Piano regulation is a series of adjustments done to the action (moving parts) of the piano in sequential order to restore the piano tolerances back to factory specifications. It affects the way it plays, the way it feels under the pianist's fingers, and the way it sounds. If a piano is regulated properly, it should be a joy to play.

Regulating of a piano is quite an art to get right and cannot be done by just anyone. There are up to 25 points of adjustment for each key, and most are directly related to and affect each other. This requires a deep understanding of the instrument and all its workings and must be done by a competent piano technician. Although there are specifications to use, these are mostly a guide. Because you are dealing with basically a wooden instrument, every one is individual and a competent piano technician should know how to bring out the best in each instrument.

It is very important for beginners to have an instrument that is functioning well, other wise they could be turned off music for life!

Once the piano is set up right, it should be ok for a number of years (approx 5) with perhaps small minor adjustments along the way that can be done by the piano technician when he visits for the regular tuning of the piano. Having said that, new pianos need a bit more attention for the first few years because everything (felts, strings) is "settling in".