Many piano owners will have heard that particularly hot or cold weather can affect a piano, and one of the first signs is the familiar sound of a piano losing its tuning. This is because variations in temperature and humidity will destabilise the wooden structure of the piano and this will alter the tension across the strings.

To combat these problems, all piano owners should own a hygrometer. This is a small device which measures relative humidity and is very easy to use. This enables piano owners to check that their instrument is in the best possible environment. We recommend a room which stays between 40% - 60% relative humidity. We stock digital hygrometers which are incredibly accurate, and we can send user guides and charts to customers to help them make the most of their purchase.

Making small changes such as keeping a piano out of the sun, or moving pianos away from outside walls can make huge differences and keep your piano sounding great for even longer. If you let us know the results of your hygrometer we are always happy to provide advice on how to keep their piano at its best.

During a heatwave, temperatures can soar and conditions can become either very dry or very humid. These extremes will put any piano under a little strain, so you should book yourself in for a tuning with a qualified tuner once the weather has settled down. We can usually find appointment times for tunings within 1 - 2 weeks, so make sure you contact us in advance. We expect to be very busy after this summer's heatwave!