Do I need a standard tuning or a pitch raise tuning? Why is a pitch raise tuning more expensive?

Typically this question is answered by asking, “how long has it been since my last piano tuning?”

Standard Piano Tuning- a piano that has been tuned typically within the last year.

Pitch Raise Tuning- a piano that has not been tuned within the last year, or a piano that is not at A440 (standard pitch).

A more detailed breakdown of the differences includes:

Standard Tuning

• When it’s used: For pianos that are tuned regularly (usually once or twice a year) and don’t need the overall pitch of the piano raised.
• The Process: The piano technician meticulously adjusts the tension of all 220+ strings to the standard pitch of A440. The goal is to perfect the unisons (getting all strings for a single key to vibrate together flawlessly) and temper the intervals.
• Time Required: Typically takes 1-1.25 hours.
• Outcome: The piano is immediately ready for use and the tuning will remain stable for 6-12 months, depending on the climate conditions around the piano.  

Pitch Raise Tuning

• When it’s used: For pianos that have been neglected for years, moved to a new environment, or suffered severe climate fluctuations. If a piano is too flat below A440 (strings have loosened), an attempt to just tune it normally will cause the strings to go flat again.
• The Process: The technician does a quick, rough pass, deliberately pulling all the strings slightly higher than their final intended pitch (a process called "overpull"). Immediately after this pre-stretching, the technician performs a standard fine-tuning so the piano ends up at the correct, stable pitch of A440.
• Time Required: Requires a double-tuning process in a single session and usually takes 1.5 hours.
• Outcome: The piano is brought back into a playable equilibrium at A440, but a follow-up tuning is recommended in 3 months to keep the piano at standard pitch and get the strings to stabilize.  
• Cost: A pitch raise tuning is more expensive because it is 2 tunings on your piano at a single appointment vs only 1 tuning for a standard piano tuning.  

‍