Tuning is just the first step for piano servicing

Obviously tuning is the first step.

But a full service of a piano normally should have these three components:

• tuning
• regulation
• voicing

Tuning can take up to 2 hours. And normally when you quote a price, the technition will give you tuning only price.

If it is too out of tune, It takes more effort to tune the piano back which will you $50-100 more for just tunnig

In melboune a standard tuning (within 10 cents out of tune) will cost up to $250. But no tuner will include a full regulation and voicing in this price.

Regulation:

Regulation is more complicated than you think.

Here is the checklist for a full regulation on a grand piano:

1. Screw Tightening
2. Key Frame Adjustment A & B
3. Keyboard Adjustment A, B, & C Action Centres Hammer Running
4. Hammer Angling
5. Hammer Alignment
6. Keyboard Levelling
7. Key Spacing
8. Key Depth
9. Wippen Alignment
10. Jack Adjustment
11. Repetition Lever Height
12. Striking Distance
13. Hammer Escapement (Let-off)
14. Check Black Key Depth
15. Drop
16. Aftertouch Alignment
17. Back Check Adjustment
18. Hammer Catching
19. Repetition Lever Spring Adjustment
20. Key Stop Rail Adjustment
21. Damper Wire Guide Bushing
22. Damper Regulation
23. Sustaining Pedal Adjustment
24. Sustaining Pedal Stop Adjustment
25. Damper Stop Rail Adjustment
26. Sostenuto Pedal Adjustment
27. Soft Pedal Adjustment
28. Total Inspection

Each one above takes more than 10 minutes.

Exept for checking for any disfunction in the mechenics, these adjustments accumulated on 88 keys to be the touch you feel.

Sometimes the adjustment may not be good even on a new piano just out of the production line.

Voicing

If we consider tuning and regulation is the pure methemetic, voicing is the art.

Each brand has its own understanding of good sound.

You should never make a Yamaha to sound like Steinway or make a bechstein to sound like Bosendofer.

Voicing can only be done when the tuning is good enough.

It is the process on the hammers.

There are two ways you can treat a hammer.

To make it harder or softer.

The perfect piano hammer can both make soft sound when you touch it softly or a harsh sound when pressed hard.

Tuning is about the the frequncy and harmony.

Voicing is about the quality of the sound itself. You want it to be hoarse or melodious？

Trust me.

For any piano older than 10 years old, voising will give you a brand new piano.