The lowest strings on a piano vibrate at around 27 times per second, while the top notes vibrate around 4000 times per second. A musical tone is nothing more than our ears perception of something vibrating at a regular (rather than fluctuating) frequency. Piano strings are set into motion when struck by a hard felt hammer. When a string is tightened it will vibrate when struck. Soon after that, as you travel higher up the keyboard you will find three plain wire strings per note, continuing to the highest 'C' at the top. As the notes go higher the strings get shorter and thinner, which you can easily observe in this section, which usually ends with two strings per note.

You may know, or notice, that the lowest bass notes on a piano have only one rather thick and long string per key. Also, the further you are from the target, the harder it is to hit the bulls eye.

The rules of every puzzle are the same, but the solution is different with each one. Naturally, a 'system' has evolved for accomplishing this known as 'equal temperament' which most tuners use, (though not everyone agrees that this is the best solution.) Add to that the fact that every piano is different and presents a different combination of challenges, and the job of tuning a piano becomes more like a cross between solving a puzzle and shooting at a target. The challenge is to tune every note such that it will sound as good as possible in as many combinations as possible. All musical tones have an 'ideal' relationship with any other note. Since any note may potentially be played in an number of combinations with other notes, that is not as simple as it sounds. Part 1 - TheoryĮntire books have been written that still do not completely cover the complexities of this seemingly simple procedure, but if you take it step by step you can come away with at least a basic sense of understanding, and appreciation for the union of art, craft, and physics that is piano tuning.Įssentially, piano tuning means adjusting the tension on the wires (strings) in the piano to make sure that when they vibrate they produce the frequencies that sound best, whether the note is played by itself or in combinations. Before great music begins, the elements upon which the harmonies are built must be aligned. The instruments in the orchestra are like strings in a piano. The last thing you hear before any performance begins is the sound of tuning. No orchestra would consider performing without first making sure that all the instruments were in tune. If a child is learning to play the piano, the better that piano sounds the higher their standard will become. We perceive music on a deeper level, and the experiences become inspiring in a way that we might not previously have appreciated. In other words, our ears can only be 'educated' to the level to which they are exposed.Īnd as our senses improve, our experiences improve. You may not always be able to tell that it is in great tune, until you hear a piano that is NOT, and then you will absolutely hear the difference. However, if you become accustomed to listening to a well tuned piano, it will become your standard. When a piano is really in tune and well voiced, the sound of the music is balanced and elegant in a way that is not always immediately perceived. The same experience can be found with music. The first time you taste wine with a meal, most people do not 'get' what all the fuss is about, or certainly cannot tell why someone would pay hundreds of dollars for a bottle when perfectly good wine can be found at a fraction of that price! However, if you continue the pursuit, especially if someone is there to help you identify the subtleties, over time you begin to appreciate how much a great meal is enhanced by a great wine! Beauty is perceived through our senses, and our senses have the ability to become heightened and 'educated.' It is the moments of beauty found along the way that help make the 'journey' feel worthwhile. Let's face it, life can be difficult, challenging, stressful, and frustrating. The answer must include a discussion of art itself. I mean, if you play the keys and they all work, and the music sounds fine to you, why spend the money to have the piano tuned? And what if, after tuning, you don't even hear any difference? How do you justify the expense? A More Detailed Explanation of Piano Tuning Why Does It Matter If The Piano Is In Tune?īefore beginning any detailed article on the subject of tuning, it seems appropriate to try to answer this question.

Tuning note c