Yes. In most cases you will want to have your piano tuned after it has been moved to a new location. Pianos are extremely sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, and even a small difference in environment can cause the instrument to drift out of tune.
Keep in mind that moving a piano will usually not cause the overall pitch to drop dramatically. A piano that has just been tuned and then moved will normally stay close to pitch, but the octaves and unisons will often shift slightly and the piano will need to be tuned again.
Why Moving a Piano Affects Its Tuning
When a piano is moved from one home to another, the humidity and temperature levels are often different. Even a small environmental change can affect tuning stability.
For example, a piano that has been sitting in a home with a temperature of 74 degrees and humidity of around 55% may suddenly be placed in a room that is 75 degrees with 45% humidity. That change can have an impact on the tuning of the piano.
Just like wooden floors expand and contract with seasonal humidity changes, the piano’s soundboard also expands and contracts. Because the strings are under nearly 20 tons of tension and push down on the soundboard, even small changes in the soundboard can affect string tension and cause the piano to go out of tune.
How Long Should You Wait To Tune a Piano After Moving?
Most piano technicians recommend waiting a a week before tuning a piano after it has been moved.
After arriving at its new location, the piano should be given time to adjust to the humidity and temperature of the new environment. In many cases this takes about two to three weeks.
If a piano is tuned immediately after moving, it may drift out of tune again as the instrument continues adjusting to its new surroundings.
Can Moving a Piano Damage the Tuning?
Moving a piano does not damage the tuning pins or strings when the instrument is moved properly by trained piano movers.
Professional piano movers understand how to move the instrument safely, including removing grand piano legs and properly balancing the piano during transport. The tuning change that happens after moving is primarily the result of environmental changes rather than physical damage.
Professional Piano Moving and Tuning in Dallas
If you are planning on moving a piano in the Dallas area, Bradfield Piano Restoration, Moving & Storage can help. Our team specializes in professional piano moving and tuning services and has extensive experience handling both grand and upright pianos.
After your piano has been moved and allowed time to acclimate, we can also provide professional tuning to bring the instrument back to its proper pitch and sound. Contact Bradfield Piano
