AVAILABLE SERVICES
Piano service is much more than tuning... And if you don't see what you need here, ask anyways!
TUNING
This is the most frequently needed piano service since pianos are constantly going out of tune. Usually this happens at a gradual rate due to the natural tension on the strings. However, there are times when extreme fluctuations in humidity and other factors effect the tuning of a piano adversely.
I offer two primary tuning services:
a) Fine Tuning
b) Pitch Raise Tuning
Each string bears upwards of 150 lbs. of tension. The more changes (ie, tightening wires) required to change the strings frequency, the less stable the tuning is afterwards.
The fine tuning can therefore only be accomplished if the string tension is changed only a slight amount. Any more and the strings would vary in frequency after the tuning done.
So what can be done if your piano is way out of tune? No problem! I can perform a pitch raise tuning. Essentially, it is a rough tuning designed to raise the pitch of the piano above A440 so that when the strings inevitably fight back in response to the added tension, the final resting point will be within acceptable margins for completing a follow up Fine Tuning.
REPAIRS
Every now and then, one of the many working parts of your piano's action may break. Whether this is due to the age of the piano or possibly to misuse, I can perform virtually any repair necessary to get your instrument back in working order.
Common issues relate to:
Jacks, hammer shanks, plastic elbows, whippens and other parts of the interior of your piano.
Since there are so many interrelated parts, most minor problems like these result in the same problem... a key no longer works!
REGULATION
The inside of your piano has thousands of individual parts working together to produce a unique sound and feel. Everything from repetition rate, key level and the lightness or heaviness of the keyboard is determined primarily by regulation of the various action parts.
Over the years, wood, felt, glue and other materials begin to wear out or break down. Like any other complex machine, parts must eventually be replaced and settings adjusted.
Performing a full regulation can restore the playability and working order of your piano.
RE-STRINGING
Strings breakage usually occurs:
- During frequent, heavy handed playing.
- When the string tension is dramatically increased.
Both scenarios are made more likely by the deterioration of the strings due to old age and/or excessive build up of rust, dust and grime.
When this happens, it is best to leave the broken string where it is and wait for your friendly neighborhood piano tuner (that's me!) to determine whether it should be repaired or replaced.
Additionally, some pianos would benefit from re-stringing the entire set of strings, although this is usually cost-prohibitive.
REFINISHING
As with every piece of furniture, the wooden case of your piano may eventually benefit from complete restoration.
Various accidents can cause scrapes, dings, scratches and other surface abrasions that detract from the piano's over all value and aesthetic.
APPRAISALS
I highly recommend getting an appraisal before buying a used piano (or a new one for that matter).
Too many times, I have arrived a new client's home to find that they purchased a piece of furniture that could barely be called an instrument. But that's not the only reason to get an appraisal. There are many details that a potential piano owner should be aware of before spending their hard earned money. Brands, models, service history, current condition and tuning pitch, and much more can be evaluated to determine the piano's working order and value.
Getting an appraisal or estimate will dramatically assist you in your efforts to either buy or sell a piano. Often times I can assist for free over the phone so don't hesitate to call or email.