Piano Tuned Annually
Each piano hammer, playing a single note, strikes 1-3 strings at a time. Each string is tuned individually. When the strings start to fall out of tune, an unpleasant warbling sound can be heard. This is known as beating. As a master-level technician, Michael relies on his ear, experience and tools – adjusting each string to create a pleasing sounding tuning for your piano. In effect, no two tunings are exactly alike. A comparison of an actual tuning to a mathematical average – the equal-tempered scale – can be seen below (jump to illustration). An in-tune piano will sound clear, without any buzzing sounds or twanging. A piano is at its best when it is tuned every six months.
It is essential to have your piano tuned at least every year – even if it is not being played. First, the tuning pins must be turned to keep the (porous) wooden pinblock from fusing to the pins and crushing against their threads. Second, string tension must be maintained to stop the soundboard from losing its crown. A piano’s soundboard is slightly curved, which makes it act like a speaker. When a piano goes untuned for more than a year, loss of string tension causes the crown to begin to relax. Eventually the board will be completely flat and have lost most of its speaking power. At this point, restoration is needed. A piano that has been untuned for more than 1 1/2 years will likely need pitch adjustment prior to tuning (jump to section). If you are ready to book, click “Book Now” and complete the form. We will follow up by phone, email or text according to your preference. If you have any questions, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page (jump to form). To contact us by phone, call (780) 652-3295, daily 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. •
Above — Illustration of a regularly tuned piano, displaying proper soundboard crown. The scale of the crown is magnified here.
Untuned Piano
Above — Illustration of a piano left untuned for years, with total loss of soundboard crown. At this point restoration is needed. Read More – Piano Restoration
A piano that has been moved, left untuned or has experienced a significant change in environment will be noticeably sharp or flat and require pitch adjustment prior to tuning. In the Edmonton area, pianos tend to be flatter in winter months and sharper in summer months. Pitch adjustment is always performed immediately before a tuning. Pitch adjustment takes as much time as a tuning (up to 1 hour), however we only charge half the tuning rate as we are already on-site. Please note – The best protection against seasonal pitch changes is a combination of regular tuning (every six months) and a Piano Life Saver System® (read more). Together, these eliminate the need for pitch adjustment, and maintain the quality of your piano’s tone between tunings. •
Seasonal Pitch Changes
Booking Form – Tuning & Pitch Adjustment
Piano Tuning in Edmonton: $180 • Pitch Adjustment: $90 with tuning • Piano Cleaning: $140 • Rural clients welcome! Read More • For pricing on other services: Price List
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Questions?
Call 780-652-3295!
Daily, 8 am to 8 pm
Thousands of Satisfied Clients
Formally educated through the University of Western Ontario’s Piano Technology Program, Michael Ruttle is a master-level piano technician experienced in every facet of piano tuning, maintenance and repair. His work can be heard in major venues across Alberta as well as in schools, churches, community centres, restaurants, lounges, on Disney+, and in thousands of private homes — on pianos ranging from the simplest of spinets for first-time students, to the most elaborate concert grands for seasoned performers.
My experience as a technician has taught me to appreciate the subtle complexities of this unique instrument, and to understand the needs of pianists and piano owners. I respect and value an honourable reputation by holding myself and my team to a quality work standard. We look forward to providing you with prompt and professional piano tuning, maintenance, repair, restoration, moving and storage services.
—Mike Ruttle