Piano Tuning: Frequently Asked Questions

🎹 Lamplight Piano Service — Tuning FAQ
“Bringing out the best in your piano — one key at a time.”

 
Whether you're new to piano ownership or just scheduling your regular tuning, here are some quick answers to common questions. We keep things light, but we take your piano’s health seriously.

 
Q: How often should I tune my piano?
A: The gold standard is twice a year, especially in climates with seasonal changes. At minimum, once a year keeps things in decent shape.

 
Q: Should I get the piano tuned even if it "sounds fine"?
A: Definitely. A piano can drift out of tune gradually without you noticing. Regular tuning keeps your piano healthy, your playing enjoyable, and future repairs less costly.

 
Q: How long does tuning take?
A: Budget about 2 hours. If it's been a while or the piano needs extra attention (like a pitch raise or minor repairs), we’ll let you know.

 
Q: Do I need to be home during the appointment?
A: It’s best if someone is home, especially if this is our first visit. After that, we can talk about options for tuning while you're away, if you're comfortable.

 
Q: Should I declutter around the piano?
A: Yes, please! Your tuner needs clear access to the piano. That means no picture frames, flower vases, stacks of music books, or last Tuesday’s coffee cup on the lid. A tidy piano is a happy piano.

 
Q: Is it okay to run the dishwasher, laundry, or vacuum while you’re tuning?
A: If your piano was in a car wash, sure. But since it isn’t, let’s keep the house quiet. Tuners rely on subtle pitch changes, not the spin cycle.

 
Q: Can I chat with you while you work?
A: We love friendly folks, but tuning is a focused process. A little quiet time helps us do our best work. We’re happy to answer questions before or after the tuning — but during, it's all ears on the piano.

 
Q: What temperature should the room be?
A: A stable room temperature (ideally around 68–72°F / 20–22°C) is best. Pianos are sensitive to climate swings — like your aunt Carol on Facebook.

 
Q: What if I have pets or kids at home?
A: No worries — we love them! But a quiet environment is key, so if they can take a little break or hang out in another room, that’s perfect.

 
Q: Can you fix sticky keys or pedal squeaks while you’re here?
A: Often, yes! Just mention it when you book so we can plan time and bring the right tools. Tuning and repairs are different tasks, but we’re happy to help with both.