Equal temperament is the most widely used tuning system in Western music. It divides the octave into 12 equal parts, which means that all semitones (half steps) are of equal size.

“Equal Temperament Tuning” is often referred to as “Standard Tuning.” – Standard tuning method is most often used with Concert Pitch as a Reference.

Concert pitch, also known as international standard pitch, is the  standardized tuning system in which the note A above middle C is set to vibrate at precisely 440 hertz (Hz). This means that when the A above middle C is played on a properly tuned instrument, it will produce a sound wave oscillating at a frequency of 440 cycles per second.

Concert pitch serves as a reference point for tuning musical instruments. When musicians tune their instruments to concert pitch, it ensures that they are in harmony with each other, facilitating ensemble playing. It also allows for consistent and accurate performance across different instruments and orchestras.

The adoption of 440 Hz as the standard concert pitch is an international convention that has been in use for many years. However, it’s worth noting that in the past, different regions and historical periods have had varying standards for concert pitch, and some orchestras or ensembles may still use different pitches for specific repertoire or historical accuracy.

Advantages: This system allows a piano to be played in any key with consistent intonation. It is well-suited for playing in multiple keys or for ensemble playing.

Disadvantages: While it provides versatility, some argue that it may compromise the purity of certain intervals compared to other tuning systems.

Just intonation is a tuning system based on pure, simple frequency ratios between notes. This means that intervals are tuned to whole number ratios.

Advantages: Just intonation can result in very pure, harmonically rich intervals. It can be particularly effective for specific types of music, such as acapella vocal ensembles or certain chamber music.

Disadvantages: It limits the keys a piano can effectively play in. Adjusting to different keys requires retuning.

Well temperament is a historical term that refers to various systems of tuning that were used before the widespread adoption of equal temperament. These systems aimed to provide a compromise between different keys, allowing for pleasant-sounding music in a variety of tonalities.

Advantages: Well temperaments offer a compromise that allows for more expressive playing in a wider range of keys compared to just intonation.

Disadvantages: Like just intonation, it still requires retuning for different keys, though less frequently.

Meantone temperaments were prominent in the 16th and 17th centuries. They used a specific system of tuning that aimed to produce pure thirds at the expense of other intervals.

Advantages: Meantone temperament provides very pure major and minor thirds, making it suitable for music emphasizing those intervals.

Disadvantages: It makes certain keys, particularly those with many accidentals, sound out of tune. This led to the development of well temperaments.

Over time, various components of the piano action, such as hammers, dampers, and felts, may become worn and need replacement.

If a piano string breaks, it needs to be replaced. This involves removing the old string and installing a new one, then tuning it to the correct pitch.

Generally there are two types of Strings:

Plain Wire: This type of string is a single, solid wire with a uniform diameter along its length. It is used for the higher notes on the piano.

Wound Wire: This type consists of a core wire with a layer of wire wound around it. The outer winding is usually made of a softer metal, such as copper or bronze. Wound strings are used for the lower notes on the piano.

Sticky keys or an action that doesn’t move smoothly can be caused by a variety of issues, such as worn or misaligned parts, dirt or debris, or humidity-related swelling. These issues can be repaired by a technician.

Glue joints can become loose over time due to temperature changes or other factors. Repairing these joints involves re-gluing the parts to ensure stability.

If the soundboard becomes damaged or develops cracks, it may need to be replaced or refurbished to maintain proper resonance.

Pedals can become loose or misaligned and may need to be adjusted or repaired.

If keys are damaged or severely worn, they may need to be replaced.

In environments with extreme temperature or humidity fluctuations, installing a climate control system can help protect the piano from damage.