Piano Services

Excellent choice! Are we correct in assuming that you have a piano that needs some TLC? Here's all the information you'll need to know about our piano service options. We'll try to keep the jokes to a minimum (try...).

Piano Services FAQ

What services do you offer?

We offer standard full tunings, pitch raising and voicing as well as minor repairs such as fixing sticky keys, adjusting the pedals, replacing strings (my least favorite thing to do), and inside-and-out cleaning.

What in the world is a pitch raising?

A pitch raise is a "rough tuning" and is usually encouraged if it has been a long time since your piano has been tuned and it is far out of tune. This can only be determined in person at the time of a tuning unless you know your piano is on average more than 30 cents flat. Pitch raising is faster and half the cost of a full tuning. Another full tuning would ensue at least a few weeks after the pitch raise.

What in Sam Hill is voicing?

Voicing refers to the reconditioning of the felt hammers where they make contact with the strings. Over time these felt hammers get compressed and make the sound of your notes harsh and bright. The technician will let you know if voicing is recommended

How much are services?

Full tunings are $150, $75 for pitch raising. A full-service inside and out cleaning is $50. All other services are at a rate of $80 per hour. Minor repairs that take less than 10 minutes (usually fixing sticky keys or adjusting pedals) if done at the same visit as a tuning are complimentary. A travel fee may also apply if your location is over 15 miles away.

Why is the piano called the piano when piano means "play softly" when encountered in the music?

The piano's original name is the pianoforte, which means "soft and strong." The pianoforte was the first keyboard instrument that was touch-velocity sensitive, meaning that if you pressed the key harder and faster it made the note louder. This distinguished it from the harpsichord and the clavicord and other keyboard instruments where the volume was not affected by the velocity of the player's fingers. Eventually the name was commonly shortened to just "piano."

Are you an RPT (registered piano technician)?

I have been tuning and servicing pianos for over 15 years, although I have only done so part-time. Therefore, I have not pursued this title. If this is of any concern, I would be happy to provide references regarding the quality of my work.

My piano needs your help! How can we get on the schedule?

Like all inquiries, please use the conveniently located contact us form at the bottom of any page on this website, and we'll get back to you within 48 business hours.