Piano Tuning Service

Professional tuning with clear scheduling and straightforward pricing.

Schedule Your Piano Tuning

Book your tuning directly using our online scheduling page.

Schedule Tuning

If the scheduler does not load on your device, please email info@robertspianoshouston.com or call (832) 930-0469 and we'll assist you.

The Art and Science of Piano Tuning

Piano tuning is both an art and a science, requiring years of training, specialized tools, and a deep understanding of acoustics and harmonics.

Understanding Harmonics

Every piano string vibrates at multiple frequencies simultaneously. The fundamental frequency creates the main pitch, while overtones (harmonics) give each note its unique character and timbre.

A properly tuned piano creates harmonious relationships between these overtones across all 88 keys, ensuring that intervals sound pure and chords ring with clarity.

Our tuners use electronic tuning devices and their trained ears to achieve proper harmonic alignment, creating the rich, resonant sound that makes a piano sing.

Professional Tuning Techniques

We employ proven tuning techniques including stretch tuning, which accounts for the inharmonicity of piano strings and creates a more pleasing sound across the entire keyboard.

Our tuners use a systematic approach, starting with the middle octave and working outward, ensuring each note is properly in tune with its neighbors and the overall harmonic structure.

We also perform unisons tuning, ensuring that the two or three strings for each note are properly matched, creating a clear, focused tone without beats or wavering.

Professional Tools and Equipment

We use professional equipment and traditional tools to achieve quality tuning results.

Electronic Tuners

Professional electronic tuners that help us achieve accurate pitch and precise tuning.

Tuning Hammers

Professional-grade tuning hammers with various tip sizes to fit different pin configurations and provide precise control.

Mutes and Felt

Specialized mutes and felt strips to isolate strings during tuning, ensuring precise unison tuning and eliminating interference.

Tuning Neglected Pianos

Pianos that haven't been tuned in years require special care and a multi-step process to restore them to proper pitch and condition.

Initial Assessment

When a piano hasn't been tuned for years, the first step is a thorough assessment. We check the current pitch level, string condition, and overall piano health to determine the right approach.

Many neglected pianos have dropped significantly in pitch, sometimes by a semitone or more. This requires careful pitch raising before fine tuning can begin.

Pitch Raising Process

Pitch raising is a specialized technique that gradually brings the piano back to standard pitch (A440). This process must be done carefully to avoid breaking strings or damaging the piano's structure.

We typically raise the pitch in stages, allowing the piano to settle between adjustments. This ensures stability and prevents the strings from slipping back down.

The pitch raising process can take 1-2 hours depending on how far the piano has dropped and its overall condition.

Follow-Up Tuning

After pitch raising, a follow-up tuning is essential within 2-4 weeks. During this time, the strings and piano structure settle into their new tension, and some notes may drift slightly.

The follow-up tuning allows us to fine-tune each note and ensure the piano maintains stable pitch going forward.

For severely neglected pianos, we may recommend a third tuning after 3-6 months to achieve optimal stability and tone quality.

Tuning Service Pricing

Transparent pricing for professional piano tuning services in the Houston area.

Standard Tuning

$220 - $300

For pianos that are relatively in tune and have been maintained regularly.

  • • Complete 88-key tuning
  • • Unisons and octaves
  • • Harmonic alignment
  • • Basic regulation check

Pitch Raise + Tuning

+$80

For pianos that have dropped significantly in pitch and need pitch raising.

  • • Pitch raising to A440
  • • Complete fine tuning
  • • Stabilization techniques
  • • Follow-up recommendation

Additional Considerations

For pianos that haven't been tuned in many years, additional follow-up tunings may be recommended to achieve optimal stability and tone quality.

Recommended Tuning Schedule

Regular tuning maintenance keeps your piano in optimal condition and prevents costly repairs.

New or Recently Tuned Pianos

  • • Every 6 months for optimal performance
  • • More frequent tuning if heavily used
  • • Seasonal changes may require additional tuning

Neglected or Older Pianos

  • • Initial pitch raising and tuning
  • • Follow-up tuning within 2-4 weeks
  • • Regular 6-month maintenance schedule
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