Does a New Piano Need Tuning in Singapore?
Yes — a new piano absolutely needs tuning in Singapore. Even if it was tuned at the factory or at the showroom, it will have drifted during shipping, storage, and delivery. New pianos also need more frequent tuning in the first year as the strings stretch and settle.
Why New Pianos Go Out of Tune
New piano strings are made of fresh steel wire. When first installed and tensioned, the wire creeps — microscopic stretching occurs over weeks and months as the string settles into its new state of tension. This is normal and expected.
Specifically, three things happen to a new piano:
- String stretch — new strings stretch under tension, causing pitch to drop; this is most pronounced in the first 6 months
- Pin block settling — tuning pins sit in a wooden pin block; as the pin block adjusts to the piano's environment, pins can slip slightly
- Environmental acclimatisation — moving from a factory or showroom to a Singapore home means adjusting to local humidity; the soundboard adjusts, shifting string tension
How Often to Tune a New Piano in Singapore
Piano manufacturers and our technicians recommend the following schedule for a new piano in its first year:
- First tuning: 4–6 weeks after delivery (once the piano has settled into its new environment)
- Second tuning: 3 months after first tuning
- Third tuning: 6 months after second tuning
- Ongoing: twice per year (every 6 months)
This is more frequent than the standard recommendation for established pianos, but it protects the instrument and ensures you are not playing on a significantly out-of-tune piano during those critical first months of learning.
What About Tuning That Came With the Piano?
Some Singapore piano retailers include a free tuning within 1–3 months of purchase. Take advantage of this — it is provided specifically because the retailer knows the piano will need post-delivery tuning. After that free session, you are responsible for ongoing maintenance.
Does the Brand Matter?
Higher-quality pianos (Yamaha U series, Kawai K series, Bechstein, Steinway) generally have better-quality strings and pin blocks that settle more quickly. Entry-level or budget pianos may take longer to settle and may need more frequent tuning in year one. However, all new pianos need regular tuning regardless of brand.
Book Your New Piano's First Tuning
If your piano was recently delivered, WhatsApp us your piano brand, delivery date, and location. We'll advise on timing and book your appointment. Standard tuning: Upright S$100 · Grand S$200.