What Causes Pitch Changes in my Piano Strings

---

Pitch Changes in the piano strings occur for two main reasons; the initial stretching and settling of strings when the piano is new, and movements of the soundboard due to changes in environmental humidity. Pitch Changes maybe addressed as part of piano services when arranging for a piano tuning.

When a piano is new, the pitch is seen to drop  quickly for the first few years, as the new piano strings stretch within, and wooden parts settle to the tension. Especially during this period when the piano is still very new, its crucial to maintain optimum string tension, as the piano structure reaches stable equilibrium with the string tension. 

Coupled with humidity changes, temperature can also change with the weather, all of which can cause the pitch of a piano to change. The piano’s main acoustical structure, the soundboard is made of wood, which reacts constantly to climate changes. 

When relative humidity increases, the soundboard swells, increasing its crowned shape and stretching the piano’s strings to a higher pitch. During drier climatic periods, the soundboard becomes flatter, lowering tension on the strings and causing the pitch to drop. 

This constant pitch swing experienced by the piano strings due to its contact with the soundboard, result in a net drop in pitch every year that the piano is not serviced.

Many piano manufacturers recommend 3 to 4 tunings during the first year for a new piano, and at least 2 tunings annually after that.

When to Seek Professional Help

While there are several techniques you can use to solve pitch changes in your piano, there may be situations where it is necessary to seek professional help. Here are some signs that you should call in a professional piano repair technician:

• The pitch changes are severe and cannot be solved with basic tuning or adjustments.
• The piano is an antique or has sentimental value, and you want to ensure that the repair is performed correctly.
• You are not comfortable performing the repair yourself and want to ensure that it is done correctly.

Conclusion

Pitch changes in pianos are a common issue that can affect the sound and overall performance of the instrument. However, by understanding the causes of pitch changes and following some basic maintenance and repair tips, you can keep your piano in optimal playing condition. Remember to have your piano tuned regularly, adjust the humidity in the room as needed, and seek professional help when necessary