How often should I tune my piano?

At least once a year whether it needs it or not. Pianos are not like some instruments that you can put on a shelf for an extended period of time without regular tuning. Pianos deteriorate quickly when neglected. Pianos that are played often should be tuned every 6 months, which is the traditional manufacturers recommendation. Tegtmeier Piano Tuning will notify you when one year is approaching since your last tuning unless you request a more frequent reminder.

Why does a piano go out of tune?

Pianos are made primarily of wood. The wood parts within the piano will shrink and swell with the humidity changes. In the summertime when the humidity levels are higher, the piano keys may stick and the piano action will become sluggish. In the wintertime when the air is dryer, the piano keys seem to rattle when you play them. Therefore, the swelling and the shrinking affects the piano's pinblock which keeps the piano tuning pins tight. When the piano pinblock absorbs moisture it swells, crushing the wood fibers against the tuning pins, thus, the tuning pins begin to tighten raising the pitch of the piano. In the dry seasons, the wood shrinks away from the tuning pins, loosening the tuning pins causing the strings to drop in pitch. Tegtmeier Piano Tuning highly recommends installing a Dampp-Chaser system within your piano. Click here for more information on the Dampp-Chaser system and receive a free full-color brochure on the Dampp-Chaser system.

What does "standard tuning" mean?

This service refers to adjusting the string tension in order to make the piano perfectly in tune with itself, otherwise known as equal temperament. If the piano has not been tuned in quite some time (usually 3 years or more), it may require a "pitch raise" (see question below) in order to bring it back up to A440 concert or standard pitch. Standard tuning takes approximately 1 1/2 hours, depending on the piano's condition. Alternate temperaments are available upon request at no charge.

I was told I need a pitch raise. What is that?

This service is necessary if your piano hasn't been tuned in quite some time, typically 3 or more years. In addition to the piano being out of tune, it has actually dropped in complete pitch. If the pitch has dropped significantly, an additional tuning may be necessary a month or two after the pitch raise since the piano is not used to the proper tension the strings are under after bringing it back to proper pitch. To help determine if you will need a pitch raise, click here. Keep in mind that only after the piano has been analyzed on-site can it be determined if a pitch raise is actually necessary.

Why do some of my keys stick?

It could be few different things. It could be as simple as something that has fallen in the piano and is stopping the key from playing or causes the key to stay pressed down. Additionally, it could be caused by some minor action parts that need adjusting. Most times, it is due to changes in humidity. This is normally proven by recalling the weather changes before the keys began to stick. This can sometimes be resolved easily and sometimes it can only be controlled using a humidity control system, such as the Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System which maintains the humidity levels within the piano at 42% throughout the year.

Why should I have a Dampp-Chaser system installed on my piano?

The Dampp-Chaser system can prevent damage and maintain tuning stability in the piano. The system helps maintain an average 42% relative humidity as recommended by major piano manufacturers. It will help prevent the piano keys and piano action from sticking; prevent damage to the piano soundboard and bridge; prevent damage to the piano's pinblock; and lastly, it will help prevent the piano pins and strings from rusting and corroding.

When I move my piano to a new home, should I have it tuned immediately after I move into the home?
A piano needs time to get used to its new environment. It needs to adjust to the humidity conditions of the new home. It is recommended to wait three weeks.

Where should I place my piano in our home?

Place your piano on an inside wall away from windows and doors, away from drafts. It is best to keep it away from heat ducts as excessive air will dry out your piano.

If I move my piano to a different room or different wall, do I need to tune it again?
If you move it carefully you shouldn't have to have it tuned until its normal tuning schedule, although excess movement can compromise the tuning. Your "ear" will let you know for sure.

What is a "stretch tuning"?

A stretch tuning allows the tuner to make the bass notes a little more bass sounding and the treble notes a little more "bright". It's a mathematical equation that allows for extra "cents" to be added to a standard tuning equation. Not all pianos are good candidates for a stretch tuning and this can only be determined once the tuner can actually look at the piano. Every piano player has his/her own style. Some like a more mellow treble and others prefer a brighter sound. Most players I know prefer a bass sound that is boldly bass. A stretch tune can help accomplish this preference.

How do I clean my keys on my piano?
Tegtmeier Piano Tuning offers environmentally-safe piano care products. Click here to view the Cory Piano Products in our Piano Beauty Shop.

I have an old upright piano and don't have anyone to play it and would love to get rid of it...what options do I have?
1. You can try to sell it (click here to list it free on our classifieds page)

2. You can try to give it away

Someone is giving away a piano. Do you think it is a good one?
Beware. Normally, if it's free, it's because no one would want to pay for it. Keep in mind that many pianos that appear beautiful on the outside, may have been neglected in tuning over the years and the inside tells a different story. Proceed with caution. It's ok to invite a piano tuner to look at a piano before purchasing, but understand the tuner's advice is worth some type of compensation.

How much does it cost to have my piano tuned?

Please click here for our rate listing.

Do you tune harpsichords?
Not at this time.

Do you tune organs?
We do not tune organs, however, you may contact Bob Larson at (515) 274-4746 in Des Moines, IA for organ tuning/repair.

Should I tune the piano even though no one is playing the piano?
Absolutely. The longer a piano sets without being tuned, the harder it is to tune the piano years later because the strings have not been stretched and may not hold when/if you decide to revive it. To bring a piano "back to life" after many years, one can expect to have to invest more than a standard tuning charge to bring the piano back into proper pitch. Also, if you ever plan to sell your piano, it is easier to sell a piano when it has a good tuning record.

Do you clean pianos?

We do offer a piano cleaning service. This includes removing the piano action parts. On grand pianos, we have the tools to clean the top of the soundboard, under the strings, where it is normally impossible to reach otherwise.

How long does it take to tune a piano?

Allow for two hours. Some take longer, others are tuned more quickly. A high-tech instrument is used in addition to the human ear so a quiet environment is ideal.

Do you offer gift certificates?

We sure do. Please click here for information on our gift certificate option.