Frequently Asked

Questions

How often should my piano be tuned?

This depends on the use of the instrument and ranges from before every performance for a recording studio or venue, to once a year for light residential use.

While most manufacturers recommend tuning 2-4 times a year, most people who play regularly would benefit from tuning once or twice a year. Depending on the player’s ears, some may require more frequent tunings to remain pleased with the sound of their instrument.

What is a pitch raise?

A pitch raise is typically needed for pianos that have not been tuned within the past 2 years or have experienced high fluctuations in temperature and humidity in the piano’s environment. A pitch raise is included in our Piano Tuning+ service.

A piano pitch raise, also known simply as a pitch raise or pitch adjustment, is a procedure carried out on a piano to correct the overall pitch of the instrument when it has fallen significantly below standard pitch (A440 Hz). This drop in pitch can occur due to fluctuations in humidity, temperature changes, or simply over time as the piano settles.

A piano technician first assesses the current pitch of the piano using a digital tuner or other precise tuning equipment. If the piano is significantly flat (i.e., the pitch is lower than standard), a pitch raise will be recommended.

The process involves bringing each string of the piano closer to its correct pitch. This is usually done in multiple passes or stages because attempting to bring all strings directly to standard pitch in one pass can cause excessive tension on the piano’s structure, risking damage.

Piano pitch raises are important because a piano that is significantly out of tune can sound dissonant and unpleasant to play. Regular tuning and occasional pitch raises help maintain the integrity and musicality of the instrument, ensuring it sounds its best and prolonging its lifespan.

I’m moving, when should I get my piano tuned?

We recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks after it’s moved for the first tuning in order for the piano to get acclimated to the temperature and humidity of the new space.

What is involved in regulation?

Piano regulation refers to the process of adjusting and fine-tuning various mechanical aspects of a piano to ensure optimal performance and playability. This meticulous process involves several key adjustments:

Action Regulation: This includes adjusting the action mechanism, which consists of keys, hammers, and the complex system of levers that transmit the force from the keys to the strings. Action regulation ensures that each key responds correctly to touch and produces the intended dynamic range from soft to loud.

Key Regulation: This involves ensuring uniformity in the height and depth of the keys. It also involves adjusting the key dip (the distance a key can be depressed) to ensure consistent feel across all keys.

Hammer Regulation: Hammers need to be aligned correctly with the strings and regulated to strike them at the optimal point to produce a balanced and even tone.

Pedal Regulation: Adjusting the pedals (usually sustain, una corda, and sometimes a third pedal for various effects) to ensure they engage smoothly and effectively.

Voicing: While not strictly part of regulation, voicing may also be addressed during the regulation process. Voicing involves adjusting the tone of the piano by softening or hardening the hammers to achieve a desired sound quality.

Piano regulation is essential for maintaining a piano’s responsiveness, consistency, and tonal quality. It requires expertise and precision, typically performed by skilled piano technicians or tuners who have specialized training in piano maintenance. Regular regulation helps prolong a piano’s lifespan and ensures it continues to perform at its best.

What is voicing?

Voicing involves the manipulation of hammer felt and other mechanical components in order to build and optimize the tonal spectrum inherent in the piano. If your piano sounds too bright, dark, loud, soft, sharp, dull, brittle, deep, woody, uneven, or dead you could benefit from voicing.

Should I replace my hammers?

After some age and use, replacing the hammers outright on a piano can bring several significant benefits to the instrument's overall sound quality and playability:

Improvement in Tone Quality: Over time, piano hammers can wear down and become compacted. This can lead to a harsh or dull tone, as the felt on the hammers loses its resilience and ability to produce a clear, singing tone. By replacing the hammers, especially if they are heavily worn, the piano can regain a brighter, more resonant tone with better dynamic range and clarity.

Evenness of Tone: As hammers wear unevenly, some notes may sound louder or softer than others, affecting the overall balance and consistency of the piano’s tone. New hammers ensure that each note produces a uniform sound, improving the evenness of tone across the keyboard.

Responsive Touch: New hammers can enhance the responsiveness of the piano's action. The correct shape and density of the hammers affect how well they transmit the player's touch to the strings, allowing for more nuanced and expressive playing.

Regulation and Voicing: When hammers are replaced, it often coincides with a thorough regulation of the piano’s action mechanism. This includes adjustments to ensure optimal key response and uniformity. Additionally, the process of voicing—adjusting the tone of the hammers—can be more effective with new hammers, allowing for a finer adjustment to achieve the desired tone quality.

Longevity and Maintenance: Replacing hammers can extend the life of the piano by revitalizing its sound and playability. It reduces the need for frequent voicing and repairs associated with old, worn-out hammers.

Overall, replacing hammers is a crucial maintenance procedure that can significantly enhance the piano's sound quality, responsiveness, and longevity, ultimately improving the playing experience for pianists and listeners alike.

How does PianoDisc Work?

PianoDisc’s technology consists of proprietary and patented SilentDrive HD II software and hardware. These technologies utilize high-resolution electro-mechanical solenoids that are installed underneath the piano’s keys and pedal to precisely control their movement, velocity, and duration. The end result is the most advanced player piano system available, capable of up to 1,024 levels of key expression, bringing your piano and favorite piano performances to life.

Is there any visible hardware with PianoDisc?

No! With Low Profile, PianoDisc’s components are hidden away within the body of your piano and are virtually invisible once they’re installed, leaving the natural beauty of your piano untouched.

Can PianoDisc be installed into my Piano?

Yes! PianoDisc systems can be installed into almost any new or pre-owned acoustic grand or upright piano. PianoDisc has trained and certified Ty and Erik to perform installations. The PianoDisc technical course curriculum consists of hands-on training, troubleshooting, post-installation regulation, service, and legacy product upgrades. Additionally, PianoDisc offers a continued education course, as well as instructional videos, literature, and other resources to keep PianoDisc technicians certified with their latest products and technologies. For over 35 years, PianoDisc systems have been installed into some of the world’s most expensive pianos, including heirloom antique pianos and even square and spinet models.

How does PianoDisc differ from other player piano systems?

Since 1988, PianoDisc has been the world’s leader in player piano technology and manufacturing. User friendly, always upgradable, and easy connection to the internet and your music, PianoDisc is dedicated to bringing their customers the latest innovations in entertainment and musical performances. PianoDisc has long history and reputation of meticulously edited musical scores and performances, bringing live music into your home on your piano. Their systems offer compatibility with hundreds of educational and performance apps that give their customers the ultimate experience with their piano. PianoDisc also offers a Five Year Warranty and a friendly technical service support helpline that is open 15 hours a day on weekdays, and 8 hours on Saturday.

What music is currently available?

The PianoDisc Music Library consists of thousands of songs and videos in many different styles and genres. From Classical to Popular, Sacred to Musicals, Christmas to Country, and many different styles of Jazz, PianoDisc has one of the largest piano music libraries in the world. PianoDisc is also compatible with thousands of Standard MIDI music files that are available for free on the internet.

How do I play PianoDisc music?

The best way to play PianoDisc music is through the iQ Player App, available on Apple’s App Store. Once installed, the iQ Player App offers hundreds of songs that are available for complimentary download. Additional music can be purchased through the PianoDisc Music Store and can be easily downloaded and synced to your iQ Player App.

How do I buy a PianoDisc for my piano?

Request an estimate today! Our team will reach out during business hours with options for you!

What is PianoDisc ProRecord?