Why the Right Piano Tuner Matters
A well-tuned piano changes everything. Notes sit in perfect balance, chords bloom with colour, and the instrument feels alive beneath your fingers. But pianos are sensitive, living machines. String tension, temperature, humidity and regular playing all take their toll. Even the finest make will drift out of tune—usually within six to twelve months—unless a qualified professional brings it back to pitch.
That’s where the choice of tuner matters. A rushed, inexperienced or unequipped tuner can leave your piano unstable, flat to concert pitch, or—worse—put unnecessary strain on the instrument. The right tuner brings accuracy, consistency and care. They’ll also advise on aftercare, environment and any light mechanical work that will help the piano hold tune.
As a Hampshire-based team serving London, Surrey and West Sussex, we’ve tuned pianos in family homes, rehearsal rooms, schools, churches and studios for decades. In this guide, we’ll share the common mistakes people make when choosing a tuner, what to look for instead, and how to keep your piano singing all year round.
Quick answer for searchers: If you’re short on time, choose a local, fully insured piano technician with strong reviews, clear communication, and expertise across tuning, regulation and light repairs. Ask about pitch raises for neglected instruments and book a maintenance schedule of every 6–12 months.
Why Regular Piano Tuning Matters
Before we dive into the mistakes, it helps to understand why regular tuning is essential:
- String tension shifts naturally. Steel music wire stretches minutely over time. Small changes compound, pulling intervals out of balance.
- Humidity and temperature move soundboards. Seasonal changes expand and contract the soundboard, subtly altering string tension and pitch stability.
- Playing wears felt and action parts. The more you play, the more the action settles and the more frequently you’ll need a professional ear to reset pitch and address regulation.
- Your ear adjusts. You might not notice gradual drift day to day, but once a tuner resets the piano, the clarity is unmistakable.
Typical homes benefit from tuning every 6–12 months. Schools and performance spaces often tune more frequently. If the piano has been neglected for a year or more, it may first need a pitch raise—a controlled increase in overall string tension to bring the instrument back to A440 (concert pitch) before fine tuning can hold.
Seven Common Mistakes When Choosing a Piano Tuner (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Choosing on Price Alone
It’s natural to shop around, but focusing on the cheapest quote can be a false economy. Quality tuning is skilled work. It requires trained ears, a steady hand, calibrated tools and time. A poorly executed tune may not hold, or it may mask underlying issues that should have been addressed. You’ll find yourself booking again sooner, and the instrument can develop uneven tension that’s harder to stabilise later.
What to do instead
- Look for experience and reputation first.
- Ask what the appointment includes (e.g., inspection, light regulation checks, advice on environment).
- Choose a local professional with insured, reliable service and clear aftercare.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Qualifications and Track Record
Not every “piano tuner” is a trained piano technician. Tuning is one part of the craft; understanding action geometry, regulation, voicing and the mechanics of different makes is another. A tuner who can also spot mechanical issues will save you time and protect the instrument.
What to check
- Experience with your type of piano (upright, baby grand, full concert grand).
- Insurance and a clear professional approach.
- Reviews from local clients—schools, teachers, studios, churches.
- Breadth of work (tuning, regulation, light repairs, restoration partners).
Mistake 3: Not Asking About Pitch and Stability
If your piano hasn’t been tuned for a long period, it may sit noticeably flat to concert pitch. Attempting a standard tune without a pitch raise risks instability; the piano may drift quickly, leaving you disappointed a few weeks later.
Smart questions to ask
- “Has my piano dropped from concert pitch?”
- “Do you offer pitch raises if required?”
- “Will the piano need more than one visit to fully stabilise?”
A conscientious tuner will explain what’s realistic on the day and what to expect afterwards.
Mistake 4: Overlooking Regulation and Minor Repairs
Tuning sets pitch; regulation sets the feel. If the action is out—keys uneven, hammers misaligned, dampers slow—the piano won’t feel responsive and tuning won’t hold as well as it should. Minor regulation and small repairs (sticking keys, sluggish pedals, loose screws) are often quick wins that transform the experience.
What to look for
- A tuner who inspects the action and flags small issues.
- Straightforward guidance on what will improve touch and stability.
- The option for on-site fixes or workshop work if needed.
Mistake 5: Choosing Someone Far From Your Area
Local expertise helps more than you might think. A nearby tuner understands regional humidity patterns (coastal vs city), is easier to schedule for follow-ups, and won’t rush because of distance. If you’re in London, Hampshire, Surrey or West Sussex, working with a team who regularly serves those areas means faster response and consistent care.
Where we help
- London – from central boroughs to Greater London.
- Hampshire – including Winchester, Portsmouth, Southampton and surrounding towns.
- Surrey – Guildford, Woking, Epsom and beyond.
- West Sussex – Chichester, Horsham and coastal areas.
Mistake 6: Skipping Reviews and Word of Mouth
A tuner’s past work is your best indicator. Reviews highlight reliability, punctuality, care for the instrument and whether clients felt heard. Look for comments about the piano’s stability weeks after the appointment, not just first impressions.
Tip: check for feedback from music teachers and schools; they rely on consistent performance, so their reviews are telling.
Mistake 7: Forgetting About Aftercare and Scheduling
Tuning is not a one-off event. The best results come from a simple routine: a stable environment, gentle cleaning, and scheduled visits every six to twelve months. Skipping regular care leads to bigger adjustments next time and longer appointments.
A sensible plan
- Book tuning every 6–12 months (more often for heavy use).
- Keep the piano away from direct sunlight and radiators.
- Maintain consistent humidity where possible.
- Note changes in touch or tone—share them with your tuner.
Choosing a Piano Tuner: A Practical UK Checklist
Use this quick checklist to compare professionals and make a confident choice:
- Local coverage: Do they regularly serve your town or borough?
- Insurance & professionalism: Are they fully insured and clear about their process?
- Experience across services: Tuning plus regulation, light repairs and clear referrals for restoration.
- Approach to pitch: Will they assess for a pitch raise and explain what’s realistic on the day?
- Reviews: Verified, recent, and specific to your area (Hampshire, London, Surrey, West Sussex).
- Communication: Clear quotes, appointment windows, and friendly aftercare.
- Respect for the instrument: Protective covers, tidy work, careful movement, and advice on environment.
The Appointment: What to Expect on the Day
- Initial assessment – your tuner will listen to the piano, check pitch against A440, and take a quick look at hammers, keys and pedals.
- Environment check – room temperature, drafts, sunlight and placement can all affect stability; expect friendly guidance.
- Tuning or pitch raise – if the instrument is flat, there may be an initial pitch raise followed by a fine tune; otherwise the visit focuses on precise tuning.
- Light regulation and fixes – small adjustments or simple repairs may be carried out if agreed.
- Play-test – the tuner checks octaves, chords and problem notes, making micro-adjustments until the tone is even and balanced.
- Aftercare advice – you’ll leave with clear pointers and a suggested interval before the next visit.
Signs Your Piano Needs Tuning (Even if It “Sounds Fine”)
- Octaves or intervals beat (you hear a slow wobble rather than a clean blend).
- Chords sound cloudy even when you play softly.
- Certain keys don’t “agree” with the rest—usually noticeable in the middle register.
- The damper pedal reveals dissonance when you play across registers.
- You’re playing with others (strings, winds, recorded music) and the pitch feels off.
If in doubt, you’re never far wrong booking a tuning if it’s been more than six to twelve months.
Why Local Matters: London & the South of England
The South presents a range of environments—coastal flats in Portsmouth, period homes in Winchester, modern apartments in London, village halls in Surrey and West Sussex. Each setting brings different humidity and temperature profiles. A local team sees these patterns daily and knows how to help your instrument hold its tuning between visits.
Tuning vs. Repair vs. Restoration (And When to Consider Each)
- Tuning: sets string tension and temperament so the piano is in tune with itself and with concert pitch.
- Repair: fixes specific mechanical issues—sticking keys, loose pedals, broken strings, action parts out of alignment.
- Restoration: broader work to bring older instruments back to their best, often including action rebuilds, restringing and refinishing or French polishing.
If your tuner spots a mechanical issue beyond the scope of a standard appointment, they’ll explain options clearly. Early attention prevents small problems growing into big ones.
Keeping a Piano in Tune: Simple Owner Habits
- Placement: avoid radiators, fireplaces and direct sunlight.
- Humidity: aim for consistency; sudden swings are the enemy.
- Lid & cleaning: keep the lid down when not in use; dust gently with a soft cloth; avoid sprays.
- Playing routine: regular, gentle playing helps the action settle evenly.
- Professional schedule: stick to your agreed tuning interval.
FAQs: Piano Tuning in the UK
How often should a home piano be tuned?
Most homes benefit from tuning every 6–12 months. Newer pianos or instruments in heavy use may need more frequent visits.
Do you tune concert and studio pianos?
Yes. We tune for private owners, schools, music teachers, studios and venues across London, Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.
What is a pitch raise?
If a piano has drifted significantly from A440, a controlled increase in overall tension is carried out before fine tuning. This helps the instrument hold tune more reliably.
Can you tune digital pianos?
Digital pianos don’t require tuning, but we can advise on key action and pedal issues.
Will moving the piano knock it out of tune?
Moves and big temperature changes can affect stability. It’s often best to let the piano settle for a short period after a move before a tuning appointment.
When to Book a Tuner Immediately
- You’ve noticed sticking keys or sluggish pedals.
- The piano hasn’t been tuned for over a year.
- You’re planning a performance, exam or recording.
- The instrument lives in a room with seasonal extremes (very warm in winter, direct sun in summer).
- You’ve just moved or had building work nearby.
Choosing Piano-S for Tuning in London, Hampshire, Surrey & West Sussex
- Decades of experience with uprights, baby grands and concert grands.
- Local coverage with fast, friendly service.
- Fully insured technicians and careful, tidy work.
- Attention to the whole instrument—tuning, light regulation and sensible advice.
- Clear communication and free, no-obligation quotes.
Ready for perfect pitch?
Book your piano tuning with Piano-S today. We’ll bring concert-level precision to your home, school or venue—anywhere in London, Hampshire, Surrey or West Sussex.