Piano Tuning

Tuning involves adjusting each of the approximately 240 strings to the correct frequency. It generally takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on the instrument and the challenges encountered.

Although we are used to tuning in the sometimes noisy and challenging conditions of concert halls, we appreciate it when our clients maintain a quiet environment around us during the tuning process.

Accordage de piano à queue en Suisse Romande

Tuning to the right pitch

We tune the piano to standard pitch, meaning the pitch it was designed for and that is commonly used in concert halls. Conventionally, A4 should be tuned to 440 or 442 Hertz.

Concert Tuning

A concert-level tuning on a high-quality piano also allows work on the instrument’s overall tone and sustain. A precisely tuned unison can make the instrument sing and improve its sustain. This is part of the voicing process.

How often should a piano be tuned?

Major piano manufacturers recommend tuning your piano at least twice a year for amateur use. In the case of intensive professional use, more frequent tuning may be necessary, and it’s best to consult your technician.For concerts, tuning before each event is essential.For recordings, we remain on site with the pianist in order to make tuning adjustments whenever needed.

Tuning by ear or with an electronic device?

We were traditionally trained to tune pianos by ear, without using any electronic device. In recent years, major advancements have been made in tuning apps, and they have now become a valuable tool for piano tuners. For about ten years, we have chosen to use iRCT – Reyburn CyberTuner – which costs around 1000 CHF, plus an annual license fee of about 150 CHF. This helps reduce the auditory and mental fatigue associated with tuning, allowing us to focus more on the quality of the unisons (which are still tuned by ear). Tuning stability and consistency are also improved, and the use of electronic tuning device in concerts and recordings is now very common. Today, nearly 75% of concert tuners use an electronic device.

The software iRCT also has the advantage of offering a function that allows the piano to be stabilized at the desired pitch in a much more durable and efficient way than traditional methods.

How much does it cost?

Upright piano: 200 CHF – VAT included
Grand piano: 220 CHF – VAT included

An additional travel fee may apply.

An additional charge for pitch raising may apply if the piano has not been tuned for a long time. For more information, please contact us.