How often should I tune my piano?
A piano's tuning changes due largely to 3 factors: humidity, temperature, and the gradual turning of tuning pins/ stretching of strings. In most homes tuning every 6 months is required. At a bare minimum the piano needs to be tuned annually to prevent damage.
What service should I choose?
My current services are shown on the booking site and for most situations are very straight forward, just click the blue button at the top of the page.**
**If your piano hasn't been tuned in many years or needs repairs it is best to book an "evaluation" so I can assess the piano, ensure it can be tuned, order any needed parts, and provide an estimate for repairs. If we move forward with repairs I will discount the evaluation fee against the final bill.
**If your piano hasn't been tuned in many years or needs repairs it is best to book an "evaluation" so I can assess the piano, ensure it can be tuned, order any needed parts, and provide an estimate for repairs. If we move forward with repairs I will discount the evaluation fee against the final bill.
Humidity & Piano Care
The single most important thing you can do to preserve your piano and extend its life is to control humidity. Too much humidity causes rust and tarnish on both the strings and case parts. Too little humidity causes the wood to shrink and potentially crack. Further, stable environments allow pianos to hold their tunings longer and reduces strain on wood parts.
As a general rule the humidity need to be above 35% and below 55%; about 45% is ideal. (assuming normal in home temperatures)
The best thing to do is to buy a cheap humidistat and place it in the room with the piano. If the humidity is out of range a room humidifier, dehumidifier, or Dampp Chaser Piano Life Saver System can be added to protect the piano.
In most homes in the DMV the winter air is far to dry, often at 20% or below. I can consult on options to protect your piano at the tuning appointment.
As a general rule the humidity need to be above 35% and below 55%; about 45% is ideal. (assuming normal in home temperatures)
The best thing to do is to buy a cheap humidistat and place it in the room with the piano. If the humidity is out of range a room humidifier, dehumidifier, or Dampp Chaser Piano Life Saver System can be added to protect the piano.
In most homes in the DMV the winter air is far to dry, often at 20% or below. I can consult on options to protect your piano at the tuning appointment.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment I request that you provide 72 hours notice. I am small business and cannot support my family if a cancelled appointment cannot be filled. For this reason appointments cancelled with less than 72 hours notice will be billed for the service booked.
What is a Pitch Raise? (my "it's been awhile..." service)
A pitch raise is a series of "little tunings" to slowly and evenly bring the piano back up to correct tension (without causing damage). Pianos are under tremendous tension (20 tons or more). After a pitch raise, a tuning can be performed.
Here is an 1860s Square Grand that I tuned and repaired. The piano took many, many hours of work, and was tuned over 2 separate visits. The client and I were happy with the initial result. Additional tunings will stabilize the piano.
Check out the before and after!
Here is an 1860s Square Grand that I tuned and repaired. The piano took many, many hours of work, and was tuned over 2 separate visits. The client and I were happy with the initial result. Additional tunings will stabilize the piano.
Check out the before and after!
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Full Day Service or Half Day Service
Pianos are mechanical and require periodic mechanical maintenance. Over time time the felt and leather bits become compressed causing the piano to go out of regulation. Additionally, the hammers become grooved and hard making the piano sound harsh ("tinny").
2 Main Benefits:
Below are some images from a full day service I performed on a 1983 Wurlitzer Spinet. Although regularly tuned, it has had no mechanical work since it left the factory. After a full day of work the piano turned out great.
Disclaimer: in some cases more than one day's work may be needed to restore to "factory specs", I can tailor the service based on budget and musical need.
2 Main Benefits:
- Keys restored to spec and lubricated (each key performs the same as its neighbor)
- Piano hammers will be re-shaped and voiced for musical tone.
Below are some images from a full day service I performed on a 1983 Wurlitzer Spinet. Although regularly tuned, it has had no mechanical work since it left the factory. After a full day of work the piano turned out great.
Disclaimer: in some cases more than one day's work may be needed to restore to "factory specs", I can tailor the service based on budget and musical need.
Does my piano really need to be cleaned?
Pictures speak louder than words:
