Understanding the crucial difference between pitch and tone quality.
Many pianists are confused when they have their piano tuned, yet the instrument still sounds unpleasing. They often describe the tone as 'too bright,' 'harsh,' 'metallic,' or conversely, 'muddy' and 'dull.' The issue is not the pitch of the strings, but the condition of the hammers striking them. This requires a completely different procedure called 'voicing.' While tuning adjusts the tension of the strings to match standard A440 pitch, voicing alters the density of the felt hammers to change the tonal color. Over years of playing, the felt hammers become grooved and compacted, producing a brittle, overly bright sound. At Piano Inside, our master technicians use specialized voicing needles to carefully soften the felt, restoring a warm, rich, and singing tone to your instrument.
Tuning is strictly about the pitch (frequency) of the strings. When a piano is out of tune, chords sound wavy, dissonant, and sour. A piano technician uses a tuning hammer to turn the metal tuning pins, tightening or loosening the steel strings until they vibrate at the precise mathematical frequencies required for equal temperament. However, tuning does absolutely nothing to change the inherent character or color of the sound.
Voicing (also known as tone regulation) is the art of manipulating the tone color of the piano. The hammers that strike the strings are made of densely packed wool felt. Over time, as the hammer repeatedly strikes the metal strings, the felt gets compacted and hard grooves form on the striking surface. A hard hammer creates a harsh, glassy, and thin tone. To fix this, a master technician meticulously pricks the shoulders of the hammer with fine voicing needles, releasing the tension in the felt. Conversely, if a piano sounds too soft or muffled, chemical hardeners can be applied or the hammer can be filed to expose fresh, firmer felt.
If you play a chord and the notes are perfectly in tune, but the sound makes you wince because it is too piercing, your piano needs voicing. If the bass notes sound like 'thuds' instead of clear, resonant tones, your piano needs voicing. Voicing is a delicate, highly advanced skill that requires an exceptional ear and a deep understanding of piano mechanics. If you want to fall in love with your piano's sound again, ask the experts at Piano Inside about our custom voicing services.