Fall, Winter, and Piano Tuning: Why Seasonal Care Matters

As the seasons shift from warm to cold, your piano feels it—even if it’s safely indoors. Fall and winter bring major changes in temperature and humidity, both of which have a direct effect on the wood and strings inside your instrument. These fluctuations can cause your piano to go out of tune more quickly, and in some cases, even lead to long-term damage if not addressed properly.

When the air gets drier during the colder months, the wood inside your piano contracts, especially the soundboard and action parts. This subtle movement changes the tension on the strings, often making your piano sound flat or uneven. Even a well-tuned piano can drift significantly out of tune during a harsh seasonal change.

In fall, it’s smart to schedule a pre-winter tuning, especially before holiday gatherings, recitals, or increased indoor playing. A well-timed service ensures your piano sounds its best when it's used most. If you're using heating systems at home, consider installing a humidity control system to protect your instrument from the dry indoor air. Keeping your environment between 40–50% humidity helps preserve tuning stability and prevents cracks in the soundboard or other wooden parts.

Tuning your piano at least twice a year—typically in fall and spring—is a great way to stay ahead of seasonal shifts and maintain the long-term health of your instrument.