INFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is this narrow fifth?

We chose this name as it reflects what we do when we tune a piano, where the octave is usually divided into twelve equal semitones. This causes the perfect fifth interval to be slightly narrower than its harmonic ratio of 3:2, which string players and singers can intuitivelly tune to. In other words, a narrow fifth is an adjusted interval that compresses the tempered scale so that it all fits within an octave using only twelve keys.

Are pianos always tuned to Equal Temperament?

Not necessarily. We have a small number of customers who prefer their instruments tuned to Vallotti, where six of the fifths are tuned pure and six tempered narrow. If you are interested in exploring unequal temperaments, do get in touch and we will be happy to guide you through the journey.

Do you tune by ear?

Yes, we have received excellent training in aural tuning and prefer to tune by ear whenever possible.

Do you fix pianolas?

Generally not. If you would like to fully restore your pianola, we can recommend a reputable person in NSW.

Could I tune the piano myself and save some money?

Probably not. Harpsichord players are still able to tune their own instruments, but modern pianos require a different technique. It takes months of guidance to learn the basics, and years of practice to do it well. Without knowing what you are doing, you are more likely to damage your piano's pin block than to improve its tuning, so we would not recommend it.

How can I clean my piano?

Use a soft cloth to keep dust and fingerprints away. Try to avoid using harsh chemical products, a slightly damp cloth will usually suffice for case and keys. We use a specialised product that is safe for the finish of your piano, if you are interested we can supply you with some at your next tuning.

Should the piano be placed near the window, where the light is better?

While it is lovely to have the natural light on the piano while playing, it is not that great for your piano. Exposure to the heat of the sun can damage the finish and affect tuning instability as the temperature changes, causing the soundboard to swell and retract. It is preferable to place it against an internal wall, away from windows, heaters and air-conditioners.

What can I do to keep my piano in good shape?

Simply tune your piano regularly and let us know what you want from it. As everyone has different requirements, we can advise whether it would be beneficial to do make some minor adjustments or if it is time for more extensive TLC.

What is concert pitch?

Concert pitch, or A440, is an international standard (ISO 16) that defines the frequency of the note A above the piano's middle C as 440Hz. It was first proposed in the nineteenth century but even nowadays it is not universally adopted, for a variety of reasons. It is not unusual to find orchestras that prefer a slightly higher pitch, or particular instruments that respond better to a slightly lower pitch. There are still a few pitches of historical interest, varying from 390Hz to 470Hz, being often used on period instruments for more authentic renditions. Most modern pianos, however, should be tuned to A440 whenever possible for compatibility with other instruments.

I am moving to another house, should I tune my piano before or after moving?

It is best to wait a couple of weeks after the move, so that the piano can have some time to settle in and get used to the new environment.

Why do pianos go out of tune?

Pianos go out of tune for a variety of reasons, such as changes in temperature or humidity, heavy usage, low-quality components or bad design. It is more difficult to keep the piano in tune in schools where the practice is constant, or in environments where the weather changes drastically. Ideally, humidity should be kept within 40-50%; drifting outside that range, tuning stability becomes a challenge and fluctuations beyond a 30-70% window can cause more severe problems with the instrument. Some manufacturers will void the warranty if the piano has been exposed to humidity levels outside their recommendations, so it is a good idea to try to keep the piano room in as constant temperature as possible at all times.

What if the piano hasn't been played for many years?

Even if you are not a regular player, your piano will still go out tune and need annual tunings. Pianos don't just go out of tune when they are played, it is a combination of changes of temperature, humidity, quality of the instrument and amount of playing that will result in the piano going out of tune.

Why does my piano sound and feel different to my teacher's?

Every piano will sound different. It depends partly on the brand and model of the piano, but also relates to whether it has been kept in good shape with regular tunings, regulation and voicing.

I heard that I should put a bowl of water inside the piano to keep it humid, will that help?

No, despite popular belief, this will not help. Water should be kept well clear of the piano!

Our piano has been in the family for generations, is it a valuable antique?

It depends. The value of a piano is a flexible concept, but ultimately it is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. If it means something to you emotionally, you may consider it a priceless possession. However, in terms of monetary value, even if it is a lovely piece of furniture, a piano is really only worth anything if it functions well as a musical instrument. Sometimes an investment larger than its market value may be needed to make it rewarding to play again.

I've found a piano on the internet for free, is it a real bargain?

Unfortunately, second-hand pianos in good condition are few and far between. The cost of removal and work needed to bring a free piano to reasonable shape can be fairly high and you may find that such large amounts of money would be more wisely spent on a new instrument. In doubt, get your technician to inspect the piano for you before you make any commitments.

Do you buy and sell pianos?

In short, no. Our approach to piano technology is largely based on our background as musicians, and shaped by our training in universities where the focus was on technical collaboration with the Music Faculty. Running a shop requires a different set of skills and business knowledge, which are often underestimated. We also like to support our local music stores and promote the valuable service that they offer to the community.

Why does it cost so much to maintain a piano?

Just like most other valuable assets, the cost of having a piano is never limited to its purchase price. Similarly to a car that needs regular fuel, services and occasional repairs, a piano needs to be tuned, regulated and voiced to be kept in good shape.

Should I just buy a digital keyboard instead?

Electric keyboards have developed an incredible range of features over the decades and are fascinating instruments (just listen to a Hammond B3 organ), but they are not an adequate replacement if you would like to learn the piano. The piano's internal mechanical parts that make the hammers strike the strings also provide tactile feedback to the pianist's fingers, which is crucial for learning how to control the production of tone. As neither touch nor tone can be replicated digitally to any degree of satisfaction, a piano is still the best choice for an aspiring pianist. In fact, many teachers require their pupils to have access to an acoustic piano for practising.

Do you still offer music lessons?

Unfortunately not. As our workshop seems to require more of our time every year, we have had to cease lessons a while ago. At this stage we have no plans to resume them in the near future. Our area has many good music teachers, though, so you should have no trouble finding one who suits you.

Could you tell me more about...

Sometimes we are asked questions that need more than a paragraph or two for an answer, so we wrote a few pages on those topics that you can take your time to read.

Piano Maintenance for Institutions

Tuning & Temperament

Electronic Tuners

Humidity & Temperature

How to Train a Piano Tuner

Voicing & Tone

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