How Much Does Piano Tuning Cost

Estimates for USA, Canada, UK & Australia

Owning a piano is wonderful - especially when you or someone in your house plays beautiful music on it. However, to maintain its optimal sound and performance, regular piano tuning is essential. And if a piano has been moved, or will be moved, it'll also require tuning.

But how much does piano tuning cost? We'll break that down below focusing country by country. Although the cost can fluctuate depending on region or area you're in and how accessible or in-demand piano tuners are, this will give you a rough idea of what to expect.

Below we'll cover:

And piano tuning costs for:

Factors Affecting Piano Tuning Costs

There are a few things that will influence the cost of piano tuning. Some may apply to you or your piano while others won't.

These factors are:

your location (are you remote, in a big city, and are there experienced piano tuners nearby)
the complexity of the tuning required (older pianos or ones not used for sometime may require tuning more often or repairs)
the piano technicians experience and expertise

You'll also want to factor in the condition of the piano, its age and how long it was since the last tuning. If a complex tuning is required, it'll increase the cost. You can ask for an estimate from a piano tuner if you think you'll be in this situation.

If you're buying a new piano, you may not really know how great of shape the piano is in but when playing it, consider the how in tune it is in general, and factor in how many notes don't work or anything else that doesn't work. You may also be able to contact a local piano tuner to ask if they've worked on this particular piano to see what they remember about it and costs involved.

You can learn more about how much pianos cost here.

Piano Tuning Frequency

One thing to keep in mind has been and will be tuned. If you want to go more in depth in this area, you can learn about how often to tune a piano here.

In general, pianos should be tuned at least once a year, even if they are not played frequently. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause the piano's strings to expand or contract, leading to pitch inconsistencies.

However, for pianos used more intensively, such as those in professional settings or music schools, tuning every six months or even quarterly may be recommended. Regular tuning helps maintain the piano's tonal quality, ensures proper key responsiveness, and prevents more extensive repairs in the future.

The cost of regular tuning will help offset the cost of a big repair or rebuild of something inside a piano.

Piano Tuning Costs By Country

I have people read the information I have here on this Piano Lessons website from all over the world. And while I won't cover every country, I can cover the countries that I get the most readers from.

So here's a breakdown of the approximate pricing ranges in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia.

Australia: Piano Tuning Cost

In Australia, piano tuning costs typically range from $150 to $300, with an average price of around $200. This is for tuning only and doesn't include repairs.

Pricing variations can be influenced by factors such as location, piano size, and condition. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne may have higher costs compared to regional areas. On the other hand, regional areas might not have many piano tuners available and you may need to pay for extra travel costs making it more expensive.

Additional services or repairs may incur extra charges. I'd recommend calling a few piano tuners for an idea of what'll cost in your area or to get an estimate.

Canada: Piano Tuning Cost

In Canada, the cost of piano tuning typically ranges from $100 to $250, with an average cost of around $150.

Larger cities or areas with higher living costs may have higher pricing. Additional services or repairs may also incur additional charges.

It's important to note that pricing can vary across provinces and territories. B.C. and Ontario can be more expensive while the Maritimes can be cheaper. I'd recommend calling around, if you can find more than one piano tuner, and getting a quote.

United Kingdom: Piano Tuning Cost

In the UK, piano tuning costs range from £60 to £150, with an average price of around £90.

Prices may be higher in London and other major cities. As with the other countries, additional services, such as repairs or pitch adjustments, may increase the final cost.

It's recommended to inquire with local piano tuners or companies for specific pricing details based on your location and piano's requirements.

USA: Piano Tuning Cost

In the USA, the cost of piano tuning ranges from $100 to $300, with an average price of around $150. However, prices can be higher in major cities or areas with a higher cost of living.

Factors such as piano size, condition, and the complexity of the tuning required can influence the final cost. Some technicians may charge additional fees for adjustments or repairs, so it's essential to discuss these details upfront.

Prices for more specialized services, such as pitch raising for severely out-of-tune pianos, may exceed the average range.

If You Haven't Bought A Piano Yet ...

Keyboard Altneratives

If you're in the research phase and covering your bases by understanding the full cost of owning a piano, it's worth mentioning keyboards and digital pianos here.

Piano keyboards and digital pianos require no tuning.

If you are wanting something with lesson maintenance or lower maintenance costs, digital pianos and keyboards are a good alternative. In fact, with the location and weather in my area, this is what I'm using currently instead of an upright piano.

Digital pianos simulate the sound and touch of an acoustic piano while providing additional features such as volume control, headphone compatibility, and recording capabilities. They don't require regular tuning and are generally more affordable compared to acoustic pianos.

Prices for digital pianos vary widely depending on the brand, features, and quality, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. You can read about costs of digital pianos here or check out the keyboards and digital pianos I recommend here.

In Conclusion

Maintaining the optimal sound and performance of your piano through regular tuning is vital. While costs may vary depending on factors such as geographic location and the complexity of the tuning required, it's important to prioritize finding a skilled and experienced piano technician.

Remember to tune your piano at least once a year, or more frequently if heavily played. If you're looking for a lower maintenance alternative, digital pianos offer a compelling option.

By understanding the costs associated with piano tuning and exploring alternative keyboard choices, you can make informed decisions and continue to enjoy the beautiful music your instrument brings to your life.

More pages that might help:

Acoustic vs Digital Piano: Choosing the Perfect Instrument for You
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How Often Do You Tune A Piano?
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