When most people think of piano tuning, they imagine setting every note to perfect concert pitch (A=440 Hz). But with older or long-neglected pianos, that’s not always the best approach. Sometimes, the healthiest choice for the instrument is to “tune it to itself” rather than forcing it back up to standard pitch.
What does “tuning to itself” mean?
It means that instead of adjusting your piano to match the international standard pitch, I tune each note so that it is perfectly in harmony with the others, even if the whole piano sits slightly lower than concert pitch.
Why wouldn’t we raise the pitch?
If a piano hasn’t been tuned for many years, the strings have been sitting under reduced tension for a long time. Forcing them back to full tension in one go can be risky. The sudden extra strain can:
- Cause strings to snap (an expensive repair).
- Put excessive stress on the soundboard and frame.
- Lead to the piano drifting out of tune much faster.
In Ireland’s often damp climate, older pianos are especially vulnerable to these stresses. Tuning “to itself” protects the instrument, allowing it to sound beautiful and stable without endangering its structure.
Will my piano ever reach concert pitch?
In some cases, with careful, gradual pitch-raising over several tunings, yes. In other cases—especially with antique or heavily worn pianos—it’s better to enjoy the piano at its current pitch. A well-tuned piano, even if slightly low, can still be a joy to play and listen to.
What’s next?
My goal as a fifth-generation tuner is to balance musical quality with the long-term health of your instrument. “Tuning to itself” isn’t a shortcut—it’s a way to keep your piano sounding sweet while ensuring it lasts for many more years.
Gary Woods Piano Tuning 