Relaxing With Music

Relaxing With Music

3 Common Problems That Your Piano Tuner Can Easily Fix

Ambre Gauthier

A piano tuner is usually a jack-of-all-trades. Not only can he or she probably play your instrument beautifully, but your tuner can also fix a variety of problems that may be plaguing your piano. Many of these problems are easily fixed in your home while other problems may require off-site help, and sometimes the expense of the repair is not worth the cost of the piano. However, here are three common problems your piano might be experiencing that your tuner can easily fix.

Out of Tune

The most obvious problem, of course, is that the notes are out of tune. You might not have perfect pitch or even be able to play the piano, but you can still check the tuning yourself with an easy test. With your thumb, play the middle C. That's the white key just to the left of the two black keys in the middle of the keyboard. With your pinky, play the C an octave above middle C. Again, that's the note just to the left of the two black keys above middle C. Play the two notes at the same time. Continue to test by moving the your fingers to the next white key and playing octaves as you move up the keyboard. If you hear an uncomfortable dissonance when you play the two notes together, your piano is out of tune.

Out of Pitch

Very old pianos that have been sitting for many years not only lose their tuning, but also slip out of pitch. But what is pitch? All western music is tuned to a certain audio frequency known as 440 Hz, which is a measurement of the vibrations per second at that frequency. In pitch notation is known as A440. It's the standard tuning for the A note above middle C. It's possible for a piano to be tuned to itself but not tuned to A440. When this happens, it requires additional time and usually additional expense for your tuner to get the piano back to the correct pitch. While it's possible to tune the piano to itself without worrying about the pitch, you won't be able to play your piano along with other instruments or recorded songs that are all tuned to A440, so it's usually better to have the pitch adjusted.

Sticky Keys

The more a piano is played and ages, the more likely that the parts inside will start to wear. You might end up with keys that stick when you press them. If you press a key and it still makes a tone but sticks when you press, the problem is likely a minor one and your piano tuner can probably fix it easily. A key that plays no tone may require a more in-depth fix, but your tuner will have to investigate.


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About Me
Relaxing With Music

When I was diagnosed with a serious anxiety disorder, my therapist mentioned that music might be a great way to unwind for the day. She told me to pick some nice, soft, relaxing music and listen to it at night before I went to sleep. I was a little apprehensive to take her up on the advice, but after a few weeks I could tell that it was really working. I was able to calm down at the end of the day instead of letting my thoughts get the better of me. I have come a long way in my treatment, which is why I wanted to share my struggles with other people. Read here to learn how music might be able to help you.