Piano Services

A number of essential services are required to maintain the quality sound and condition of pianos. Below are short descriptions of these services and links to more information. I would be happy to explain any of these to you in more detail.

Tuning

The approximate 220 strings on your piano exert about 40,000 pounds of tension on the plate and frame, and about 600 pounds of down bearing on the bridges and soundboard. Seasonal changes in the humidity as well as the normal, continual decrease of static tension, causes all pianos to go out of tune. Depending on where you live, the degree of humidity change from season to season, the quality and condition of your piano and how much the piano is played, your piano could need tuning two to four times yearly. During each service call in addition to tuning our technician will check and tighten the pin block bolts (and rim bolts in grands), check and adjust the pedals, check and tighten the bench bolts, and inspect your piano for repairs and adjustments that might be needed or recommended.
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Repairing

Your piano is a mechanical instrument, made up of 9,000 to 14,000 parts, most of which are wood or felt. Being a mechanical device, your piano will need repairs from time to time. Felt and leather parts wear, and wooden action parts can break, even on the most expensive of pianos.
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Regulating

As a mechanical device, your piano action needs regular adjustment, called "regulating". Parts swell and shrink as the humidity changes, wear out with use, or fatigue with age. Dirt and grit prematurely wear out felt, leather and wood action parts. Regulating and cleaning prolongs the life of your piano. Proper regulation is necessary for the best performance of your piano. A well regulated piano is a joy to play, because it is more even and responsive to the demands of the pianist. While new pianos usually arrive fairly well regulated, the felt and leather parts "break in", and minor regulating is usually needed even during the first or second year of use.
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Cleaning

The piano is unique among musical instruments because it also serves as fine furniture for the home. In fact, the term "piano finish" has traditionally been used to describe the highest standards in wood finishing. Properly maintaining the fine finish of your piano will enhance your home's decor and preserve the value of your piano.
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Voicing

Voicing is also called "tone regulating", and is really the final part of regulating the piano. Although it involves many aspects, voicing includes adjusting the piano's hammers to achieve a full, smooth and pleasing tone in the piano.
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Humidity Control

Your piano is made primarily of wood, a versatile and beautiful material ideal for piano construction. However, being made of wood, your piano is greatly affected by humidity. Seasonal and even daily changes in humidity cause wood parts to swell and shrink, affecting tuning stability and touch. Extreme swings in humidity can eventually cause wood to crack and glue joints to fail. Other materials in your piano also are affected by changes in moisture content in the air. The many felt and leather parts in your piano's action can change dimension, affecting regulation and friction, or stiffness of the touch. Very high humidity can even create condensation on metal parts such as strings, tuning pins and hardware, eventually causing them to rust.
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Purchase Consulting

I am available to assist you in purchasing a new or used piano, either from a store or a private party. I am not a piano dealer, and generally do not buy and sell pianos. I am able to advise you on a piano you may be considering purchasing, or help you find the right piano at a price that fits your needs and budget through our many contacts within the industry. Most importantly I am available to look at and evaluate any piano, from a private party or in a store, before you purchase and advise you of its' condition before you buy.
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