Services

The most foundational and frequent aspect of servicing a piano, tuning is the process of setting each note so that its frequency aligns well with every other note. Over time, the humidity changes cause the wooden parts to contract and expand in a piano, which changes the pitch of the notes unevenly. Once or twice a year is a good benchmark for tuning frequency. Pretax cost is $195 for pianos that have been regularly maintained.

The second most frequent need in piano service, voicing softens hammers hardened from the repeated striking of the strings. When your piano sounds excessively bright or loud, it is time for voicing. I will often do a little voicing for no extra charge, particularly on spinets, consoles, and uprights where it often takes very little time to tame down an errant sound. Pretax cost is $75-$150 if I'm already on site.

Over time, the tolerances of each moving part grow farther apart from each other. Regulation restores the proper position of each part relative to the others in the action, making playing feel snappy and responsive. Regulation tends to be more effective with grand pianos, though there are circumstances where it can be helpful with upright pianos as well. I can only provide estimates for specific situations, so I won't quote any numbers here.

In grand pianos, it is quite difficult to clean the soundboard as it is beneath 230+ strings. I can use my special cleaning implements to get all the dust off and make your soundboard shine again! I will also bring my shop vac and clean out the body of a dusty, dirty upright as well. Pretax cost is $100-$200 if I'm already on site.

Thinking about purchasing a used instrument? Need to know the value of your instrument? I can come and inspect your instrument for a sale, or provide a formal appraisal based on the shape of the instrument and current market prices. Presale inspections are $195 and appraisals are $350.

If your piano is in an environment that features large swings of humidities (large buildings like church sanctuaries are particularly susceptible to this), the installation of a Piano Life Saver System can significantly improve tuning stability. Call or text for an estimate. See https://www.pianolifesaver.com/dampp-chaser-corp/ for more information.