Not necessarily. While physical motion can cause a piano to go out of tune, the main reason it may need tuning after a move is due to changes in humidity levels in the new environment. It can take several weeks for the piano to react to these changes, so it’s recommended to wait before scheduling a tuning.

The frequency of tuning depends on the level of use, the environment, and budget. It’s advisable to have a minimum of one annual tuning to prevent the tuning from drifting too far from true and to check the overall condition of the instrument. On average, regular clients have their piano tuned every 6 months, and it’s also appropriate to tune it every 3 months to coincide with the seasons. There’s no harm in tuning a piano too often.

The time it takes to tune a piano can vary depending on the individual tuner, and should not necessarily be judged based on the amount of time spent at the piano. The most important factor is whether or not the piano sounds and feels great after the tuner has finished. Some tuners may spend more time at the piano due to distractions such as phone usage or chatting, which can result in higher fees for the customer.

An acoustic piano typically has a longer lifespan than an electronic piano, especially if it is well-maintained with regular tuning (at least once per year) and servicing every 5-7 years. On the other hand, an entry-level digital piano may only last 3-7 years and can be vulnerable to electrical damage.

The sound produced by an electronic piano is created by digital sound files played through an electric switch, resulting in a deficit in sound quality compared to an acoustic piano. The dynamics of an electronic piano’s sound file remain constant, while the dynamics of an acoustic note can vary based on the player’s touch and style, allowing for more musical expression.

Furthermore, the complex sustain and colorful timbre changes of an acoustic piano cannot be replicated by an electronic keyboard.

Playing an acoustic piano can also provide physical benefits, such as building strength and technique in the player’s hands, as the hammer strikes the string with varying degrees of velocity based on the player’s touch. In contrast, a digital piano simply lowers a weight with no variation in force, potentially leading to weaker hand muscles and poor technique.

In addition, the key playability of digital keyboards can be inconsistent, whereas high-quality acoustic pianos provide consistent note production across the entire key surface.

Overall, due to its superior sound quality, greater potential for musical expression, and physical benefits, an acoustic piano is generally considered the better option for serious pianists.

Many people are hesitant to purchase an 85-key piano, but there is no reason not to! Music composed prior to the 20th century only utilized 85 keys, and it wasn’t until the late 19th century that pianos began to be manufactured with 88 keys. The vast majority of piano music can be played on an 85-key piano, and you will still have a beautiful instrument even if you occasionally encounter a piece with higher notes.