[CAUT] tuning frequency

[A440A@aol.com]

Wim asks: 
<< There is minor argument between the piano faculty and myself as to how  
often 
their pianos should be tuned. They want to know why their pianos need  tuning 
once a week. (and they do need it, especially during the winter). 
How often are you guys tuning the piano faculty pianos, presuming they get  
played heavily about 30 hours a week? >>

       I usually tune the piano instructors pianos at Vanderbilt 3 times per 
year,unless we have problem with the HVAC system.  The practise rooms are 
tuned each semester. I don't find more than a couple of cents movement over the 
whole piano in the three month period of use.  
   I find that my unisons will go the distance, unless the piano moves with 
humidity swings more than 5 cents, then the unisons begin to wake up, and it is 
the norm that all the right hand strings of the trichords move more than any 
of the others.  
    How are the pianos going out?  If it is unisons, then I have to suspect 
hammer technique. If it is the whole piano moving around, with the bass break 
octave really getting out of shape, I suspect it is the humidity control 
system.  
Regards,



Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html