How To Tune a Piano's Treble Notes

Tuning is an integral part of piano maintenance. Although it is a task frequently charged for professionals, simple tuning can be a “do-it-yourself” project. Adjusting the tension on the strings or slacking creates variation in tones, and that will depend on the tuner. Since you are also the player, you get to decide just the right tune for you. With the help of some tools for tuning, you can get ahead and feel independent as you tune your piano for simple maintenance.

Here are some steps for you to tune your piano’s treble notes:

• Piano tuning depends on your instrument’s adaptation to local climate humidity changes. Usually, it is ideal to tune your piano at least three to four times a year. This is true for all pianos whether old or new, frequently played or not. Once you get used to this project, it may take you roughly 20 minutes or so.
• Find an ergonomic work place where you can tune your piano. Tuning it requires more concentration and less distraction. If you are working with big pianos you might find it easier to open the lid, while making sure that the keys are still secured even if in action. Also, adequate lighting is essential and can make your job a lot easier and clearer.
• Find and purchase your piano tuning instruments. Do not choose homemade tools over the real ones, as you risk a lousy, frustrating job or worse damage your piano. There are tools specifically for tuning that are available at piano stores online. Rubber tuning wedges can protect your hands when the strings get sharper when cooled. You might find a tuning hammer or lever or wrench useful for dealing with piano pins. Meanwhile if you can spend some money, you might go the easier way and buy yourself an electronic piano tuner. This tool is quite popular versus professional piano tuners.
• The treble section is the upper part of the piano, with three strings per note. Tuning the top three octaves will usually take time, as it is the most unstable.
• Once you have located the treble section, you can start striking keys sharply and surely proceeding by half steps. When you have located the pin that you want to tune, use the rubber wedges to stop the string vibration. The tuning wrench will allow you to turn the pin while striking the piano key, until you have achieved its proper note. The actions go like this, turn right to tighten and left to loosen the strings. It is always best to start with a little loosening to relax the strings before proceeding to any tightening. You should proceed slowly, tightening it only little by little to avoid overworking or bending the pins.
• You will know that you have achieved the proper pitch or note, by the use of the electric tuner.
• The tricky part is setting the pin once you have properly tuned it. This can be done by tightening it slightly above the note, afterward releasing it even more slightly to land on the proper and exact note. This requires a lot of practice, and usually novice tuners are not able to hold the tune for long.
• Now you have to synchronize the other string or two remaining on the set. You can accomplish this by freeing the second string, while keeping the third one with the wedge. Just like the first string, the wrench will turn its pin until you can no longer hear any beat.
• Repeat the steps as you go through the rest of the octave.

Depending on your preference, you can hire a professional to tune a piano. However, once you get the hang of it, it can easily be a “do-it-yourself” task.