular piano. The
most competent tuners who use these machines will tell you that they usually
use their ear to refine the work they do with the machine. Also,
because piano tone is complex and dynamic, sometimes the machine doesn’t give a
clear reading. That’s when an experienced ear is
essential.
Q: Do you play the piano?
A:
I started taking lessons in 1973 when I was 5 years old. I enjoy playing a
variety of pieces: Scott Joplin, Mozart, Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Debussy, and
Gershwin. I enjoy all musical styles from Ragtime to Baroque.
Q: What kind of piano do you own?
A:
I own a Fandrich
& Sons upright piano with the Fandrich
Vertical Action that allows it perform more like a grand piano. The main
case, iron frame, and soundboard/bridge assembly was manufactured by Klima of the
Q: Do you tune other instruments
besides pianos?
A:
I have tuned harpsichords, harps, autoharps, Music
Maker Zithers, and Schoenhut toy pianos.