The Science of Pitch Stability
Why Regular Tuning Intervals Are Essential
n acoustic piano contains over 200 high-tensile steel strings exerting roughly 18 to 20 tons of tension against the cast iron plate and wooden soundboard. Seasonal changes in relative humidity alter the soundboard's crown, constantly changing string tension.
Annual Service Requirement
Tuning at Least Once a Year
Even without heavy playing, seasonal humidity cycles cause wood to expand and contract, pulling the piano sharp in humid months and dropping it flat in dry months. Tuning at least once a year maintains equalized tension across the bridges, stabilizes the pinblock, and prevents the need for double-pass pitch raises.
Acoustic Ear Training & Concert Regulation
Harmonic Integrity Across 88 Keys
Trained as an oboist at LSU and Henderson State (BME 1975), Robert brings concert-level acoustic listening to every tuning. By setting precise unisons, octave stretches, and temperaments, each chord speaks with clarity, resonance, and stable decay.
Systematic Inspection & Adjustment
Comprehensive Tuning Procedure
Every service appointment follows a meticulous, multi-stage protocol designed to identify mechanical issues before they affect performance.
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Tension & Pitch Assessment
Measuring pitch deviation against standard A440 concert pitch, evaluating pinblock torque, and checking soundboard crown.
Decades of Hands-On Field Experience
Artisan Tuning & Concert Career
Robert Turner has provided concert tuning and action regulation across the United States and internationally since 1979.
Musical Foundation
1969
Began formal musical education at the LSU School of Music studying oboe with Earnest Harrison, followed by Henderson State University (BME 1975). Performed as Principal Oboe with the South Arkansas Symphony from 1973 to 1978.
Pianocorder System & Installations
1979
Worked with the Pianocorder system through 1986, providing specialized services for International Piano Galleries (Little Rock, AR) and contract-based on-site installations with Pianocorder Entertainment (Opelika, AL) through 1987 across 38 US states, Sweden, England, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.
Steinway Bench Experience & Repair
Forbes
Rebuilt 25 Steinway pianos over a decade at Forbes Piano, completing factory training in New York and mastering meticulous action repair, refinishing, and concert regulation.
Musicrafts & RMT Originals
Hayden
Longtime owner of Musicrafts based in Hayden, AL, providing expert piano tuning, mechanical repair, and performance optimization for musicians across Central Alabama.
Comprehensive Piano Care
Professional Piano Services
With over 51 years of artisan experience, Robert M. Turner provides specialized piano care combining classical musical ear training with precision mechanical engineering.
Coverage Radius
On-Site Tuning Across Central Alabama
Based in Hayden, AL, traveling within an 80-mile radius north toward Nashville, TN and south through Birmingham, Prattville, and Montgomery, AL.
2556 Fat Dunn Rd, Hayden, AL 35079
Serving: Hayden, AL, Nashville, TN, Montgomery, AL, Prattville, AL
rmtoriginals@mac.com
(205) 559-3485
PO Box: P.O. Box 95, Cleveland, AL 35049
Book a Tuning Visit
Direct Artisan Inquiries
Call directly or submit your piano's details below. Feel free to upload photos of the instrument or serial number.
