How often should you have your piano tuned and serviced?

Well, how often is it played? Some pianos can get by with an annual tuning - really the least. Others twice or more per year, depending on frequency of use. A concert piano or one used in a studio will most likely have a tuning before each use.

The charge for a tuning in the Johannesburg area is from R700, (which is about R2 per day, for a year) Pretoria area R900. (click here). Rates for other areas fluctuate according to traveling time.

The servicing requirements of a piano also depends on its usage. With consistent use a piano may require attention every five years or so. There are many pianos (around 30 years old) which I have been attending to recently and have not had much attention up until now. Any piano older than this is badly in need of attention. A piano's tone will diminish and loose its qualities if not cared for. It is an investment both as a musical instrument and as a piece of furniture that deserves looking after.