Now that you have everything you need to adjust a piano, you have to get started!
Here are 10 steps to tune a piano:
1. Press the damper pedal and repeat the process before placing each wedge between the strings,
2. Place two wedges or a plastic clip to suffocate adjacent strings,
3. Start by tuning the central A of the instrument, the A 440,
4. Tune first the central string of three-string choirs, turning the ankles sharply but slowly (one-twelfth of a circle, the clockwise position of one o’clock)
5. Release the strong pedal on the pedalboard to play the desired note. This is done to prevent vibration in other strings.
6. Check the tonality using the chromatic tuner because it should be in the middle range, not too high or low.
7. You need to tune all the notes with the middle octave, in the center of the piano,
8. Go to the upper octave, then to the lower octave,
9. Compare the notes tuned from one octave to another: E low and E high must not produce E low and F or high G,
10. Tune the octaves by ear.
Additional tips for tuning a piano:
Make sure to loosen the string before tightening the same to modify the key of a note. In case, there is any issue with the string, there is no risk of breaking it under immense stress.
Hitting the key hard to adjust the note freezes the tuning: playing too soft will detune the instrument as soon as a player hits a key hard. Some specialists will say that you should tune your piano up to once a quarter, or four times a year.
Others will recommend adjusting a couple of strings every two months in beginner piano lessons. Anyway, one thing is certain: thoroughness is the key to having a perfect range, and to acquire a high-end tuning!
What can possibly go wrong while tuning a piano?
The most common damage that occurs while tuning a piano is breaking the piano string. The damage specifically appears in an old piano because the string on it is fragile.
The string may become very tight and can even break if the tuning peg is turned on the extreme right. The extreme tension on the string can tear the hand or face of the tuner.
If this happens, the instrument will have to be entrusted to a piano maker. For those who wish to take the self-taught adventure to the end, we can learn to change a string on the internet. But it is a delicate and long job.
Now that you know the tips on how to tune your piano along with the possible damage that can occur, you are in a better position to decide whether you should tune the piano on your own or by taking the help of a professional.