Frequently Asked Question

How often should I have my Piano tuned? How long does a Piano Tuning take?
All acoustic Pianos require an annual tuning with additional work required on high end/concert Pianos.

Here's a general outline of tuning requirements...
  • Household Pianos: Once a year
  • Piano teachers/Institutional Pianos: Twice a year
  • Concert Pianos: Before every concert

​A Piano tuning takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours depending upon the condition of the Piano and includes a through detailing of the instrument. 
​What does Piano servicing mean?
Piano servicing maintains the touch and tone to the finest level. It involves regulation, the process in which minute adjustments are made to the piano action to even out touch and response. It is important to make sure this is undertaken at regular intervals to allow your Piano to play to its highest potential. 
What is Voicing?
Voicing is the process of changing the tone of a Piano. This is most often undertaken by adjusting the tension inside a Piano Hammer by needling to redistribute the tension of the Hammer to vary the tone.

This is an important part of the regulation procedure and should be undertaken at every service. 
What is concert pitch?
Concert Pitch (A=440Hz) is the International standard that Orchestras tune to. It is a standardised pitch to which most modern Pianos are tuned to. Occasionally exceptions are made to older Pianos or on request. 
I've heard that some older Pianos are harder to tune?
Most Pianos are designed to provide a serviceable life of 50 - 80 years. It is common to see Instruments beyond this age in poor repair and unable to hold concert pitch. When this occurs a detailed report can be provided as to repair or replacement. 
Do you restore old Pianos?
Whilst repairs are undertaken on a select number of antique Pianos, many of these present with structural Issues that are either too complex or uneconomical to justify repair.  In this case a detailed report can be provided as well as assistance on replacement/disposal. 

​Can you recommend a local Piano mover?
For Piano moving in the Canberra Region I would recommend Canberra Piano Relocations

                                             http://pianorelocationscanberra.com.au​
Which areas do you service?
Heirloom Pianos currently undertake Piano Tunings in the following areas
  • Armidale
  • Tamworth Region
  • Coffs Harbour Region 
  • Gunnedah Region 
  • ​Appointments outside of these areas may be undertaken with advanced notice. 
Can you recommend a local Music teacher?
Please contact us on 0414 549 079 for a referral