The time needed for a piano tuning can vary depending on the technician, but the focus should be on the end result rather than the time spent. A well-tuned piano should sound and feel great once the technician has finished. Some tuners may take longer if there are distractions, such as phone calls or conversations, which could also increase the cost for the customer. Ultimately, the quality of the tune matters more than the duration.

How often your piano needs tuning depends on how frequently it’s played, the environment it’s in, and your personal budget. At a minimum, it’s recommended to tune your piano at least once a year to keep it in good shape and avoid significant drift. Many regular clients opt for tuning every 6 months, while tuning every 3 months to match the changing seasons is also beneficial. There’s no harm in tuning more frequently if needed.

A piano’s value is determined by several key elements, including its maintenance history, size, age, location, design, materials, manufacturing quality, setup, and brand.

• Maintenance: A piano that’s well-maintained will retain better value, while a neglected one will be worth less.
• Size: Larger pianos typically produce better sound, greater range, and enhanced projection, contributing to a higher value.
• Age: Over time, pianos naturally degrade, but how well they’ve been cared for can affect how quickly they lose value.
• Location: The environment can impact a piano’s condition—things like humidity and proximity to the ocean can cause it to deteriorate faster.
• Design: The mechanical design and structural quality of a piano influence its sound quality and potential.
• Materials & Manufacture: High-quality materials and craftsmanship contribute to higher value, while poor-quality parts can lower it.
• Setup: Even an excellent piano can underperform if it isn’t properly regulated, tuned, and voiced.
• Brand: Well-known brands tend to retain value better, but lesser-known pianos can still be valuable if they have good craftsmanship.

An acoustic piano generally has a longer lifespan than an electronic piano, especially if it receives regular tuning (at least annually) and maintenance every 5-7 years. A basic digital piano, however, might only last between 3-7 years and can be more prone to electrical malfunctions.

The sound quality of an electronic piano is produced by digital recordings, which can’t replicate the depth or dynamic changes of an acoustic piano. An acoustic piano’s sound varies depending on the player’s touch, giving it more expressiveness, while a digital piano produces a consistent, unchanging sound.

Moreover, acoustic pianos offer complex sustain and tonal variation that digital pianos simply can’t match. Playing an acoustic piano also strengthens hand muscles and improves technique, as the pressure applied to the keys directly impacts the sound. In contrast, digital pianos are less responsive, which can lead to weaker hand technique.

Additionally, the key action on digital pianos can vary greatly, while a well-built acoustic piano ensures a consistent feel across all the keys. For serious pianists, an acoustic piano’s superior sound, dynamic range, and physical benefits make it the preferred choice.