Piano strings can last as long as the instrument itself depending on a number of factors. If the piano is kept in the right environment, has a set of high-quality strings, and has not been played more than several hours a week, the strings may last for decades. On the other hand, if the piano has had heavy use, or exposure to excessive dust and moisture, the strings may lose their tone in less than 10 years.

If the piano sounds tinnier and less deep, and seems to have lost some of its resonance, it’s most likely time for restringing. As well, if the strings are too stretched and hard, it could be from too many tunings. In extreme humidity the strings become rusty lose their richness, and when dust penetrates the strings it deadens their sound.

It may also be time to replace the strings if the piano’s pinblock–the part that grips the tuning pins to keep the piano in tune– has loosened. Sometimes it’s necessary to replace the strings as well as the pinblock. In general, when repairs are needed to the piano’s soundboard and bridges, it is often necessary to remove the piano’s strings.

If your piano is significantly valuable, it pays to have its strings restrung. If you think you may have an issue with the strings in your piano, visit TaylorPianoRestorations.com to find out more about piano restringing in Richmond, VA. Taylor Piano Restorations tunes, moves, rebuilds, and refinishes pianos throughout Central Virginia.