Piano Voicing: Is It Really Necessary?

When it comes to piano tuning, few are knowledgeable on the process of voicing a piano so it often goes misunderstood.

What is Piano Voicing?

Piano voicing is the process of adjusting the density of the felts covering the hammers striking the string to produce a warmer or brighter tone using one's own voice.

Is Piano Voicing Right for Me?

The truth is that voicing is highly subjective and usually not necessary for the average in-home piano tuning customer.

In fact, voicing is usually only performed on a concert artist's piano before a concert. It requires a lot of training on various pianos to get a feel of how much the tone of a piano can be pushed before ruining the hammers. It's often compared to tuning up a race car, which is overkill for the average homeowner with a piano.

So what then?

Instead of voicing, focus on controlling the piano's environment. If the piano is located in a home near the water or has excessive humidity, installing a damp chaser system is highly recommended. This system helps in stabilizing the tuning and keeping the strings and pins from rusting, which can cause strings to break during the tuning process.

While piano voicing can make a difference in a piano's sound, it's often unnecessary. It's more important to focus on basic tuning and controlling the piano's environment to ensure optimal sound quality and prolong the lifespan of the piano. As with any instrument, regular maintenance is key to keeping the piano in top shape and producing the best possible sound.