Bring your piano back to A440 after years without tuning or after moving · +S$50–S$80 with standard tuning · All brands
A pitch raise is a preliminary rough tuning pass that raises all piano strings from their current flat pitch to approximately A440 before the final fine-tuning is done. It is required when a piano has dropped more than approximately 20–30 cents below the international standard pitch.
The reason a pitch raise is needed rather than simply tuning from flat to correct pitch: when you raise a string's tension, the increased load changes the tension of surrounding strings. If you try to fine-tune a very flat piano in a single pass, the notes tuned first will go out of tune before you finish the last note, because the overall string load on the soundboard is shifting as you work. A rough raise first stabilises the overall tension level, allowing the final tuning to hold.
Piano Repair Singapore provides pitch raise as part of any tuning appointment where it is needed. We advise in advance if a pitch raise is required and confirm the cost before starting.
Piano has not been tuned for 3 or more years
Piano was in storage and experienced large humidity swings
Piano was moved and has not been tuned since (allow 2–4 weeks after moving, then book pitch raise + tuning)
Piano sounds very flat even playing a single note — noticeably below standard pitch to the ear
A tuner previously told you the piano is significantly below A440
Second-hand piano recently purchased that was not serviced before sale
| Service | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Standard tuning (to A440) | S$120–S$180 |
| Pitch raise (additional, when needed) | +S$50–S$80 |
| Total (pitch raise + standard tuning, same appointment) | S$170–S$260 |
| Second tuning (3–6 months later, if severely flat) | S$120–S$180 |
Pitch raise and standard tuning are done in the same 90–120 minute appointment. Very severely flat pianos (more than a semitone below pitch) may benefit from a second tuning 3–6 months later once strings have stabilised.
After a pitch raise and standard tuning, most pianos hold well for 6–12 months under normal Singapore conditions. Pianos that were severely flat (half a semitone or more below A440) may benefit from a follow-up tuning 3–6 months later, once the strings have fully settled at the new tension. We advise this honestly at the appointment — we will tell you if we think your piano needs a follow-up, and why.
WhatsApp us — we'll confirm if a pitch raise is needed and book the appointment. Usually same-week availability.
A pitch raise is a preliminary rough tuning pass that brings all piano strings from their current flat state up to approximately A440 before the final fine-tuning is performed. It is necessary when a piano has dropped significantly below standard pitch because raising tension on many strings at once causes mutual interaction — the strings tuned early go flat again as later strings are raised. A rough raise first stabilises the overall tension level so the final tuning holds.
A pitch raise costs an additional S$50–S$80 on top of standard tuning (S$120–S$180). The total for pitch raise plus standard tuning in the same appointment is S$170–S$260. Both services are done in a single 90–120 minute home visit — we do not charge a second travel fee. We always advise whether a pitch raise is needed before quoting.
If your piano has not been tuned for more than 2–3 years, it very likely needs a pitch raise. Other signs: the piano sounds noticeably flat when you play a standard reference note (A4 = 440 Hz) on a piano app or keyboard; a previous tuner told you it was significantly below pitch; the piano was in storage or just moved. When in doubt, tell us when you last tuned the piano — we will advise accordingly.
A pitch raise performed correctly on a piano in good structural condition does not cause damage. Piano strings and the cast iron frame are designed to operate at A440 tension — that is their normal state. The only risk is to pianos with seriously weakened structures (a failing pin block that cannot hold tension, severely cracked soundboard or bridges). We assess the piano's structural condition before proceeding and will advise honestly if the instrument is not suitable for a pitch raise.
Bring your piano back to A440. Usually same-week appointments from Bukit Batok, islandwide.