How can I tell a good piano tuner from a bad one?

What do good piano tuner’s use? This lady says she just uses an A44 tuning fork to get the piano in tune. I have seen another tuner use a digital instrument. What is better? Of course, my husband is thinking he can tune the piano with the right instruments… Hubby LOVES any excuse to buy more tools.

Either/or.

Most professional tuners will use a tuning fork (A=440), then set the temperament by ear, then work their way across the instrument.

It’s an acquired skill, you don’t just « pick it up ». If you husband insists on tuning his own piano, a $20 digital tuner won’t do. He will need a « strobe » tuner. Peterson makes some of the best, most have been turned into « virtual strobe tuners. »

The Peterson StroboFlip would be a good choice.

More important than the tuner will be a quality tuning hammer. I use a Hale hammer. Again, don’t skimp on quality. Expect to pay $75 or more for a good hammer with a #2 star head. The grip MUST be comfortable in the hand, and the head must NOT slip on the tuning pins.

Next, a temperament felt … it’s a thick felt mute about three feet long. Add some rubber mutes. With a stick is often easier to use than plain rubber wedges.

A capstain wrench is very useful for pushing the temperament strip between the strings.

MOST important … before anything else, get a copy of Arthur Reblitz’ book « Piano Servicing, Tuning, and Rebuilding, Second Edition: For the Professional, the Student, and the Hobbyist  »

… makes a great Christmas present! (no, I’m not him, and he doesn’t know me from Adam.)

Tune a piano without tools