Will You Need Your Piano Tuned After a Move?

Moving pianos without affecting them can be difficult. These instruments are typically big and bulky, making them hard to move easily. They are also relatively fragile, and a move can affect the way a piano plays.

If you're moving home and taking a piano with you, then you may need to think about whether to have it tuned after the move. Why?

How Does Moving Affect Piano Tuning?

Pianos may need tuning after a home move for a couple of reasons. For example, if you don't take good care to protect the piano when you lift, carry and transport it, then it may go out of tune if the tension in its strings is affected. This can be caused by general movement, jolts or even drops.

Even if you're careful when you move a piano, the change in location may affect its tuning. Your piano usually sits in the same place in your home. It has settled there and adjusted to the climate indoors.

When you move a piano, it goes into a new climate. It takes some time for the instrument to settle down in a new location. Any climate changes in your new home that weren't there in your old one may make the piano go slightly out of tune.

When Should You Have a Piano Tuned After a Move?

There isn't much point having your piano tuned as soon as you put in your new home. You need to give it time to bed down first.

This process usually takes a few weeks. If you tune too early, then the piano may just go out of tune again as it continues to settle.

Can You Avoid Tuning After a Move?

Not all pianos need tuning after a move. If you're careful with the instrument and you're making a local move, then it may stay in tune.

It may also help to have a piano removalist take over the move for you. As well as moving the instrument safely, specialist companies may have climate-controlled vans that keep the piano in a more stable state. This may reduce the chances that the piano goes out of tune in your new home.

Piano removalists can tell you if tuning might be needed and how long to wait before you decide if this is necessary. They may also have tuning staff or contacts with local tuners who can help you out if you need it.