Kallie Swanepoel Piano Tuners
Piano Regulation

What Is Piano Regulation?
The Purpose Of Piano Regulation
If I Have My Piano Tuned Regularly, Why Do I Need To Have It Regulated?
How Often Is Regulation Needed?
How Would I Know That My Piano Needs Regulation?
All Pianos Are Regulated
Do You Need A Piano Regulation?

What Is Piano Regulation?

Piano regulation involves the fine setting and adjustment of all the parts of the action, keys and pedals in order to compensate for wear, compacting and vesting of felt and leather, as well as dimensional changes in wooden and felt parts due to humidity and temperature changes. The setting and adjustments are done expertly and adhere to all regulations. A well regulated piano will provide for the needs of the pianist. Prior to piano regulation all repairs should be completed expertly. The need for regulation will differ from piano to piano.

The Purpose Of Piano Regulation

The purpose of regulation is to ensure optimal performance and playability, which, in turn, ensures that the pianist can control the production of sound. Regulation controls the touch and conservative reaction of the piano action, which is necessary to ensure that every performance is enjoyable. It also ensures that the piano is able to produce and maintain the required volume levels, which is an important factor, especially in pianissimo passages.

If I Have My Piano Tuned Regularly, Why Do I Need To Have It Regulated?

While tuning corrects the pitch and harmony of your piano, it is only one element of a complete maintenance program. regulation attends to the touch and consistent responsiveness of your piano's action, all essential to making each performance enjoyable. In addition, regulation ensures that your piano is capable of producing a wide dynamic range, a critical factor, particularly in pianissimo passages.

Read more on
Piano Tuning
Pitch
Piano Touch

How Often Is Regulation Needed?

Only you and your technician should decide how frequently your piano needs regulation.

This is dependent upon the amount of use, exposure to climatic changes, and the quality, age, and condition of the piano. New pianos may require regulation in their first year, because settling and compacting of parts sometimes necessitates adjustment. Some manufacturers decrease costs by not going over the regulation and Voicing and Toning processes in the factory as much as needed. Reputable retailers sometimes do the necessary regulation prior to selling, but others do not. Pianos that are used for performance purposes may require regulation before use, due to the high demands placed on them.

How Would I Know That My Piano Needs Regulation?

If your piano displays a lack of sensitivity, or a decreased dynamic range;
if you notice that the keys are not level, some higher or lower than the rest;
if the touch is uneven, or keys are sticking

your piano needs to be regulated. However, a sluggish action, or deep grooves in the hammers, indicates the need for restoration or repairs. Poor legato touch, chord playing where all notes of the chord don't speak clearly, a gradual loss of subtlety in phrasing, and an inability to execute quick passages, or note repetitions evenly, may be the fault of the piano, and not the player. Ask your piano technician, also called piano tuner, to show you what needs to be done.

All Pianos Are Regulated

All upright and grand pianos should be regulated from time to time to ensure maximal performance, playability and sound production and to ensure that the pianist has an enjoyable experience. You and the technician are the only persons who can decide on how often the piano should be regulated. Regulation is subject to how often the piano is used, exposure to changes in climate and the quality, age and condition of the piano. New pianos may require regulation during the first year due to the vesting and compacting of the parts. Pianos used for performances may require regulation before use due to the great demands made on the piano. If the piano shows a lack of sensitivity, diminished volume control, uneven keys (some are higher or lower than the others), uneven touch or sticking keys, the piano needs regulation. In cases of a poor legato touch, chord playing where all the notes in the chord don't sound clearly, a gradual loss of effectiveness of phrasing, the inability of executing quick passages or the uneven repetition of notes may be due to the condition of the piano and not due to the pianist's inability.

Do You Need A Piano Regulation?

During an appointment for tuning a piano tuner will advise you on the necessity of regulation, depending on the above-mentioned circumstances. If, after having read the above information, you feel that the playability of your piano may be improved by regulation, please feel free to contact us or Book An Appointment.

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