When Should I Have My Piano Tuned?

As a piano teacher, I have been asked this question many times.  The short answer is sooner than later!

If your piano gets normal use in your home, every six months is a good rule of thumb...once a year at the very least.  I usually schedule my tunings right after the season changes.  Since pianos are "breathing" instruments, they are affected by changes in temperature and moisture.  Therefore, I usually wait until the heat comes on in the fall and the air conditioning comes on in the spring.  With that said, ANYTIME is better than no time!!!!!  The longer you go without tuning, the harder it is for the piano to hold its tune. 

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​My piano technician would always write the date he tuned on the inside of my piano.  This is a treasure to me now as he passed away in 2013.   

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WHO SHOULD I GET TO TUNE MY PIANO?

1.  Make sure your technician is a Registered Piano Technician

​2.  Ask your local piano stores, piano teachers, and friends for recommendations.  
The best source is a happy customer. 
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3.  A good technician gets booked up in advance so don't wait until right before that Christmas party!
    

​The last tuning I had from my beloved technician, Melvin Frye.  He cared for my piano for 25 years! I took this picture because I had the uncanny feeling it might be the last time he tuned for me. He was more than my piano technician, he was my friend.  I miss him so very much! :(

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SHOULD I GET MY PIANO TUNED EVEN IF IT IS NEVER PLAYED?

I'll leave this one for the experts because I don't think you'll take my word for it! Here is what a local technician has to say on that subject! 
Why Does My Piano Need Tuning?