Precision mechanical calibration of key dip, hammer height, let-off and backchecks · Upright S$200–S$450 · Grand S$350–S$700
Piano regulation is the process of setting every mechanical action parameter to its correct specification. It is not the same as repair or tuning — it is the precise calibration of 15–20 measurement points per note that govern how a key feels when played and how reliably it responds to the player's touch.
Over time — typically 5–10 years under normal home use — piano action components compress, wear and shift. Key dip changes, hammer strike distance moves, let-off distance alters. The result is an action that feels uneven: some keys heavy, some light, some unresponsive, the pedal dull or spongy. Regulation restores the entire action to the specification it left the factory with.
Piano Repair Singapore provides full action regulation for all upright and grand piano brands islandwide. We work to manufacturer regulation charts where available and set parameters by feel and measurement.
The distance a key travels from rest to fully depressed. Correct dip ensures even weight and prevents shallow or over-deep travel. Set to within 0.5mm tolerance across all 88 keys.
The distance from hammer at rest to string at rest must be correct for proper power and control. Too close and the note is sluggish; too far and it requires excessive force.
The point at which the hammer disconnects from the action and flies freely to the string. Incorrect let-off causes double-striking or blocked notes in fast passages.
The backcheck catches the hammer after it strikes and rebounds. Correct backcheck position enables fast repetition and prevents the hammer from bouncing back into the string.
Sustain, soft and sostenuto pedal travel and engagement distance are calibrated. A poorly regulated pedal may lift dampers unevenly or require excessive force to engage.
Grand piano repetition lever spring tension controls how quickly the hammer resets for fast re-striking. Regulation ensures reliable response at any tempo.
Uneven key weight — some keys noticeably heavier or lighter than neighbours
Keys that require excessive force to produce sound
Keys that feel spongy or slow to return compared to the rest
Inconsistent dynamic control — notes too loud or too soft relative to finger pressure
Pedal feels different — engagement point changed, pedal spongy or unresponsive
Piano has not been regulated for 5+ years (upright) or 3+ years (school/institutional)
WhatsApp us your piano brand and what you're noticing — we'll assess and quote for regulation.
| Service | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Full regulation — Upright piano | S$200–S$450 |
| Full regulation — Grand piano (baby to parlour) | S$350–S$550 |
| Full regulation — Concert grand | S$500–S$700 |
| Partial regulation (single section) | S$80–S$200 |
| Pedal system regulation only | S$80–S$150 |
Prices are estimates. Final quote after inspection. Regulation is often combined with voicing and tuning at the same visit for best results.
Under normal home use, upright pianos benefit from regulation every 5–10 years. Grand pianos, which are used more often and regulated to tighter tolerances, benefit from regulation every 3–7 years. School and institutional pianos under heavy daily use may need regulation every 2–4 years. If your piano was last regulated over 10 years ago, it almost certainly needs attention — felt compresses significantly over a decade and action geometry shifts out of specification.
Piano regulation is the process of adjusting all mechanical action components to their correct manufacturer specifications. It involves setting 15–20 parameters per note — key dip, hammer height, let-off distance, backcheck position, spring tension and pedal travel — ensuring every note responds with consistent weight, control and dynamic range. It is separate from tuning (which adjusts pitch) and repair (which fixes broken components).
Full upright piano regulation costs S$200–S$450. Grand piano regulation costs S$350–S$700 depending on size and brand. We provide a written quote after inspecting the action so you know exactly what to expect.
Under normal home use: upright pianos every 5–10 years, grand pianos every 3–7 years. School and institutional pianos under heavy use may need regulation every 2–4 years. If the action feels uneven, some keys are heavier than others, or the pedal engagement has changed, it likely needs regulation sooner regardless of time since last service.
Yes — they are completely separate services. Tuning adjusts string tension for correct pitch. Regulation adjusts the mechanical action — the levers, springs and felt components between the key and hammer — for correct touch, weight and control. A piano can be perfectly in tune but feel terrible to play if it has not been regulated, and vice versa. We recommend tuning after regulation to stabilise the instrument.
Voicing is often done after regulation to optimise both tone and touch at the same visit.
Learn more →Worn or broken action components are repaired before or during regulation for best results.
Learn more →Tuning after regulation ensures the piano is in its best possible playing condition.
Learn more →Restore even, responsive touch to your piano. Based in Bukit Batok, we travel islandwide.