Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a piano go out of tune?

A piano is built from natural materials such as wood, felt, and steel. The wooden soundboard responds to humidity by expanding or contracting. Since the strings are in direct contact with the soundboard via the bridge, string tension changes with every movement of the wood.

Additionally, steel strings stretch over time, especially in new instruments. This process occurs even when the piano is not being played. It is therefore a natural phenomenon that every acoustic instrument experiences.

How often should a piano be tuned per year?

The recommendation is to have an instrument tuned at least twice a year: preferably in spring and autumn, when seasonal changes affect the indoor climate.

However, the frequency depends on the quality of the instrument, the amount of playing, and the stability of its location. Concert instruments are tuned before every performance, while a living room piano can function well with two tunings per year.

Does a piano need to be tuned after moving?

Yes, but not immediately. When an instrument is placed in a new location after transport, it must first acclimatize to the new humidity level for several weeks before tuning is meaningful. Allow at least two to four weeks of waiting time.

The transport itself can disturb the tuning, but the greatest influence comes from the difference in climate between the old and new location.

Who should tune and maintain my instrument?

The profession of piano tuner is not legally protected. A good ear or musical talent is not the same as technical craftsmanship. The technique of tuning and mechanical maintenance is an art that can only be mastered through years of training and daily practice.

Entrust your instrument to a qualified piano technician. In the Netherlands and Belgium, many skilled tuners are members of the VvPN (Association of Piano Technicians Netherlands). A certified technician guarantees the value and playability of your instrument.

What is a healthy humidity and temperature level?

The ideal relative humidity is between 45% and 60% at a room temperature of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius (64-72°F). A brief excursion to 70% is acceptable, but prolonged deviations inevitably lead to damage to the wood, glue joints, and tuning pins.

Use a reliable digital hygrometer near the instrument to monitor values throughout the year. Place the meter at the same height as the piano, not near a window or radiator.

What impact do underfloor heating and modern insulation have?

Underfloor heating is one of the greatest risks for pianos and grand pianos. The rising dry heat passes directly through the instrument and dries out the soundboard and pin block. This can lead to cracks in the wood and loose tuning pins.

With underfloor heating, place an insulating mat under the instrument or consider a climate control system. Well-known systems include the Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System and the Piano Guard System. These are built into the piano and automatically regulate the humidity around the soundboard by humidifying or dehumidifying. Your piano technician can advise which system best suits your situation.

In modern insulated homes, an exterior wall is less problematic than before, provided there is space for air circulation behind the piano (minimum 10 centimeters / 4 inches).

Why is technical maintenance (regulation) necessary?

The action of a piano contains more than 5,000 parts made of felt, leather, and wood. Through intensive use, these materials wear, and the wood "works" due to climate fluctuations. This changes the adjustment, making the touch uneven or heavy.

Regulation is the process of precisely adjusting all these moving parts. This is essential for good playability and preserving the tone quality. A complete regulation is recommended on average every five to ten years, depending on usage.

What is voicing and when is it needed?

Voicing is the process of working on the hammer heads to optimize the tone color of the piano. Through years of use, the hammer felts become hard and indented where they strike the strings. This results in a harsh, bright tone.

A piano technician can reshape the hammers and soften the felt by needling it. This restores the instrument's warm, full sound.

Is a pre-purchase inspection for a used piano worthwhile?

Absolutely. An independent technician evaluates vital components such as the soundboard, bridges, and pin block. Defects like cracks in the wood or worn bearings are invisible to a layperson but determine whether an instrument is still tunable and what future maintenance costs will be.

A pre-purchase inspection prevents a bargain "marketplace find" from turning out to be an expensive mistake. The cost of an inspection (typically between €75 and €150 / $80-$160) does not outweigh an unexpected repair of several thousand euros.

How should the keys and case be cleaned?

Clean the keys only with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth without cleaning agents. Wipe from back to front, not sideways, to prevent moisture from running between the keys. Never use alcohol or solvents.

For a high-gloss case, a microfiber cloth is the safest choice to prevent fine scratches. Special polishing products for piano lacquer are available from your piano technician.

Can I tune my piano myself?

Tuning a piano is a profession that requires years of practice. Without proper training and tools, you can cause more damage than good.

Moreover, professional tuning is not just about the correct pitch, but also about creating a "temperament" where all intervals sound pure. This requires a trained ear and years of experience.

How long does a piano last?

A quality piano, with proper maintenance and in a stable climate, can last 50 to 100 years. Lifespan depends heavily on build quality, intensity of use, and the care given to the instrument.

After 30 to 50 years, a major overhaul may be needed, where strings, hammers, and dampers are replaced. For top instruments, this is a valuable investment that makes the instrument playable for decades more.

What happens if an instrument does not have the proper CITES declaration?

It will be considered that the instrument was illegally obtained and it can be confiscated. In the best case scenario, it may suffice to replace the keyboard with acrylic. If an instrument no longer contains any CITES materials, the entire regulation no longer applies.

Do clients who have stored their instruments at a business need to be informed about this?

The proper CITES documents are required as soon as a client wants to trade their instrument or move it outside the EU. Trade is broadly defined by CITES as "transfer" and includes buying, selling, offering for sale, exchanging, or giving away.

What about clients who purchased an instrument with ivory from a dealer?

If this instrument was not accompanied by the proper CITES documents at the time of sale, it was, according to the letter of the regulation, unlawfully obtained and therefore illegal.

How do I prove that I legally acquired the ivory?

Were the CITES rules not yet in effect when the ivory item came into your possession? You can demonstrate this through (a combination of) the following documents:

• A receipt or invoice
• A deed of gift or inheritance documents (will/testament)
• Old photographs with a date, recognizable person, or location
• Insurance documents
• Letters, newspaper articles, or other original publications proving the origin
• A witness statement or signed declaration by the owner
• Confirmation from a manufacturer or expert that the instrument was produced in an EU member state
• A birth certificate (if the antique ivory is an heirloom)

See our page on ivory regulations for the full list.

Are rosewood instruments subject to the same CITES regulations?

If this wood species appears on one of the CITES lists, the CITES rules apply. Possibly less strict than for ivory, but with the same regulatory framework.

How do we know if the ivory comes from African or Asian elephants?

The difference cannot be determined by the naked eye. It can only be established through DNA analysis. Sometimes a manufacturer or keyboard builder has information about the origin of the ivory. This was common practice for instruments built after 1975.

See our page on ivory identification for more information.

Are CITES rules applied differently per country?

CITES transcends national borders. For all EU member states, the regulations established by Brussels are the same. Each country can strengthen these with national legislation and its own enforcement agreements. As a result, there may be national differences.

How far does the authority of government agencies extend?

Ultimately, this concerns a national application. The authority of the relevant government agencies therefore extends to the national borders.

If we privately purchase a grand piano with ivory key coverings, who bears the burden of proof?

The selling party must have the required CITES documents.

Can we purchase an instrument with ivory key coverings if we immediately replace the ivory with synthetic material?

Once an instrument no longer contains any CITES materials, the entire regulation no longer applies. However, the transfer itself must still be lawful. Therefore, ensure that the required documents are present at the time of purchase.

Does PianoInfo have a model expert declaration?

Yes. Through PianoInfo, registered businesses can create a CITES expert declaration. The structure and content are designed to meet the requirements of the CITES authorities. The declaration contains all necessary information for proper assessment by the relevant authorities.

Visit our Declaration Request page for more information and the option to create a declaration directly.