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pianos require tuning from
time to time and for a variety
of reasons. Humidity, temperature,
usage and general settling
all play a part in determining
how stable a piano tuning
remains.
How often a piano is tuned
is dependent on the usage
of the individual piano.
In domestic situations,
it is good practice to have
a piano tuned at least twice
a year. Even if it does
not get much use, a piano
may go out of tune with
fluctuations of temperature
and humidity.
In the UK in winter when humidity is low, a piano can drop in pitch,
and likewise in summer when humidity raises the opposite again can happen.
In reality the more regularly a piano is tuned the more stable it will
remain, so many concert pianos are tuned on a daily basis and may even
be checked two or three times on the day of performance.
Toning or Voicing as it is sometimes called is also an important aspect
in the maintenance of a piano. This is where we aim to achieve a balance
in both dynamic power and brilliance across the whole keyboard. Any piano
which is allowed to become too bright may also sound out of tune and uneven
and ultimately will not be pleasing to play. There are other factors which
have to be taken into account here such as the environment in which the
piano is situated and the tastes and requirements of the pianist involved.
And a few links to recording sessions I have been involved in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCQyhocSFXQ
St Lukes Church, Islington, home of the LSO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P85tYoYa0Es&NR=1
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