Asheville Piano Tuners

Your piano always sounds its best when regularly tuned and kept in proper playing condition. Piano Emporium’s expert piano technicians collectively possess over 81+ years of piano tuning experience working with a wide range of piano types. As trained piano technicians, we offer the highest degree of technical ability and we bring a passion for music and instrumentation to every job.

With 5 Piano Technicians on call and ready for tuning, we can accommodate most anyone’s schedule.

Piano Tuning FAQs

What is piano tuning and how often is it necessary?

Piano tuning is the process of adjusting the tuning pins to set string tension to the correct and corresponding pitch. Slight adjustments in the tension of the strings are necessary to accurately align the intervals between the notes. Almost all modern pianos are designed to sound best when tuned to A-440, the international standard pitch.

Most piano manufacturers suggest that a piano be tuned at least two to four times per year to keep the piano sounding its best, and we highly recommend opting for the tuning regimen of four tunings per year, one for each season. This is the surest way to keep your piano in tip-top shape and to ensure your instrument does not lose value. However, if you are a casual player in a home environment, you may choose to tune your piano only twice a year.

The break-in period for a new piano generally consists of three to four tunings during the first year to ensure the strings stretch properly and that ideal string tension is achieved.

Piano strings hold an incredible amount of tension—almost 20 tons—and if the tension is not carefully monitored in the first year, you may see complications down the road.

What happens if I tune my piano less often than recommended?

When regularly scheduled tunings are neglected, the tension held in the strings can be affected by humidity. When this happens, a pitch adjustment is necessary to bring the tension back to the ideal level. A pitch adjustment is more costly than a tuning, and it can be avoided by keeping up with scheduled tunings.

How much does it cost to tune a piano?

The cost of a piano tuning varies based on its age, type, and condition. In the Asheville area, the range for a normal piano tuning is $145 to $185. However, the cost depends on the amount of work that might need to be done. Simply give us a call for a free estimate for your specific piano tuning.

Why does my piano need regular maintenance?

Your piano contains both wood and felt, both of which are subject to changes due to varying climatic conditions. Hot-to-cold or dry-to-wet conditions cause wood and felt to contract and swell, and this affects tone, pitch, and action response.

What else can I do to keep my piano in its best condition?

The ideal location for a piano is near a wall and as far away as possible from frequently opened windows or doors, heating and air conditioning vents, fireplaces, and areas which receive direct sunlight. Pianos perform best in a constant temperature of 68 degrees F and 42% relative humidity. Depending on how often your piano is used, its location in your home, its age, and the model type will determine your needs for its tuning and servicing.

In addition to placing your piano in an ideal location, occasionally clean it with a dry or slightly damp cloth, and to prevent excess dust from getting in the keys, keep the keyboard lid closed when your piano is not in use. A vintage piano may be occasionally polished but frequent polishing is not recommended.