How often should I get my piano tuned?

Pianos Fall Out of Tune over Time

Piano strings are strung under tremendous tension, averaging 90 kilograms each. Therefore, even if your piano is not regularly played played, as time passes its strings will gradually stretch and your piano will eventually fall out of tune. As such, your piano needs regular tuning at least once a year to keep it up to pitch and playing the correct notes.

New Pianos

It’s a common misconception that a newer piano would hold its tune longer than an old one. It is actually quite the opposite. Piano strings stretch quite a great deal during its first year after purchase. The piano’s new strings are very stiff and are inclined to contract. Therefore, new pianos often require tuning about once every three months, if not more.

After Year One

After the first year, the frequency at which you need your piano tuned will depend on a few factors. Generally speaking, if you play your piano regularly, you will probably need to tune it about twice a year. However, it could be less frequent than that if you play more sporadically. Tuning frequency also depends on the climate of your home. If humidity is more predictable (well climate controlled home), your piano may need fewer tunings. In general though, the more you play the piano, and / or the more unpredictable the humidity, the faster it will fall out of tune.