Piano Tuning – Piano tuning consists of making each string vibrate at the correct pitch when struck by its hammer. Since there are well over 200 strings, you can appreciate the effort involved! If your piano has received regular tuning over the years, we will tune it to A-440 standard pitch.
If your piano hasn’t been tuned in recent years, it may be too low in pitch to permit A-440 tuning without a pitch raise procedure to re-establish correct tensions in the strings and plate (the large iron “harp”). A pitch raise can usually be done prior to a standard tuning. In the event your piano cannot hold tune, the pinblock can often be re-conditioned prior to tuning. Please call for pricing.
Most manufacturers recommend at least 2 tunings per year to promote maximum pitch stability.
It is important to know what Piano Tuning is NOT:
- Fixing a sticking or broken key
- Repairing a broken string or hammer
- Removing rodent nests
- Or any number of other problems, although often some minor problems are fixed during the course of a tuning
Piano Repairs – As part of normal wear-and-tear, pianos are subject to:
- Keys sticking
- Action parts going out of adjustment
- Strings breaking
- Bridges cracking
- Literally hundreds of other problems!
To determine approximate costs to repair your piano, we would be happy to provide free phone estimates. However, if major repairs are needed, a detailed on-site estimate can be performed for a small fee. If you subsequently authorize repairs, this fee will be applied to any work performed. If the repair estimate is made in the course of a tuning appointment, no fee will be charged.
Piano Action Regulating – After tuning, action regulating is the most important service that can be done to improve the players’ experience. A responsive piano is truly a joy to play, and is a crucial factor in the development of an advanced technique. Costs are dependent on the condition of the piano and the type of action. Please contact us with information about your piano and we would be happy to provide an estimate.
Piano Rebuilding & Reconditioning – Since this procedure is complex, we would need to schedule an on-site inspection prior to providing a detailed estimate. There is no charge for this inspection if given at the time of a scheduled tuning or repair job.
Piano Purchase Consultation – Buying a new or used piano is a not a decision to be taken lightly. The playing level of the pianist and student needs to be carefully considered when purchasing any piano. Although you generally get what you pay for with new instruments, purchasing a used piano without expert advice is very risky. We can evaluate prospective pianos for you and if requested, provide suggestions for negotiating price. Please let us know how we can help.