What Happens During a Full Piano Regulation?

You’ve probably heard the term “regulation” tossed around if you own a piano — but what does it actually mean? Regulation is not about tuning! Regulation is all about how the piano feels and responds when you play it.

What Is Regulation, Exactly?

Regulation is the process of adjusting the mechanical parts of your piano — mainly the action which consists of the keys, hammers, and everything in between. Pianos have over 7500 parts! All of them must work together for a piano to play smoothly, evenly, and responsively.

Over time, small changes add up: felt compresses, wood wears down, springs loosen. Even if you keep your piano tuned regularly, the playing experience can start to feel uneven, sluggish, or heavy. That’s where regulation comes in.

What Happens During a Full Regulation?

A full regulation involves adjusting three main areas:

1. The Keyboard

• Key height: Making sure every key sits at the same level.

• Key dip: Controlling how far each key travels down when you press it.

• Even touch: Making sure every key feels the same under your fingers.

2. The Action (The Working Mechanism Inside)

• Hammer alignment: Making sure hammers strike the strings dead-on.

• Let-off adjustment: Fine-tuning the point where the hammer disengages from the key to control how close it gets to the string before firing.

• Drop regulation: Setting how far the hammer falls back after missing the string.

• Repetition springs: Adjusting how fast a note can repeat, especially important for faster or advanced playing.

3. The Pedals

• Soft pedal (una corda) adjustment: Making sure it shifts the action properly.

• Sustain pedal adjustment: Making sure dampers lift fully and evenly.

• Practice pedal (if you have one): Making sure the mute rail moves smoothly.

In a full regulation, a technician goes through dozens of tiny adjustments — all aimed at making your piano feel natural, responsive, and inspiring to play.

How Do You Know When You Need a Regulation?

Here are some signs your piano might be due:

• Notes feel uneven — some heavier, some lighter

• It's harder to play softly (poor control)

• Repeated notes are sluggish or sticky

• You notice your fingers working harder than they should

• The pedals feel mushy or noisy

Most pianos benefit from some level of regulation every couple of years, depending on how much they’re played. Heavily used pianos (like those in schools, churches, or by serious students) might need touch-ups even sooner.

Why It Matters

Good regulation unlocks the full potential of your piano. It makes technique easier, helps you express yourself more naturally, and even makes practice more enjoyable. Without it, even a perfectly tuned piano can feel frustrating or “off.”

If you're in Greenville, NC and it’s been a while since your piano had a regulation — or if you’ve never had one — I’d be happy to take a look! Sometimes even a few simple adjustments can make a big difference in how your piano feels under your hands. 🎹