Piano Knowledge Tip: Beyond Tuning — A Practical Melbourne Guide

If you’ve just bought a secondhand piano, tuning is just the starting line. A proper piano service really has three parts: tuning, regulation, and voicing. Think of tuning as the basic tune-up, but regulation and voicing are what makes the instrument feel and sound consistent across the keyboard. In Melbourne, a standard tuning (within about 10 cents) can cost up to $250. Most tuners quote a “tuning only” price, and if the piano is far out of tune, you’ll see an added $50–$100 for the extra effort. That’s important to plan for if you bought a used instrument and aren’t sure how stable the pitch is across the keyboard. Regulation is where the real work happens. It’s a detailed process that covers key spacing, touch feel, hammer alignment, and the interplay between the action and the keys. A full regulation touches dozens of adjustments on every key, and each step typically takes more than 10 minutes. In short, regulation shapes how the piano plays, not just how it sounds. Voicing is the art side—tuning and regulation set the stage, but voicing gives the piano its character. The hammer hardness, the distribution of weight in the action, and the per-note tone balance all influence whether the piano sounds bright, warm, or percussive. Each brand can react differently to voicing, so a skilled professional tunes by ear and by touch, testing with a range of dynamics. A practical tip I share with clients: regular humidity control matters. Melbourne’s seasonal swings can affect the action and scale of the keys. Keeping the room around 40–50% humidity helps reduce pitch drift and protects the action. If you notice a change in touch or tone with the seasons, it’s a sign you may need a light regulation check rather than a full rebuild. Frequency-wise, plan a tune at least every 6–12 months for a well-loved instrument, and budget for a full service (tuning, regulation, voicing) every 2–4 years depending on use and environment. A secondhand piano benefits from a professional assessment sooner rather than later so you don’t miss underlying issues. If you’re in Melbourne and want a friendly, thorough check, I’m happy to help you plan the right service for your piano.