For most privately owned pianos, tuning at least once a year, combined with regulation and voicing every five to ten years, is generally sufficient to keep the instrument performing as it should. While tuning addresses pitch, regulation is essential because the many moving parts in a piano action gradually wear, compress, and drift out of alignment through normal playing and changes in humidity. Over time this affects touch consistency, repetition, control, and overall responsiveness, even if the piano still sounds “in tune.” Voicing is equally important, as the felt on the hammers hardens and grooves with use, altering the tone and making it uneven or overly bright. Periodic regulation and voicing restore balance, control, and tonal consistency, helping the piano feel and sound closer to its original design.
It is important to note, however, that regular maintenance has its limits. Regulation and voicing will not transform a poor-quality piano into a high-quality one, nor will they substitute for major repairs. They will not replace broken or excessively worn action parts, correct sticking keys caused by underlying mechanical or environmental issues, renew corroded or broken strings, or resolve structural problems such as a failing pinblock or soundboard that prevent the piano from holding tune. These procedures are intended to preserve and optimize a fundamentally sound instrument, not to overcome serious mechanical or structural faults.
Below is a regulation checklist that applies to both upright and grand pianos:
Piano Action Regulation – Key Stages
Keyboard and keyframe regulation
Levelling keys, setting key dip, and ensuring even spacing across the keyboard
Adjusting key punchings to create a consistent playing surface and uniform touch depth
Key bushings and key easing
Inspecting front and balance rail bushings for tightness, wear, or swelling
Easing keys where necessary to eliminate sluggishness while maintaining proper lateral stability
Action alignment and geometry
Ensuring the action is correctly positioned in relation to the keyboard and strings
Aligning action parts so motion is straight, efficient, and free of excess friction
Hammer alignment to strings
Aligning hammers so they strike the strings squarely and at the correct contact point
Correcting side-to-side misalignment caused by wear, felt compression, or environmental changes
Hammer travel and blow distance
Setting consistent hammer travel and blow distance for even power and control
Balancing responsiveness and tonal production across the keyboard
Let-off (escapement) regulation
Adjusting let-off so the hammer releases cleanly just before contacting the strings
Ensuring sufficient clearance to prevent blocking while maintaining maximum control
Drop and checking regulation
Regulating drop so the hammer falls back cleanly after let-off
Adjusting checking or backchecking to catch the hammer securely and quietly
Repetition and spring adjustment
Regulating repetition mechanisms and spring tensions as applicable
Ensuring reliable note repetition and consistent response, regardless of playing speed
Damper system regulation
Aligning dampers so they seat evenly on the strings
Adjusting damper lift, timing, and coordination with key and pedal movement for clean damping
Pedal regulation
Regulating sustain, soft, and any additional pedals for correct travel and engagement
Ensuring even pedal effect and proper timing across the keyboard
Final testing and fine adjustment
Playing the piano across a full range of dynamics and articulations
Making fine touch adjustments to balance control, repetition, and overall feel
How much does a piano regulation typically cost?
Piano regulation typically costs between $200 and $500 for minor, partial, or upright adjustments, but a full, professional, or grand piano regulation usually ranges from $1,000 to over $3,500. Costs vary based on the extent of work, piano condition, and technician expertise, with full services often requiring 10–15 hours.
Key Cost Factors & Details:
Upright Piano Regulation: Generally ranges from $800 to $2,500 depending on the level of service and reconditioning needed.
Grand Piano Regulation: A complete regulation usually costs between $1,200 and $3,500+.
Minor/Partial Regulation: Sometimes included with tuning or performed for $200–$400 for specific issues like key response.
Hourly Rate: Many technicians charge around $80–$100+ per hour for in-home service, though specialized shop work may cost more.
Regulation is recommended every 5–10 years to maintain optimal touch, feel, and performance.
How much does Benni Krueger charge for a piano regulation?
In 2025/26 Benni Krueger charges the following for piano regulations:
Upright Keyboard Action Regulation = $450.00 + GST
Adjustement of 88 keys, keys to be removed, cleaned out underneath, the action is regulated via paper discs underneath the keys. New paper and felt discs to be installed where necessary. This will significantly improve playability.
Upright Mechanic Regulation = $900 + GST
Piano Mechanic Regulation: Adjustment of 88 Dampers, Hammers and all other adjustable parts within the Mechanic / This includes lubricating all moving parts with PTFE and cleaning the mechanic with compressed air. This procedure will significantly improve playability.
Total cost for a full regulation of an upright piano, including pedals = $1400 + GST
Grand Piano Regulation = same as above, just add $600 + GST i.e. total of $2000 + GST