Question 1

How often should a piano be tuned?

Accepted Answer

Most pianos should be tuned twice a year, and ideally three times if the instrument is played regularly or sits in a room with seasonal humidity swings. Pianos are made of wood and felt, which expand and contract with changes in temperature and moisture, so even an untouched piano will drift out of tune over time.

Question 2

How much does piano tuning cost in Birmingham?

Accepted Answer

A single tuning visit starts from £70. An annual plan of three visits starts from £200 per year, which works out better value and keeps the instrument more stable. Repairs and restoration are quoted after a free inspection during a tuning visit.

Question 3

Does my piano need tuning if I don't play it much?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even a piano that is rarely played will go out of tune as the strings settle and the soundboard responds to humidity changes. Leaving a piano untuned for years makes the next tuning harder and more expensive, as the pitch has further to travel and the strings are more likely to break.

Question 4

What's included in a tuning visit?

Accepted Answer

Every visit includes a full pitch assessment, the tuning itself, and a brief health check covering regulation, dampers and pedals. You'll be told honestly if anything else needs attention, with a quote before any further work is carried out.

Question 5

How long does a tuning take?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward tuning takes around an hour to ninety minutes. A piano that has not been tuned in a long time, or needs a pitch raise, will take longer.

Question 6

Do you tune digital pianos?

Accepted Answer

Digital pianos do not require tuning in the traditional sense, as their sound is electronically generated. We are happy to advise on acoustic piano care, purchase, and on when a digital instrument may be the right choice for your space.

Question 7

What is a pitch raise?

Accepted Answer

A pitch raise is a preliminary tuning needed when a piano has drifted significantly below concert pitch (A440). It involves bringing the strings back to the correct tension before fine-tuning can begin. If your piano hasn't been tuned in several years, it will likely need a pitch raise first, which takes additional time and may require a follow-up visit a few weeks later to let the strings settle.

Question 8

Can you tune a piano that hasn't been tuned in years?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly bring neglected pianos back to life. A piano that hasn't been tuned in years will typically need a pitch raise followed by a fine tuning, and occasionally a second visit a few weeks later to let the strings settle. Older strings are more fragile, so the process is careful and gradual.

Question 9

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover Birmingham, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, including Stafford, Lichfield, Tamworth, Cannock, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Hanley and the surrounding areas. We also tune for venues across the wider Midlands. If you're unsure whether you're in our round, please get in touch.

Question 10

How do I know if my piano needs tuning?

Accepted Answer

The most obvious sign is that the piano sounds 'off' or sour, particularly when playing chords or octaves. Other signs include keys that sound different from each other, a buzzing or beating sound, or the piano simply not sounding like it used to. If in doubt, we can assess it during a visit.

Question 11

Do you tune both upright and grand pianos?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We tune uprights, grands, and digital pianos (for advice rather than tuning). The process is the same regardless of the piano type — every string is tuned by ear and by lever to concert pitch.

Private & concert piano tuning in the Midlands, trusted since 1979.

From pipe organs to pianos — a craft passed from father to son.

A piano is a living instrument. It breathes with the seasons.

Straightforward pricing. No surprises.

Single Tuning

Annual Tuning Plan

Repairs & Restoration

Every visit, the same standard.

Full pitch assessment

The tuning

Health check

Clear advice

The in-house tuner for the Midlands' greatest stages.

Trusted by families across the Midlands.

The questions we hear most often.

Ready to have your piano sounding right?