Action Regulation

Have you noticed that your piano’s keys respond inconsistently? Perhaps some keys require different amounts of pressure than others, or you find it difficult to achieve certain dynamic levels which were once possible from the instrument. Despite routine tunings, the piano lacks the predictable, uniform touch that you recall it having years ago. If so, your piano may benefit from regulation.

Regulation is the standard maintenance procedure whereby mechanical adjustments are made to ensure optimal performance and responsiveness from your piano.

(Fig. 1) Model showing one note in a grand piano action

The piano action (see fig. 1 and fig. 2) is a complex system of levers comprised of thousands of moving parts, designed to efficiently transfer energy from each key to its respective strings. Many of the action components incorporate natural materials which settle, compress, expand, and contract with time, use, and weather fluctuations. These dimensional changes negatively affect the responsiveness, efficiency, and dynamic ability of the piano, all of which can be improved through regulation.

A piano in need of regulation can become an obstacle for a pianist, whether they realize it or not. It can impede a student’s learning process, introduce unnecessary aggravation, or frustrate the advanced pianist’s ability to control the instrument. No amount of practice can compensate for a poorly maintained action. Unless adjustments are made, the piano will continue to fall further out of regulation, and become even more difficult to play.

On the other hand, a well-regulated piano responds smoothly and predictably from key-to-key, allows for ideal playability, repetition, and dynamic control, and facilitates a seamless connection between the pianist and the instrument. With regular maintenance, including regulation, a piano has the potential to be the perfect tool for musical expression.

(Fig. 2) Model showing one note in an upright piano action

Regulation typically refers to regulation of the keyboard action. Please note, the damper (back action) and pedal systems may also require regulation. For “tone regulating,” please see information here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which areas do you service?

We service the area denoted in green on the map below. This includes, but is not limited to: Ballantyne, Carmel, Dilworth, Matthews, Myers Park, Quail Hollow, South End, and SouthPark. Please contact us by phone at 704-593-6741 or by email at bradfantpianos@gmail.com to inquire about special accommodations.
How often do I need to have my piano tuned? Why does it go out of tune?

Generally, pianos should be tuned every 6 months or every year, even if they are not being played regularly. Pianos on the concert stage, in recording studios, or in schools may require more frequent tuning and attention. The piano's main structure and soundboard are both made of wood, which expand and contract with climate change and humidity variation. Fluctuations in the wood net an out of tune piano. It is especially important to tune new pianos several times during their first few years to ensure that the string tension and piano structure reach a stable equilibrium. For more information about tuning, please see here.
What is a "pitch raise?"

All modern pianos are designed to be tuned and sound their best at "standard pitch," where A4=440 Hz (A above middle C vibrates at 440 cycles per second). If a piano has not been tuned for an extended period of time (over ~12 months), has been through extreme climate fluctuations, or has been moved, the overall pitch of the piano may be significantly higher or lower than standard pitch. In this situation, the piano will require a pitch adjustment or "pitch raise" to bring the piano’s combined string tension back into a normal range before a standard fine tuning can be performed. A pitch raise and fine tuning are typically performed in the same service appointment, but in very extreme cases, where multiple pitch raises are necessary, a second appointment may be necessary. The need for a pitch raise cannot be determined without assessing the piano in person. For more information about pitch raises, please see here.
I'm moving. How can I move my piano safely and when should I have it tuned?

Moving your piano shouldn't be stressful and you most definitely should not attempt to move it yourself. Hire an insured piano mover, not just any mover! The piano is a fragile instrument and permanent damage can easily be done by an inexperienced mover. Please feel free to reach out if you would like a referral. It's generally recommended to wait about one month after your move to tune the piano, allowing it to acclimate to the new location. This will net a more stable tuning than had it been tuned immediately.
Do you repair digital pianos and keyboards?

We do not service or repair digital pianos/keyboards, and recommend contacting your instrument's manufacturer for a referral to a certified service center: Casio Kawai Korg Roland Yamaha
What is a RPT (Registered Piano Technician)?

The Piano Technicians Guild is a nonprofit organization that regulates the trade of piano technology. A RPT is a piano technician who has undergone and passed tuning, technical, and written exams according the the Piano Technicians Guild standards. The Registered Piano Technician certification is the only official guild certification for piano technicians in the United States. For more information about Registered Piano Technicians, please see here.
What type of payments do you accept?

Accepted forms of payment include: paper check, cash, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, and all major credit and debit cards. For more information about payments, please see here.