Is Your Piano Trying to Tell You Something? 5 Signs It’s Time for a Tuning or Service
- Dale Dahlberg
- May 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Has something about your piano started to seem a little “off”? Maybe it doesn’t sound quite as beautiful as you remember—or perhaps some keys have started to stick, something is buzzing, or the touch just doesn’t feel right. Like any complex machine, your piano gives you little clues when it’s due for a tune up.
I’ve worked with hundreds of pianos across the Twin Cities, and I’ve seen firsthand: regular care makes a big difference in how well a piano performs. Whether you play daily or only occasionally, keeping your piano in good shape protects its value and brings out its full potential, making it easier and more fun to play.
So, how can you tell if it’s time for service? Here are five clear signs.
1. It Just Doesn’t Sound Right Anymore
If your piano has notes that sound sour, wobbly, or out of tune with each other, it’s probably overdue for a tuning. Even if it hasn’t been played much, the tension on the strings shifts gradually over time—especially with Minnesota’s changing seasons.
Or maybe it’s started to sound too bright, even harsh. If you find yourself adjusting how you play to compensate, avoiding certain notes, or if the whole piano just feels less musical than it used to, trust your ears. That’s your piano asking for help.
2. Some Keys Stick or Feel Uneven
Do a few keys stick when you press them? Do certain notes only play sometimes? Or maybe the action just feels off—too heavy, or inconsistent? These touch-related issues often come from wear or seasonal weather changes.
During my Five Point Piano Tune Up, I always take time to check and touch up the action's regulation so everything works smoothly and feels consistent.
3. You Hear Buzzing, Clicking, or Rattling
Odd noises coming from your piano? You’re not imagining things.
Buzzing strings, loose hardware, worn felt, or even a pencil dropped inside can cause unwanted sounds. While tuning corrects pitch, resolving these noises requires a technician’s attention to detail and experience. If your piano is making strange sounds, it’s definitely time for a service visit.
4. It’s Been More Than a Year Since the Last Tuning
Even if your piano sounds “fine,” I recommend tuning twice per year. Pianos naturally drift out of tune with seasonal humidity and temperature changes. As a bare minimum, your piano should be tuned once per year to prevent it from falling into disrepair.
Waiting too long between services can make the next tuning more expensive or less stable, especially if the piano has fallen far out of tune. When that’s the case, it takes a second tuning (and sometimes even more than that) to bring the piano back to proper pitch.
Here’s something surprising: a piano that’s tuned regularly actually stays in tune longer between service visits than one that’s only tuned after it starts to sound bad.
5. It Was Recently Moved or Exposed to Weather Changes
A recent move can affect how your piano sounds and plays. And if your piano sits near a window, heating vent, or drafty spot, fluctuations in temperature and humidity will throw off the tuning and affect the action’s parts.
If your piano has been through any of these changes, it’s a good idea to schedule a tuning to make sure it continues to sound great.
Don’t Ignore the Signs!
Small issues tend to grow if they’re left alone, which is why I take a comprehensive, proactive approach to piano care. My Five Point Piano Tune Up includes more than just a quick tuning. It also includes action regulation touch-ups, voicing touch-ups, light cleaning, and minor repairs—all in one visit.
I take care of the little things that need attention, so your piano sounds and feels its best, every time.
If it’s been a while since your piano was last serviced, or if your piano is showing any of the signs above, let’s get it back on track!
I’m based in Eden Prairie, and proudly offer friendly, expert piano care in the west and southwest Twin Cities, including Minneapolis, Wayzata, Chaska, Deephaven, and other nearby cities.
—or reach out with any questions. I will be happy to help you!