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 Why Does Your Piano Go Out Of Tune? First and foremost, it is important to know that when a piano is tuned to standard pitch, A 440 Hz, there is a tremendous amount of stress placed on the piano. This is due to the high tension of the approximate 230 strings. The overall tension on the piano is about 18 - 20 tons! - Humidity and Temperature: The biggest factor that causes a piano to go out of tune is the changes in climate.. The strings are stretched across the soundboard, which is made out of wood. When wood takes on moisture it expands. When the soundboard expands it curves upward against the strings, increasing their tension and consequently raising the pitch.When the air dries out so does the soundboard and then it moves away from the strings, lowering the pitch. Every change in humidity causes the pitch to rise or fall. Therefore, with every fluctuation in humidity the piano gradually goes out of tune. The more constant the humidity the better a piano will stay in tune. Changes in temperature also have an effect on the pitch of a piano. It is not as great a factor as humidity, however, although these two factors combined determine the tuning stability of a piano.
- Stretching of Strings: Another factor which affects the tuning stability of a new piano, is the tendency of new wire to stretch when it is under stress. That is the reason for a new piano needing more frequent tunings for the first several years.
- Slipping Tuning Pins: Older pianos may not stay in tune as well as they should if the pin block dries out too much. The tuning pins are driven into the holes of the wood pin block and it is this friction that keeps them from turning when under the high tension of the tuned strings. In pianos that have been exposed to extremely dry conditions and frequent and extreme swings in humidity and temperature, the pin block eventually becomes so dry that it shrinks and the holes are enlarged so that the pins start to slip. If this happens, a piano will go out of tune very quickly. Driving in the tuning pins or replacing the tuning pins with a larger diameter pin usually improves the tuning stability of the piano. In some cases, the entire pin block may need restored or even replaced.
- My Suggestions: Maintain a constant environment for your piano. Ideally, the relative humidity level should be between 40 and 45 % and without excessively warm or cool temperatures, ideally around 62-68 degrees. If possible, place the piano on an interior wall and away from all heat sources. Also, avoid any drafts, such as those caused by older windows and areas near a doorway. If you want to protect your investment, consider having a Dampp-Chaser Life Saver system installed on your piano.The system will monitor the humidity levels around your piano and humidify and dehumidify as needed. If you use a room humidifier, DO NOT place it directly under a grand piano or under the key-bed of an upright piano. The direct airflow and moisture output of most room humidifiers could damage your piano, rather than help it. Rather, simply place it in the general vicinity of your piano, purchase a hygrometer, and closely monitor the humidity levels. Adjust the humidfier as needed in order to achieve the optimal level of humidity.
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