How to Tune a Piano & How Much It Costs (UK Guide)

By Andy Piano, piano teacher at Glasgow Piano Tuition  |  Last updated: October 2026  |  Reading time: 11 minutes

Why Trust This Guide?

This guide is written by Andy Piano, a piano teacher who works with learners through Glasgow Piano Tuition. The advice on tuning frequency follows guidance from the Pianoforte Tuners’ Association and UK piano retailers, and the cost figures come from published UK pricing guides checked in October 2026. Tuners set their own prices, so always ask for a quote before you book.

Why Pianos Go Out of Tune

A piano holds hundreds of steel strings under very high tension, and a few things slowly pull the pitch away from where the tuner left it.

• String stretch. The strings slowly lengthen as they age. This happens whether you play the piano or not, and it is most noticeable in a new piano.
• Humidity. The soundboard is made of wood, which swells in damp air and shrinks in dry air. This changes the tension on the strings and the pitch of every note.
• Temperature. Central heating, open fires and sunny windows cause sudden shifts that unsettle the tuning.
• Playing. Heavy playing slowly loosens the tuning pins that hold each string.
• Moving. A new room has a new climate, so the piano will gradually change after a move.

Signs Your Piano Needs Tuning

• Notes sound flat compared with other instruments or a recording.
• Chords sound wobbly or harsh. The wobble is called “beating”, and it happens when strings of the same note are slightly different in pitch.
• Two or three strings of the same note sound like different notes (a “honky-tonk” sound).
• It has been more than a year since the last tuning.
• You have moved the piano, or the heating season has just started or ended.
• The piano is new and still settling.

How Often Should You Tune a Piano?

The Pianoforte Tuners’ Association recommends tuning at least twice a year. Age, use and environment all affect how often a particular piano needs it.

Tuning After a Move

If you have just moved your piano, wait a couple of weeks before booking a tuning. The piano needs time to adjust to the humidity and temperature of its new room, and a tuning done too early may not last.

How a Piano Is Tuned, Step by Step

Most pianos are tuned to standard concert pitch, where the A above middle C vibrates at 440 Hz (A440). Here is what a professional tuner does.

1. Checks the piano. The tuner tests the pitch, looks for problems such as loose pins or broken strings, and decides how much work is needed.
2. Sets the pitch reference. They sound a tuning fork or use an electronic tuning device to match A440.
3. Mutes the extra strings. A strip of felt or rubber wedges stops neighbouring strings so only one sounds at a time.
4. Sets the temperament. One octave in the middle of the keyboard is tuned first, by listening to the beat rate between notes.
5. Tunes the rest of the keyboard. From the temperament octave, the tuner works outwards, tuning each octave. Tuners slightly stretch higher and lower octaves so the whole piano sounds in tune.
6. Tunes the unisons. Most notes have two or three strings, and each set must match exactly to remove beats.
7. Checks and fine-tunes. The tuner tests chords and intervals across the keyboard and makes final corrections.

A tuner turns each tuning pin with a special tuning lever, in tiny movements. Pushing the pin the right amount while keeping it stable takes years of training, which is why professional work lasts longer than a rushed job.

Can You Tune a Piano Yourself?

It is possible, but it is not a good idea for beginners. Tuning needs training, a good ear and specialist tools. Mistakes can snap strings, loosen the tuning pins in the pin block, or damage the piano, and repairs often cost more than a professional tuning would have.

What you can safely do yourself:

• Use a free tuner app to check whether a note like A4 is close to 440 Hz.
• Note which keys sound off, so you can tell the tuner.
• Keep the piano in a stable room and keep it covered when not in use.

Leave the tuning lever to a professional.

Tuning, Pitch Raise, Voicing and Regulation

These terms are often mixed up. Here is what each one means.

Tuning changes pitch only. It does not fix a sticky key, a buzzing string or a dull tone, which need repair, regulation or voicing.

What Is a Pitch Raise?

If a piano is left flat for a long time, a tuner cannot just tune each note once. Raising the tension of one string changes the tension across the whole frame, so the tuner makes a rough first pass to bring everything closer to pitch, and then a fine tuning. This takes longer, may need a second visit, and usually costs more. In some old pianos it may not be possible to reach A440 safely at all. Regular tuning avoids this.

How Much Does Piano Tuning Cost in the UK?

Many UK pricing guides quote roughly £90 to £200 for a standard piano tuning. Where you land in that range depends on your area, the type and condition of your piano, and how long since it was last tuned. London and the South East tend to be higher than other regions.

What Affects the Price?

• Type of piano. Grand pianos generally cost more than uprights to tune.
• Time since the last tuning. A piano that has drifted a long way flat takes longer and may need a pitch raise.
• Condition. Loose pins, sticky keys or broken strings add time and parts.
• Location and travel. Prices vary by region, and distance can affect the quote.
• Tuner’s experience. A highly experienced tuner may charge more, but often does a more stable job.
• Extras. Voicing, regulation and repairs are charged separately.

How to Find a Reliable Piano Tuner

1. Look for professional membership. The Pianoforte Tuners’ Association (PTA) lists qualified tuners across the UK.
2. Ask for a quote first. Check what the price includes, and whether a pitch raise might be needed.
3. Describe your piano. Give the make, age, type (upright or grand) and when it was last tuned.
4. Ask for recommendations. Piano teachers, schools and local music shops often know a good tuner.
5. Check the appointment length. Most tunings take around one to two hours, so be wary of anything much quicker.
6. Ask about repairs. A good tuner will tell you about any faults and give you the cost before starting.

How to Keep Your Piano in Tune Longer

• Choose the right spot. Keep the piano away from radiators, fireplaces, air vents, windows and direct sunlight.
• Avoid damp walls. Do not place an upright piano against a cold outside wall if you can avoid it.
• Keep the room steady. Stable temperature and humidity are better for tuning than sudden changes. A humidity level of around 40% to 50% is widely recommended for pianos.
• Tune around the seasons. Many UK tuners suggest booking in spring and autumn, with the autumn visit before the heating season begins.
• Keep the lid closed when not playing, to protect the keys and keep out dust.
• Do not put drinks or plants on top. Spills can cause serious damage inside the piano.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until it sounds bad. By then the piano may need a pitch raise, which costs more.
• Tuning straight after a move. Give the piano a couple of weeks to settle first.
• Choosing only on price. A very cheap tuning can be rushed and may not hold.
• Trying to tune it yourself. You risk broken strings and loose pins.
• Ignoring humidity. A tuned piano in a damp or hot room will drift again quickly.
• Expecting tuning to fix everything. Sticky keys and a dull tone need regulation or voicing.

FAQs

How often should a piano be tuned?

At least twice a year. A new piano may need tuning every three to four months in its first year, and teaching or studio pianos may need it more often.

How long does piano tuning take?

Usually about one to two hours, depending on the condition of the piano and when it was last tuned.

How much does it cost to tune a piano in the UK?

Many UK guides quote about £90 to £200 for a standard tuning. A grand piano, a pitch raise, repairs, or a London-area visit can cost more. Always ask for a quote.

Does a piano need tuning if I never play it?

Yes. The strings stretch and the wood reacts to humidity whether or not the piano is played, so an unused piano will still drift out of tune.

What happens if I do not tune my piano for years?

The pitch drops, and the piano may need a pitch raise before a normal tuning can hold. In older pianos, the tuner may not be able to reach standard pitch without risk to the strings.

Can I tune my own piano with an app?

An app can help you check the pitch of a note, but it is not a substitute for a professional tuner. Turning the pins without training can damage the piano.

Do digital pianos need tuning?

No. Digital pianos use recorded or synthesised sounds, not strings, so they stay in tune permanently.

Does an out-of-tune piano affect learning?

Yes. It can train your ear to hear the wrong pitches and make practice less enjoyable. If you are starting out, a well-tuned piano and a good piano teacher in Glasgow make a big difference.

Conclusion

Regular tuning keeps a piano sounding good, protects its strings and avoids costly pitch raises. Tune at least twice a year, choose a qualified tuner, ask for a quote first and keep your piano in a stable room. A well-tuned instrument is also easier and more enjoyable to learn on.

Next steps: Check when your piano was last tuned, play a few chords and listen for beating, and book a PTA member if it has been more than six months. If you want to start or restart learning on a well-kept instrument, visit Andy Piano to learn about one-to-one piano lessons in Glasgow.