Piano Regulation & Services

Piano Tuning

   All pianos need tuning. Tuning is the adjustment of each individual string’s tension so that they vibrate at frequencies that give the correct pitch. The number of times you need to tune your piano will depend upon changes in climate, age, condition of the piano and how often it is used. Most pianos require a minimum of two tunings a year. New pianos with new strings may need more because the Piano tuning strings will need to stretch out much of their elasticity before they become stable to hold constant tension (much like new guitar strings).

 If you keep your piano regularly tuned, it will prevent the pitch dropping flat. If the pitch does
drop too low, even having it tuned will not hold the pitch and several extra tunings will be
required to achieve stability.

Regulation

        Regulation is different from tuning. All pianos require regulation from time to time. Tuning adjusts strings, whereas regulation is the adjustment of the mechanical parts that comprise the action. There are over thirty-five points of adjustment per note in a grand piano and twenty-five in an upright, so regulation takes some time to complete.

  If you start to find it difficult to play fast passages or legato/smooth passages, it may mean that your piano needs regulating (that’s not an excuse for lack of practice, though!). The tone may sound strange, the strings may stop vibrating at unusual times, the pedals may not work properly, the keys may be uneven in height or the weight of the keys may vary.

  An unregulated piano will not only sound terrible, but may not last as long. The number of times you will need your piano regulated depends on how well it is looked after and how often it is played.

  Most general use pianos only need to be regulated every five years. Professionals, teachers and heavy users should have their pianos regulated annually. Most technicians make small changes to the piano’s regulation each time it is tuned, but you will still need a full regulation service in addition to these adjustments.

  Regulation costs vary depending on the extent of work required. The cost of parts and the
number of hours spent in labour will also push the price up. Although it is difficult to obtain an
exact quotation, ask your technician for an estimate of the cost beforehand.

Voicing

        As previously mentioned, tuning involves adjusting string tension to create the correct harmonic pitch. Voicing however is when an experienced technician modifies the piano’s tone intensity and quality. A piano’s tone may be bright or mellow. There are no right or wrong tonal styles, except to ensure that the tone should be even throughout.

   If voicing is requested, the instrument’s role and musician’s needs should be considered. For example, a warm tone may be more suited to classical music, whereas brighter tones may be more suited to jazz pianists.

   However, the reverse may also be true, so the decision is entirely up to you and your technician.
The piano’s design and manufacture will have the greatest effect on tone, however technicians may be able to adjust this to a certain extent.

  Voicing by a technician generally involves the adjustment of hammers. Depending on the voicing style requested, the hammers may need to be reshaped, realigned, softened with sharp needles in a certain way, or conversely hardened with chemicals. This will affect the force of the hammers hitting the strings and the element of rebound, creating a certain tone.

   You can also adjust the tone of your piano by changing the contents of your music room. Hard and shiny surfaces reflect sound creating brighter tones, whereas carpet, fabrics and soft furnishings absorb sound creating warmer, rounded tones.

Humidity control

   Changes in temperature and humidity will affect the wooden parts in the piano. Wood is a hygroscopic material (i.e. it absorbs moisture from the air and loses water when the air is dry).

   This makes the wood expand and contract, especially in the soundboard and bridge, which is not good
for the piano.  If the atmosphere is too dry, splits may form in the soundboard, which causes tuning instability and deterioration over time.
 
    Conversely, if the air is too humid the keys and action parts may stick and the strings and pins may start
to rust. Constant exposure to extremes of temperature and humidity will cause your piano to lose the quality
of its tone.

Where to place your piano

            Choose a room that has relatively constant temperature and humidity (i.e. not too close to the
kitchen, laundry, hallway, sun room). The most suitable place is against an inside wall, away from drought windows, heaters, air-conditioning, doors and exposure to direct sunlight.

     In addition to increasing humidity, direct sunlight will also cause your piano’s finish to age and fade.

     If possible, choose a room with few distractions for practising students.

     Acoustically, make sure that shelves and furniture do not block the piano’s sound. Depending upon personal preference, carpet and soft furnishings will soften a piano’s tone and hard surfaces will brighten the tone.

     Think about ease of access for piano tuners when placing your piano Try to keep the top of the piano free of framed photos and other items that might vibrate and rattle when the piano is played. Plants are also dangerous if water leaks or spills.

     Drinks should be kept away from pianos. Any liquid spill will damage the finish and possibly the inside.

     Hot cups will also leave marks on most finishes.

     Consider the use of castor cups to protect your floors from castor wheels marks.



www.vohrapiano.com

www.vohrapiano.in

www.vohramusic.in

www.rajneeshvohra.in

Contact us:
Piano Tuner Delhi/NCR
Rajneesh Vohra
Mb: 888 294 2875
e-mail : rajneeshvohra@hotmail.com
web    : www.rajneeshvohra.in