Piano Services


Tuning

All of the notes of the piano must be very carefully adjusted so that they are all in proper relationship to each other (equal temperament requires that each semitone is exactly the same size) and that the A above middle C is at concert pitch of A-440Hz. If the piano has been allowed to change in pitch ( higher or lower) there may be an extra charge for correcting this, depending on the amount of out-of-tuneness that is encountered. The strings and structure of the instrument have some elasticity and react to the amount of tension change required to get the instrument to the pitch that it was designed for. This requires an extra amount of effort and work, so that the piano will be in tune when the tuner is finished. Pianos may also be tuned to an “Historical Temperament” if the owner so desires. In a home a standard tuning should be done on at least a yearly basis, and every 6 months would be better. In a heavy use situation or in a situation where the piano is subjected to large or repeated changes in temperature and humidity (such as in a building where the temperature is not kept to constant, or there is little or no humidity control year round) more frequent tunings< are indicated - possibly every 3 to 4 months.

Voicing

The purpose of voicing is to make the instrument have consistent good tone over the entire scale. If the hammers are inconsistent in hardness or resilience then the tone will be inconsistent. Manufacture differences, humidity changes and normal wear can make the hammers need voicing. Voicing is the process of adjusting the tone quality of the piano by changing the resilience of the felt in the hammers, the surface of the hammers and the strings. This may include shaping the hammers by filling out the grooves made by the strings or using needles on the hammer felt, or may require the use of a hardening or softening solutions on the hammers.

Regulation

Regulation means adjusting the mechanical portion of the piano (the action) so that the pianist has consistent and accurate control over volume, tone, repetition etc. All of the parts, such as keys, dampers, hammers, springs need adjustment to correct for use and normal wear. To properly maintain an instrument regulation should be an almost continuous process, and may require only a few minutes and very little extra cost during every tuning appointment. It is not uncommon, though, for a piano to require a major regulation which may take up to 3 days if this has been neglected.


Repairs, Reconditioning, Rebuilding, Restoration

All repair work is carefully done using only the best materials and workmanship; this allows all work to be guaranteed. If replacement parts are needed, only the highest quality parts are used. Rebuilding may include refinishing, rescaling, restringing, repairing or rebuilding a soundboard or bridges, installing a new pinblock, and replacing the action parts. Restoration means returning the instrument to “like new” condition inside and out.


Appraisals and Estimates

We can do appraisals to determine the monetary value of your piano if you desire to sell or insure it. We understand that purchasing a piano can be a very frustrating experience. This is because very few people understand what the differences are between a good piano and a poor one, or a piano that will serve your needs or may not. We would be pleased to help you make this decision by appraising the instrument for you. Because I am an independent technician, I will give you the information necessary to make a good purchase. The purchase that is right for you may not necessarily be what the seller or dealer wants. Estimates are for work that the instrument may require. All estimates are considered accurate, and unless there is anything major that is found while doing the work, the estimate price is what you pay. If there is anything major that is found, you would be contacted and the situation discussed so you can understand any possible change from the estimate.