Piano Pitch Adjustment: Why It Matters
- Laura Rose
- Dec 21, 2025
- 2 min read
Professional Piano Care Across New York City
If your piano hasn’t been tuned in a while, chances are it’s no longer at standard pitch. This is where a pitch adjustment (also called a pitch raise) comes in. It’s one of the most important steps a technician takes to restore your piano’s sound and stability.
What Is Pitch Adjustment?
Pitch adjustment is the process of bringing a piano back to concert pitch (A440 Hz) before fine-tuning. Over time, strings loosen and the instrument sinks below standard pitch. In some cases, extreme humidity changes can even push it above or below pitch.
Without this adjustment, a neglected piano cannot be accurately tuned in one pass, because the strings won’t hold stable tension. The soundboard naturally pulls the strings back, making fine-tuning impossible until stability is restored.
How Much Adjustment Is Needed?
Technicians measure how far a piano has drifted from A440. This determines how many passes of tuning are required:
Up to 25 cents (¼ tone) → usually requires two tunings, two visits
Up to 50 cents (½ tone) → often requires three tunings to stabilize
More than 50 cents → may require multiple visits, especially if the piano hasn’t been serviced in years
The Process
Initial Assessment – Measuring pitch and stability
First Pass (Rough Tuning) – Stretching strings closer to A440
Second Pass – Carefully tuning the temperament octave, then building outward
Final Pass – Refining all notes and aligning unisons for clear resonance
For very out-of-tune instruments, an extra stabilization pass may be needed before the piano can hold fine-tuning reliably.
Why Pitch Adjustment Protects Your Piano
Keeps your instrument compatible with others at standard pitch
Prevents stress and uneven tension on the frame and soundboard
Saves money long-term by avoiding instability or damage
Restores clarity, resonance, and enjoyment of playing
Piano Pitch Adjustment in New York City
At Integral Pianos, we specialize in pitch raises and professional tuning across New York City and the surrounding boroughs. Whether your piano is slightly flat or more than a half tone out, our technicians know how to bring it back safely and keep it stable.
We proudly serve:
Manhattan (Upper East Side, Midtown, Harlem, Chelsea, and more)
Brooklyn (Park Slope, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Bay Ridge, and beyond)
Queens (Astoria, Flushing, Forest Hills, Jackson Heights, and more)
The Bronx (Riverdale, Fordham, Pelham Parkway, Throgs Neck, and nearby areas)
Staten Island (St. George, Tottenville, Great Kills, and surrounding communities)
Your piano deserves expert care.
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