Piano maintenance, tuning, and service

A piano is a wonderful instrument that can serve for several decades with proper care. However, since it is made of wood, metal, felt, strings, and very precise mechanics, it requires regular maintenance. Many owners wonder: how often should it be tuned, why does it go out of tune, where should it be placed, and when is service needed?

At Japan Piano Center, we encounter such questions every day. That’s why we have prepared a practical guide that answers the most common questions about piano maintenance, tuning, and service.

How often should a piano be tuned?

It is recommended to tune a piano at least once a year, while also servicing the mechanical parts of the piano. For instruments that are used very frequently, such as in music schools, classrooms, concert venues, or by more serious students, tuning twice a year or even more often if necessary is advisable.

The frequency of tuning depends on several factors: the age of the instrument, the condition of the mechanics, the stability of the environment, humidity, temperature, and frequency of playing. A new or recently moved piano may go out of tune a bit faster in the initial period, so it makes sense for a technician to check it again after a certain time.

Regular services are important not only for making the instrument sound better. They also help maintain the stability of the instrument and ensure that the student develops a proper sense of tone and touch.

Why does a piano go out of tune?

A piano goes out of tune primarily because it is an acoustic instrument – sensitive to changes in the environment. The strings are under very high tension, and the wooden parts respond to changes in humidity and temperature. When the wood slightly shrinks or expands, the tension of the strings changes, consequently affecting the pitch.

The most common reasons for a piano going out of tune are:

• changes in temperature,
• too high or too low humidity,
• placement near a radiator, window, or external wall,
• frequent use of the instrument,
• moving the piano,
• age of the instrument,
• a long period without tuning.

The piano does not go out of tune because something is necessarily wrong with it. Tuning is a normal part of the life of an acoustic instrument. However, it is important that the instrument is regularly maintained and does not remain without professional inspection for years.

What does piano service include?

Piano or grand piano service means much more than just 'tightening the strings'. The piano technician first checks the overall condition of the instrument, listens to the stability of the tones, assesses the response of the mechanics, and then precisely tunes the instrument, performs regulation of the mechanics, and checks the condition of the felt on the hammers, and repairs and adjusts the hardness of the felt (intonation) if necessary.

During tuning, the technician adjusts the tension of the strings so that the instrument sounds correct, harmonious, and balanced across the entire keyboard. A good technician listens not only to individual tones but also to intervals, octaves, and the overall sound picture of the instrument.

Professional service usually includes:

• inspection of the basic condition of the instrument,
• tuning (including pre-tuning if necessary)
• checking the stability of the tuning,
• basic inspection of the mechanics, lubrication, and regulation of the mechanics
• intonation
• warning of potential technical issues.

If the technician notices that the instrument requires additional work during the service, they may recommend further repairs.

What is piano mechanics regulation?

Piano mechanics regulation is the precise adjustment of the mechanical parts that connect the key, hammer, and string. When we press a key, a complex sequence of movements occurs inside the piano. For playing to be pleasant, responsive, and even, all these parts must be correctly adjusted.

Over time, the felts compress, wooden parts adapt to use, and the mechanics wear out or change. The result can be an uneven feel while playing, poorer key response, sticking, too hard or too light touch, uneven dynamics, or poorer control over tone.

Regulation can include adjusting the height of the keys, depth of pressure, hammer response, distance of hammers from strings, and operation of dampers and pedals. This is very important for instruments used by students, music schools, or more demanding pianists.

A well-regulated piano is not only easier to play but also allows for better musical expression.

When does a piano need service and not just tuning?

Tuning ensures the correct pitch, but it does not resolve all mechanical issues. If the piano has problems with key response, mechanics, pedals, or playing consistency, servicing is often required.

A piano needs servicing when:

• keys are sticking or not returning properly,
• individual notes do not sound,
• notes sound too sharp, dull, or uneven,
• pedals are not functioning correctly,
• unwanted sounds, cracking, or squeaking are heard,
• the playing feel is uneven,
• the instrument has not been maintained for a long time,
• the piano is older and has not been professionally checked,
• it quickly goes out of tune again despite tuning.

In such cases, tuning alone is not enough. A piano technician must inspect the interior of the instrument and assess what is needed for proper functioning.

How do humidity and temperature affect the piano?

Humidity and temperature have a significant impact on the piano. Since the instrument is largely made of wood, the wood responds to changes in the environment. With excessive humidity, the wood expands, while with too low humidity, it contracts. This affects string tension, tuning stability, mechanical function, and the overall condition of the instrument.

Excessive humidity can cause difficulty in the movement of wooden parts, sticking keys, rusting of metal parts, and unstable tuning. Too low humidity can lead to drying out of the wood, cracking, reduced stability, and changes in the soundboard.

It is best for the piano to be placed in an environment with as stable conditions as possible. Rapid changes in temperature, drafts, direct sunlight, radiators, and very humid spaces should be avoided.

Ideally, the room should be moderately dry, well-ventilated, and temperature-stable. If the air is very dry in winter, a humidifier can be beneficial. In areas with high humidity, it makes sense to consider dehumidification.

Where to place the piano in the apartment?

The piano is best placed in a room where temperature, humidity, and light are as stable as possible. Ideally, it should stand against an interior wall, away from direct sunlight, radiators, air conditioning units, windows, and external doors.

When positioning, it is also good to consider the acoustics of the space. An overly empty room with a lot of glass and hard surfaces can create a harsh and reflective sound. A room with some furniture, curtains, a carpet, or bookshelves can balance the sound nicely.

The piano should be placed so that there is enough space around it for playing, opening the lid, servicing, and access for the piano technician. It should also stand stable and secure, especially in households with children.

Why is it not good to place the piano next to a radiator or window?

A radiator, window, and direct sunlight can be very problematic for a piano. The radiator dries out the air and causes rapid temperature changes. This can affect the wood, felt, strings, and tuning stability.

The window is an issue for several reasons. The temperature changes more quickly next to it, the instrument may be exposed to sunlight, drafts, or humidity. If the sun shines directly on the case for an extended period, it can damage the finish, change the color of the wood, or cause uneven heating of the instrument.

Exterior walls can be cooler and more humid, so they are not the best choice either. If there are no other options, it is recommended that the piano does not stand completely against the wall, but has some space behind it for air circulation.

Proper placement is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of the instrument and maintain more stable tuning.

How to properly clean the keys and case of the piano?

The keys are best cleaned with a soft, slightly damp cloth. The cloth should not be wet, as water must not seep between the keys. After cleaning, it is advisable to wipe the keys with a dry soft cloth.

When cleaning, avoid aggressive cleaners, alcohol, bleach, disinfectants, and spray cleaners that would be sprayed directly on the instrument. Such agents can damage the surface of the keys or case.

Clean the piano case with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth, depending on the type of surface. With high gloss, extra caution is needed, as the surface can scratch easily. It is best to use a quality microfiber cloth and avoid rough rubbing.

Do not attempt to access the inside of the piano yourself. Dust, dirt, or foreign objects from the inside should be removed by a piano technician, as improper intervention can damage the mechanics.

Conclusion

The piano is a sensitive yet very durable instrument if properly cared for. Regular tuning, proper placement, stable conditions in the room, and timely servicing are key to good sound, a pleasant playing experience, and a long lifespan of the instrument.

If the piano has not been tuned for a long time, if the keys are sticking, if the sound is no longer even, or if you are unsure of the condition of your instrument, it is best to have it checked by a professional piano technician.

At Japan Piano Center, in addition to selling pianos and keyboards, we also offer professional tuning, servicing, restoration, and maintenance advice. This ensures that your piano will not only be a beautiful piece of furniture but a reliable musical companion for many years to come.