How is a piano tuned?
A piano is essentially a huge string instrument that is designed to make sound when specific strings are hit by specific hammers that are triggered by the white and black keys of the piano. A piano is tuned by exposing the inside strings and hammers of the piano. The tones and notes of the strings are compared with analog or electronic tuning forks, and the piano strings are tuned to match the tuning fork. The piano is also tuned by checking the hammers that causes the strings to make sound. The hammers are checked for mechanical integrity and preciseness of impact.
The short answer is that a piano is tuned by adjusting the tension of the 230 odd strings that are stretched across its frame so that all the notes will play harmoniously at their assigned frequencies. More specifically, there are two main techniques: 1) Tuning by ear is done by carefully listening to and adjusting the interference vibrations between the coincident partials of intervals within the musical scale. It sounds complicated, but it is really a matter of adjusting the string tension so that all of the intervals (two notes played together) “beat” in a pleasing, even progression, slower in the bass and faster in the treble. 2) Tuning with a visual aid is accomplished by carefully adjusting string tension so that the vibrational frequencies match an ideal configuration indicated by an external electronic aid or scope. Some visual aids are simple, and others as complex as modern computer technology. Experience has proven that excellent results can be achieved employing either meth
