Question 1

How much does a piano tuning cost in Montreal?

Accepted Answer

The standard rate for a regular piano tuning varies depending on the time elapsed since the last visit and the overall condition of the instrument. If your piano hasn't been tuned for several years, it will have lost its overall tension. It will then require a "pitch raise" before fine tuning can be done, which incurs additional costs.

Question 2

What is the recommended tuning frequency based on piano usage?

Accepted Answer

For normal home use or for beginners, 1 to 2 times a year are recommended (ideally after seasonal changes). For advanced pianists, teachers, or schools, 2 to 4 times a year guarantee flawless accuracy and a precise touch.

Question 3

Why is an evaluation sometimes necessary before tuning a piano?

Accepted Answer

It happens, especially with very old pianos or those that haven't been played in a long time, that the instrument presents deep mechanical problems. In these cases, a simple tuning is useless because the piano will go out of tune in a few days. The evaluation allows me to diagnose the actual condition of the instrument.

Question 4

I don't play the piano: does it still need to be tuned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. A piano undergoes a cumulative tension of about 18 to 20 tons pulled by its strings. Even without playing, humidity variations cause the wood to expand and contract, which changes the tension. Annual maintenance guarantees its longevity.

Question 5

Does a piano lose value if it's not tuned?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A neglected piano can develop tuning stability issues, rust on the strings, or mechanical problems. This drastically decreases its resale value.

Question 6

What is the difference between a piano tuning and regulation?

Accepted Answer

Tuning consists of adjusting the tension of the strings with a tuning lever so that each note is perfectly at the right pitch. Regulation consists of adjusting the action (the keys, hammers, felts) so that the touch is responsive, even, and pleasant.

Question 7

Can a move put a piano out of tune?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It's not so much the physical movement that puts it out of tune, but rather the change in environment (temperature difference and especially humidity between the old and new location).

Question 8

How do I know if my piano has a humidity problem?

Accepted Answer

If your keys become sluggish or stay stuck in the summer (high humidity), or if your piano goes out of tune very quickly in the winter (dryness due to heating), humidity is often to blame.

Question 9

Is humidity control really necessary for a piano?

Accepted Answer

It is the number one factor for the health and lifespan of your piano! Maintaining stable humidity prevents tuning fluctuation, prevents the action from sticking, and protects the wood against cracks.

Question 10

Should a new piano be tuned?

Accepted Answer

Yes, more than ever! The new strings of a piano tend to stretch enormously during the first few months. It is very common and normal to have to tune a new piano 3 to 4 times during its first year.

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