What Is Piano Tuning?

Professional Piano Care Across New York City

Piano tuning is the art and science of adjusting the tension of a piano’s strings so that each note produces the correct pitch and blends harmoniously with the rest of the instrument. Because pianos are made of wood, metal, and felt, they naturally drift out of tune over time. Temperature changes, humidity shifts, and regular playing are the most common culprits.

That’s why piano manufacturers and professional technicians recommend tuning your piano at least twice a year. Regular service ensures your instrument remains stable, responsive, and enjoyable to play.

Pitch and A440

Tuning begins with setting the correct pitch. A piano is considered “in tune” when the note A4 vibrates at 440Hz (concert pitch) or within about 10–15 cents of it. Pianos tuned annually usually remain close to this standard, while neglected instruments often drift far away and require more extensive service.

Book your piano tuning today to keep your instrument aligned with concert pitch.

The Temperament

After pitch is established, the tuner works on the temperament — the central octave of the piano. By carefully balancing 4th and 5th intervals, the technician ensures each note in the middle octave sounds correct in relation to the others. From there, the rest of the piano is tuned outward by octaves, double-checking accuracy along the way.

What Is a Unison?

Most pianos have 88 keys but about 230 strings. The lowest bass notes use a single string, the midrange uses two, and the upper range uses three strings per note. The technician first sets one string, then adjusts the others so they vibrate exactly the same way. This process, called tuning the unison, creates a clear, resonant tone. Uneven unisons, by contrast, produce a harsh or “wobbly” sound.

The Result

Once the temperament, octaves, and unisons are tuned, the piano produces a harmonic, balanced sound across its full range. A well-tuned piano is more enjoyable to play, maintains its value, and responds better to future tunings.

Ready to hear your piano at its best? Schedule your appointment now.

Piano Tuning in New York City

At Integral Pianos, we specialize in piano tuning, repair, and maintenance throughout New York City and the surrounding boroughs. Whether you own a grand piano, upright, or studio instrument, our technicians bring precision, expertise, and care to every service.

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)

Book your piano tuning today and experience the difference of professional care across NYC.