Piano tuning may be a bit of a mystery to the layperson, but since you're not going to be tuning the piano yourself, you don't need to know all the technical details of how it works. However, you should know a few basics so that you can ensure that your piano is only tuned by a qualified technician and ensure that the technician has everything they need for a quick, successful tuning.

Here are four things your piano tuning technician will need for a piano tuning appointment.

1. A quiet location

Human dwellings are rarely totally silent, but the spot where the piano is sitting should be quiet enough that your piano tuner can focus on the job. Because the tuner has to listen closely to not only the main pitch of each note but also to the harmonics above each note, they need to be able to listen closely.

This process could be inhibited if the room has a lot of other noises muddying the sounds coming from the piano. So try to schedule your tuning for a time when the room with the piano in it isn't too busy, or consider having the piano wheeled into a nearby room that has less traffic.

2. Tools to adjust the piano wires

Typically, your piano tuner will use tuning equipment that they bring to your home. This equipment includes things like a special wrench-like tuning mechanism (sometimes called a piano tuning lever or tuning key) needed to adjust the pins where the piano's strings are fastened.

The need for special equipment is just one reason why you should have a professional tune your piano, not an amateur.

3. The right amount of time

In some cases, a piano tuning may be complete within an hour and a half or so. However, depending on the piano's condition and other factors, it could take longer. So be sure to block off at least a couple of hours to allow your piano tuner the time needed to do the job right.

4. The key to the piano

Your piano may have a locking mechanism, especially if it's an older model, to allow the cover to lock closed over the keys. This can be a useful feature in a variety of situations. For example, it can keep little kids from banging on the keyboard, and indicate to guests at a party that the piano isn't available for playing.

However, your piano tuner will need to access the keyboard as well as the interior of the piano. So make sure you either leave the keyboard unlocked, or make the key available to your tuner.

This list can help you ensure your piano tuning session will go smoothly and your piano tuner has everything they need. For more information on scheduling a piano tuning visit, contact your local piano tuning service today.

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