Tuning
Why is it essential to tune your piano regularly ?
Tuning your piano is a crucial step to preserve its sound quality and overall stability. Whether it’s an upright piano or a grand piano, every instrument is made from natural materials such as wood, felt, and metal ; materials that constantly react to changes in humidity, temperature, and the passage of time.
Even when not played, a piano naturally goes out of tune. Piano tuning helps maintain the correct tension of the strings (up to 20 tons for a concert grand piano!) and ensures a clear, harmonious sound. Regular tuning is therefore essential to guarantee the durability and musicality of your instrument.
Preserving your instrument through piano tuning
Piano tuning isn’t just about adjusting the pitch of the notes. It also helps stabilize the instrument’s internal balance and prevent deformations that can directly affect its tuning.
Tuning your piano helps :
Maintain an even distribution of string tension ;
Preserve regulation settings ;
Train your ear, as our hearing retains pitch memory and needs to be accustomed to accurate sound.
Hiring a qualified piano tuner ensures reliable maintenance that’s suited to your piano’s nature and age.
How often should you tune your piano ?
It is recommended to tune your piano once or twice a year. This frequency depends on several factors, including :
Age of the piano: New instruments require more frequent attention ;
Usage: A concert or intensively used piano goes out of tune faster and needs more upkeep ;
Environment: Temperature and humidity fluctuations directly influence tuning.
A regular check-up by an experienced piano tuner will help keep your instrument in top condition, whatever the circumstances.
The joy of playing a well-tuned piano
Playing on an out-of-tune piano can be frustrating: notes sound wrong, the touch feels off, and musical expression is diminished. On the other hand, tuning your piano restores its full sonic richness.
A well-tuned piano offers :
Impeccable intonation, essential for developing musical ear ;
A balanced touch, thanks to well-adjusted mechanics ;
Greater playing pleasure, whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned musician, or simply a lover of sound.
Tuning your piano is also a way to support your musical progress under the best possible conditions.
Call on a professional piano tuner in Geneva
At Pianos Service P. Fuhrer, each member of our tuning team works with precision, passion, and care. We are a leading company for the maintenance of upright and grand pianos.
We offer tailored piano tuning services in Geneva, nearby France, and the Vaud region, whether for regular maintenance or more technical work. Thanks to our expertise and attentiveness, every tuning of upright or grand piano is performed with precision and in accordance with the highest standards.
Give your piano the attention it deserves: tuning it is a way to prolong its story and renew, day after day, the emotional experience of every note.
Book now
Contact your Geneva piano tuner now for piano tuning, a complete service or simply questions about the price of having a piano tuned; fill in our quick, easy and no-obligation booking form or contact us on WhatsApp.
Call Us Make a RequestFAQ about tuning and maintaining your piano
The main causes of detuning are :
Variations in temperature and humidity
Intensive use
Aging of the strings and tuning pins
Even a piano that is rarely played naturally goes out of tune over time.
The ideal temperature is between 18 and 24°C with a humidity level of between 40 and 65%.
Avoid placing the piano near :
Radiators
Windows exposed to sunlight
Sources of humidity (bathroom, kitchen, damp walls)
Yes, complete mechanical maintenance (adjustment, intonation) is recommended every 3 to 5 years, depending on use. This ensures that the response remains precise and pleasant to the touch.
Wood : use a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not use household products.
Varnish : use a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth (beware of solvents that may react with some varnishes).
Plastic or ivory keys : clean with a slightly damp cloth (beware of solvents that may react with certain plastics).
Interior : leave to a professional to avoid damaging the mechanics or the strings.
The average price for a tuning is CHF 210.- to 235.-, depending on the type of piano and its condition. Additional charges may apply if the piano is badly out of tune or needs to be overhauled.
In most cases, a piano can be restored, repaired or tuned. Our piano tuners can assess its value and potential and advise you before considering a replacement.
Not necessarily. The tuning of a new or second-hand piano that has been recently transported will change with the climate and may go out of tune with variations in humidity and temperature. It also depends on when the piano was last tuned.
It will take 1 to 3 weeks after the move for the piano to get used to its new location. Then we can intervene if necessary.
At Pianos-Service, following the purchase of a piano we offer you a free tuning, to be used within 6 months of delivery.
Tuning a piano requires specific tools and precise technical expertise. Incorrect handling can damage the piano. A professional piano tuner is strongly recommended.
