“Can you just tune it?”
That’s one of the most common questions I hear. And in many cases, yes—a basic tuning is all that’s needed to bring a piano back into shape. But sometimes, even after tuning, the piano doesn’t feel quite right or sound the way it should.
In those situations, the issue may go beyond pitch. Your piano could be in need of voicing, regulation, or mechanical repairs.
If you’ve had your piano tuned recently and something still feels or sounds “off,” here are the signs that it might be time for more comprehensive service.
Sign #1: The Tone Is Harsh, Muffled, or Uneven
Even when a piano is perfectly in tune, it might not sound pleasant. If some notes are too bright, others are muted, or the overall tone feels thin or metallic, this is a sign your piano may need voicing.
What is voicing?
Voicing is the process of adjusting the hammer felts—either softening, reshaping, or needling them to change how they strike the strings. This improves:
- Tone consistency across the keyboard
- Balance between bass and treble
- Brightness or warmth, depending on your preference
A well-voiced piano sounds more even, expressive, and enjoyable to play.
Sign #2: The Keys Don’t Respond Evenly
Do some keys feel heavier, looser, or slower than others? Are you noticing difficulty playing softly, or controlling dynamics? These are signs your piano likely needs regulation.
What is regulation?
Regulation is a series of precision adjustments to the piano action—the mechanical parts that connect the keys to the hammers and dampers. Over time, these parts shift due to wear, humidity, and compression of felt or leather.
Without proper regulation, you may experience:
- Inconsistent key depth
- Uneven response
- Missed or double-struck notes
- Sluggish return or sticking keys
A regulated piano feels smooth, consistent, and responsive—especially important for students and serious players.
Sign #3: It Doesn’t Stay in Tune
If your piano sounds great the day after a tuning but quickly drifts out of pitch, it may be a sign of deeper issues such as:
- Loose tuning pins
- Cracked pinblock or soundboard
- Humidity fluctuations
- Neglect over several years
This might require a pitch raise, humidity control recommendations, or even structural repairs if damage is found.
A properly maintained piano should hold its tuning well for at least 6–12 months under stable conditions.
Sign #4: Keys Are Sticking or Dead
Sticky, sluggish, or completely unresponsive keys can be caused by:
- Warped wooden action parts
- Swollen key bushings
- Broken hammer flanges
- Dust and debris buildup
- Humidity-related felt expansion
In these cases, tuning won’t fix the problem—you need cleaning, regulation, or mechanical repair to restore proper function.
I can usually diagnose and fix many of these problems during a service call, or recommend next steps if deeper repairs are needed.
Sign #5: The Pedals Aren’t Working Properly
Are your pedals squeaking, not responding, or producing the wrong effect? The damper pedal (right) and soft pedal (left) are essential for expressive playing—and they’re often overlooked during tuning-only visits.
Pedal issues might come from:
- Loose or misaligned rods
- Broken springs or levers
- Wear on felts or dampers
- Incorrect regulation of the pedal system
Pedal adjustments are often quick, affordable fixes that dramatically improve playability.
When in Doubt, Ask a Pro
If your piano has any of these symptoms—or just doesn’t feel right when you play—it might be time for more than just a standard tuning. The good news? Most of these issues are normal signs of aging and use, and can be corrected with proper service.
When I visit, I always assess your piano’s tuning and its mechanical and tonal condition. I’ll let you know:
- What’s working great
- What needs minor tweaks
- What might need future attention
All explained in simple, honest terms—with no pressure.
Serving the Northwoods with Expert Piano Care
Based in Woodruff, WI, I tune, voice, regulate, and repair pianos across a 90–100 mile radius, including Minocqua, Rhinelander, Eagle River, Park Falls, Phillips, and beyond.
If you suspect your piano needs more than just tuning, let’s take a look. I’ll help bring your instrument back to life—beautifully.
(715) 892-2705
billn0614@gmail.com
Schedule your appointment today.
