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It’s no secret that having your piano tuned professionally can get expensive. However, regularly tuning your piano is essential for upkeep and just good maintenance (not to mention keeping your keys sounding great). Since most piano manufacturers suggest that you tune the instrument twice a year at the very minimum, purchasing a piano tuning toolkit for your own use at home saves money and encourages more frequent tuning checks.
What Are the Best Piano Tuning Kits?
Whether you’re searching for a just-the-basics kit to get started or something with a few more added accessories, the best piano tuning kits should include a tuning hammer for making adjustments to the piano’s tuning pins and rubber (or felt) mutes that can be placed between unison strings so that each string can be individually tuned.
The tuning hammer is the focal point of the kit. Since piano tuning is a lengthy process that requires repetitive motions and great attention, you want to make sure that the hammer is built out of comfortable material and that the shape lends itself to an easy grip. Additionally, hammers with a longer lever are preferable when it comes to making small adjustments with the tuning pins. Levers typically measure from ten to fourteen inches, and anything longer than fourteen inches may be difficult to maneuver within the instrument.
Once you’ve grown comfortable with the essential tools, you may seek kits that include mutes of varying textures, handles, or clamps, depending on which is most comfortable for you to maneuver between the strings of your instrument. Tweezers, screwdrivers, and a second, smaller hammer are additional accessories that those operating on a more professional level will find helpful to any maintenance routine.
No matter your experience level, these tools – and their accompanying instructions– can help you restore your instrument’s sound when splurging on a professional tuning technician is not an option.
