Piano tuning costs $100 to $225 on average for a piano that receives regular annual service. Piano tuning with pitch corrections costs $150 to $300+, and interior cleaning adds $50 to $100. Any additional piano repairs cost $60 to $100 per hour.

Piano manufacturers recommend tuning a new piano four times in the first year and twice per year after that. A piano needs tuning at least once per year to remain in good condition. Get a piano tuning when the sound is distorted, it's been over a year since the last tuning, or when moving the piano.

A piano is out of tune when:

• It creates a buzzy, wavering, and uncomfortable sound that distorts the note.
• It's been longer than a year since the last tuning.
• The piano moved to a new location.
• There have been dramatic changes in the temperature and humidity.

Piano tuning takes 1 to 1 ½ hours on average. A piano that's been neglected for several years takes 2 to 3 hours to tune and may need another tuning shortly after to hold a tune consistently.

Tipping a piano tuner is not customary or expected. However, if the tuner exceeds your expectations or spends more time than expected, leaving a 5-star review or offering a $10 to $20 tip is appreciated.

Digital or electric pianos never require tuning. The sounds produced by a digital or electric piano are recorded and stored, so they never go out of tune.

When you don't tune a piano, the string tension is reduced and the pitch drops. Regular piano tuning keeps it in better condition, helps maintain its value, and is easier to tune in the future. By delaying tuning, it's more expensive and time-consuming to get the piano back into tune.

Many old pianos can be tuned if they are in good condition. Old pianos may have to be tuned several times before it remains in tune. Consult with a professional piano technician to determine if the piano is worth tuning.

Attempting to tune a piano yourself without experience can cause damage. Tuning a piano is time-consuming and requires specialized tools:

• A tuning lever
• Felt strip
• Rubber wedges
• Electronic chromatic tuner or piano tuning software
• Several tuning mutes

Hiring an experienced piano tuner is the best option.

Finding piano technicians requires planning, researching, and asking questions. To hire the best:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Verify their insurance and experience.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Look for Registered Piano Technicians (RPT) who have has passed tests on the maintenance, repair, and tuning of pianos.
• Ask about their guarantees.
• Avoid making payments upfront. Pay after tuning is completed.

When looking to hire a piano tuning and repair service near you, ask them the following questions:

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you a Registered Piano Technician (RPT)?
• How many similar pianos have you tuned?
• Can you provide me with a list of references?
• Do you have insurance?
• Do you tune by ear or by machine?
• Can you fix sticking keys?
• Does my piano need regulation?
• Does my piano also need a pitch raise or interior cleaning?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• How long will the tuning take?
• How much do you charge?
• What do I need to provide to get started?