Piano Tuner vs. Piano Technician: The Difference You Can Hear—and Feel

When your piano starts sounding “off,” most people say, “I need a piano tuner.” But what if the keys feel uneven, some notes sound dull, or the pedals don’t respond quite right? That’s where the difference between a piano tuner and a piano technician really comes to life.

A piano tuner is like a musical specialist with a finely trained ear. Their main job is to bring each string to the correct pitch so the piano sounds balanced and harmonious. Since a piano has around 230 strings constantly reacting to temperature, humidity, and playing, tuning is essential—and it’s a skill that requires precision and experience.

A piano technician is more like a piano mechanic and a piano tuner combined. A technician not only tunes, but works with the piano's entire system: keys, hammers, pedals, dampers, and action. They regulate how the piano feels under your fingers, repair worn or broken parts, and shape the tone so the instrument doesn’t just sound right, but feels right to play.

Here’s an easy way to think about it:

• A tuner makes the piano in tune.
• A technician makes the piano come alive.