Striking the key, the tuner compares the string's pitch with that of a tuning fork. The pitch of each of the other strings is set in relation to the A string. The standard 88-key piano has 230 strings and can be tuned in about an hour and a half. The performance of a piano also can be affected by problems with any of its thousands of wooden, steel, iron, ivory, and felt parts. Piano repairers locate and correct these problems.
Repairers also tune pianos.
To diagnose problems, repairers talk with customers and partially dismantle pianos to inspect parts. Repairers may realign moving parts, replace old or worn ones, or completely rebuild pianos. Repairers use common handtools as well as special ones, such as regulating, repining, and restringing tools. As sales of these sophisticated pianos increase, more piano repair work will require some knowledge of electronics. Pipe-organ repairers tune, repair, and install organs that make music by forcing air through flue pipes or reed pipes.