More Than Just Tuning: Giving Your Piano the Care It Deserves

Written By Jonathan Ho

Keeping a piano in good shape isn’t just about tuning — how the keys feel under your fingers matters just as much. Over time, the touch of a piano can change, becoming uneven or less responsive. That’s where regulation comes in.

What Regulation Does

A piano has thousands of tiny moving parts that work together every time you play. As the instrument ages or experiences changes in humidity, those parts can shift or wear, which affects how it feels and sounds.

Regulation simply means adjusting those parts so the piano plays evenly again — making sure:

  • The keys feel smooth and balanced

  • The hammers strike cleanly

  • The pedals respond naturally

After regulation, the piano feels more comfortable to play and allows for better control of sound and expression.

If you’d like a deeper explanation of how regulation works, Vanguard Piano Service has an excellent guide that breaks down the process step-by-step — you can read it here.

How Often Should It Be Done?

The right schedule depends on how much the piano is played and the conditions it’s kept in:

  • New pianos: A light regulation after the first year or two helps the parts settle in.

  • Heavily used pianos: Instruments in schools, studios, or concert halls benefit from regulation every 1–2 years.

  • Home pianos: For casual playing at home, every 5–10 years is usually fine.

Humidity and temperature changes can also play a big role, so it’s good to ask your technician for advice based on your local climate.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Regular regulation keeps your piano feeling responsive and enjoyable to play — the way it was meant to be. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in both comfort and sound, helping your piano stay at its best for years to come.

Jonathan Ho

“When I imagine what it’s like to own my very own piano, my whole mindset changes when I see another piano. My approach and attention to detail becomes more personal and precise when I’m working on them.”

— Jonathan

Piano Technician and Performer

Jonathan grew up in Malaysia and lived in Vancouver before immigrating to the United States with his family. He earned his Bachelor of Music from the University of Central Oklahoma where he was a performer and taught piano lessons. In 2019, he moved to Boston to enroll in the piano technology program at North Bennet Street School, the oldest trade school in North America and widely considered to be the premier school of piano technology. During his time in Boston, he excelled in the intensive training program gaining an in-depth understanding of piano technology and service. After graduation, he was employed by two of the best piano rebuilders in the country (Oregon and Nebraska). In Nebraska, he continued to develop his service work with other technicians in the field in addition to the shop, gaining field tuning, regulation, and repair experience in both disciplines. Jonathan relocated to Saint Louis in 2023 to join the Vanguard Piano Service team and make the area his home.

Continued Education

Jonathan is passionate about piano technology and is committed to the continuing development of his craft. He attends the annual National and Regional Piano Technician Conventions. He has accepted opportunities to learn from other skilled piano professionals by visiting other technicians’ shops and touring manufacturer facilities. Jonathan will continue to enhance his skills by attending team trainings and professional development opportunities with the Piano Technician’s Guild.

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