Action Regulation

While tuning corrects the pitch of your piano, it is only one element of proper piano maintenance. Regulation addresses the mechanical components of your piano to ensure uniform responsiveness and touch.

Candidacy for regulation is typically determined based on one or more of the following signs:

• Lack of sensitivity or control and/or limited dynamic ranges

• Touch that feels uneven, inconsistent, too heavy or too light

• Lack of ability to repeat notes with ease

• Keys that are not level (some higher or lower than the rest)

• Mechanical problems such as keys that don’t make sound at all, or sound multiple times, despite the key only being depressed once (double-striking hammers)

Yes. All upright and grand pianos need periodic regulation to perform as designed.

A piano’s need for regulation most commonly arises from one or both of the following:

• Compression of felt, cloth, and leather components occurs as parts settle and acclimate to the in-home climate, and as the piano is played.

• Expansion and contraction of wooden components occurs as a result of humidity and temperature fluctuations. While this process is typically gradual, imported pianos can experience expedited and more drastic changes as the components acclimate to the climate of a new country. These changes can result in larger adverse effects on the piano’s regulation.

Maybe, but not necessarily. Because new action components experience much of their compression and acclimation within the first year, it is not uncommon for a new or recently rebuilt piano to require expedited or more frequent regulation. Beyond this natural acclimation, new pianos also experience drastic changes in environment during transportation, which may warrant regulation adjustments upon arrival at a store’s showroom and/or a customer’s home (please see more information here). The manufacturer’s and retailer’s regulation practices can both affect how early such adjustments are needed.

In general, pianos require regulation about every 5 years. However, each piano is unique and certain circumstances may necessitate more frequent regulation, including:

• High Usage: According to Mario Igrec’s book Pianos Inside Out, if the piano is used heavily, regulation should be performed every 2-4 years.

• Instrument Quality: Poorly designed components can cause accelerated wear, thus requiring more frequent regulation.

• Age: New pianos may require regulation in their first year due to natural settling and compacting of parts.

• Climatic Changes: Fluctuations in temperature and humidity cause parts to swell and contract, which can alter regulation. These effects can be exacerbated by poor insulation and/or insufficient HVAC systems, which may necessitate more frequent regulation.

The amount of regulation suggested, and therefore the cost of regulation, varies. Factors that contribute include your piano's condition, playability, and use-type. While some pianos justify a full regulation, others can be improved with just a few select adjustments. Contact Brad Fant Piano Service to obtain a customized quote.

The majority of regulation adjustments are performed at the piano. If your piano requires extensive regulation or other services beyond regulation, your piano’s action may need to be taken to the shop for preliminary adjustments.