The piano: tuning, punching and fine-tuning the action(Letto 181 volte)

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Piano maintenance

The care and maintenance of your piano are essential to ensure optimal performance over time. In this article, we explore the different aspects of maintenance, from the delicacy of tuning to the subtle arts of hammer voicing and mechanical adjustment. Discover in a nutshell how to preserve and improve the sound of your precious musical instrument.

Piano tuning

The tuning stability of an acoustic piano is greatly influenced by the structure of the instrument, its age, any movements, changes in temperature and humidity, the skill of the tuner and, of course, simple wear and tear from use.

While theoretically at least one tuning per month would be required to ensure a high level of satisfaction when using the instrument, it is fair to say that a studio piano should be tuned at least once or twice a year.

Furthermore, if the piano is to be used for concerts or recitals, it should be tuned more frequently, preferably just before each concert.

A healthy, dry environment and a constant temperature will allow a quality piano to remain well tuned for longer and will help it to last longer.

Obviously, digital pianos will never need tuning, as they are pre-tuned through the recording of samples taken from perfectly tuned high-quality pianos.

Tuning the piano by punching the hammers

The sound produced by the piano comes from a wooden hammer covered with wool felt that strikes a string or a group of two or three strings tuned in unison. The timbre quality largely depends on the consistency of the felt that strikes the string, i.e. the hardness, elasticity and shape of its striking surface. 

The term “piano intonation” does not refer to its tuning, but rather to the punching or stretching operations performed on the felt covering the hammers, which regulate the tonal quality of the instrument's attack transients so that it can produce sounds that are tonally homogeneous and progressive across its entire range and at various dynamic levels.

Punching, or making small holes in the felt with a special tool in order to soften it, or, conversely, stretching it to harden it or even sculpting its shape, are all operations that allow the tone of each individual note to be modelled.

Obviously, the most common problem is caused by the hardening of the hammer felt after a certain period of use; the felt pads tend to compress and groove as a result of countless impacts on the strings; they therefore become much harder, causing the following imbalances:

• The sound will become more aggressive and sharp, as well as less expressive and modulatable.
• The strings will be subjected to greater stress with each impact, which in the long run will also have a significant effect on the tuning stability. 

Therefore, it will be necessary to periodically punch the felts of each hammer in order to restore their original or ideal softness; the intervals between punching should be reduced in proportion to the intensity, dynamism and duration of use of the instrument.

Tuning the piano mechanics

The piano mechanism consists of numerous parts, some of which are equipped with adjustment screws. Tuning the mechanism therefore consists of regulating and optimising the movement of the moving parts., depending on the structural choices made by the manufacturer and the pianist's requirements; therefore, in this sense, it is possible to proceed either in a standard manner or by seeking a degree of customisation, as the playing control can be improved by appropriately adjusting the mechanics of the instrument.

A well-regulated piano means maximum responsiveness and therefore greater dynamic and expressive control, as well as greater playing pleasure.

The frequency of these operations can vary greatly depending on the instrument's usage time, touch and holding capacity, but typically ranges from 1 to 6 years. 

The most common indicators of the need for a tune-up are:

• keys that do not seem to go down far enough or that go down too far
• audible response that highlights uneven volume in the various notes at the same pressure intensity
• key tops positioned at different heights rather than perfectly aligned
• difficulty in achieving and controlling pianissimo and/or fortissimo dynamics
• sensation when touching keys that are too light or too heavy
• difficulty in performing a rapid and consistent repetition of the same note
• blockers that do not block well and others that block too much or too quickly
• hammers that do not return correctly to their resting position or that remain misaligned during the escapement function
• other various and unforeseeable inconveniences

Conclusion

In conclusion, the piano is a work of art that requires constant care to maintain its beauty and musicality. From regular tuning to the delicate task of adjusting the hammers that shape its sound character, to fine-tuning the mechanics that ensure a precise and responsive touch, every aspect of maintenance is essential to keep the instrument performing at its best.

The frequency of these operations may vary depending on how often the piano is used, but investing time and attention in its maintenance will pay off with extraordinary performance and greater durability, allowing it to continue to be a source of inspiration for many years to come.

If you would like further information or have any questions about the piano, please comment on the article.