A pitch raise is a rough tuning, which generally takes a piano tuner less than a half an hour. Piano Tuners call it a pitch raise because one must raise the pitch of each string about 25 to 30 percent as sharp beyond concert pitch as it was flat. By the time the pitch raise process is completed, the strings have fallen back to approximately concert pitch and a fine tuning by the piano tuner can successfully be achieved.

A pitch raise or pitch adjustment is needed when, in order to achieve the desired tuning, a great shift in tension across all the strings of the piano is required. All of the strings of the piano are exerting pressure on a large piece of eighth inch thick wood called the sound board through contact with another piece of wood called the bridge. As the tension on each string is increased the tension on the others is decreased. I can only predict the subsequent decrease in tension within a certain range, therefore a fine tuning must follow a pitch raise. A pitch raise will be needed if your piano has not been tuned for more than a year or is extremely flat or sharp.

If the instrument is tuned regularly (about every six months) it may never require a pitch raise. If it has been a long time you should expect that one will be needed. I will let you know on the day if I have concluded that one will be necessary.

New Prices:

£40 Introductory tuning

£50 for a standard tuning

£60 for a pitch raise and fine tuning (both classified as one job)

– Richard, Piano Tuner Sheffield