Piano Sensitivity to Atmospheric Changes
Tuning Pin Block Grand Piano Pianos at A440 Concert Pitch are strung with music wire at a total tension from 20,000 to 40,000 pounds. The combination of this tension and of the piano having a wood tuning pin block and soundboard make for an instrument that responds dramatically to climate changes. These changes cause the tension on individual music wires to raise or lower pitch. If your piano is not tuned at least every six to twelve months, changes in pitch and the need for “radical” tunings can make the tuning unstable. This eventually wears out the tuning pin block. A good piano can retain its value as a musical instrument, and its market value, only if properly maintained.
The very construction of a piano is extremely sensitive to all changes of temperature and barometric pressure. In summer time, throughout the greater part of the country, there is much moisture in the air most of the time. Under these conditions the wood will swell up. On the contrary, when the heat is on during the colder months, the air in rooms becomes much drier, owing to the evaporation of moisture. Consequently, the moisture in the soundboard rapidly passes off, the board shrinks, the strings slacken down, and the pitch drops.
Now, it is evident that even where conditions are not extreme, and even in climates which
have only a comparatively short range, this process is continually going on. Every change
of a degree in temperature, or of one tenth of an inch in a barometer, has its effect. The
soundboard of the piano, then, is always slowly rising and falling through short distances,
and constantly, therefore, suffering variations in its ability to hold the strings up to proper
pitch. If the piano is neglected and unless it is tuned at least every six to twelve months, it
will not stay in tune
Now, it is evident that even where conditions are not extreme, and even in climates which
have only a comparatively short range, this process is continually going on. Every change
of a degree in temperature, or of one tenth of an inch in a barometer, has its effect. The
soundboard of the piano, then, is always slowly rising and falling through short distances,
and constantly, therefore, suffering variations in its ability to hold the strings up to proper
pitch. If the piano is neglected and unless it is tuned at least every six to twelve months, it
will not stay in tune
The most common cause of a piano going out of tune is fluctuation in temperature and humidity. The best temperature for a piano is the same as the comfort of a person. Inside each case is an enormously complex piece of machinery, you have up to 6,000 parts that are incorporated into an elaborate assembly of a precision engineered musical instrument.
In addition to the usual factors of friction, wear, and tear, add more than 40,000 pounds of string pressure and the adverse cumulative effects of climatic flux of temperature and humidity.
When a piano is tuned, it begins to go out of tune and each time it is played the strings stretch a little more. Pianos of lower cost are more likely to be made out of lower cost materials and will be more difficult to service or keep in tune, because of the quality and construction of the piano itself.
In addition to the usual factors of friction, wear, and tear, add more than 40,000 pounds of string pressure and the adverse cumulative effects of climatic flux of temperature and humidity.
When a piano is tuned, it begins to go out of tune and each time it is played the strings stretch a little more. Pianos of lower cost are more likely to be made out of lower cost materials and will be more difficult to service or keep in tune, because of the quality and construction of the piano itself.
Pianos made of cured hardwoods with sturdy construction and quality parts and stringing design will resist the adversities of humidity, in fact buying the next grade up of any particular piano line would more than pay for itself in a very short period of time in a piano's life, and you would enjoy playing on an instrument that is acclimatized, with
superior tone qualities. Direct sunlight is the biggest problem today, both for the finish of the instrument and the tuning stability.
superior tone qualities. Direct sunlight is the biggest problem today, both for the finish of the instrument and the tuning stability.
Call Alamo Piano Tuning today to keep your piano in optimal playing condition and sounding beautiful!
(210) 596-9730
San Antonio, TX
(210) 596-9730
San Antonio, TX
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