SERVICES

Piano Tuning:

Tuning in private homes comprises the majority of my work. I was trained to tune by ear using one tuning fork, but changed over to include software measurement tuning a few years ago. I am happy to use either method you wish if you have a preference, I’m not reliant on any one way, but I prefer including software measurement as the two methods I now combine into a hybrid type system, This absolutely gives you the best possible tuning. Please give me a call or complete a contact form, and we can arrange a time that suits you.

All manufacturers recommend tuning at least TWICE a year. If your piano has gone without tuning for more than one year, it most likely will have dropped in tension and pitch. If that is the case, please send a request for a quote, or call on the phone, and I will explain the charges and procedures. Typically, if its been more than a year since your instrument has had service, my charge for the first time there will be for 90 minutes instead of 60 minutes, because there will be a lot of extra work/time involved this first time, then if you follow up within one year the charge is just the regular (60min) tuning fee. It will remain the regular fee as long as you continue to tune it at least once per year. I will always try to bring the piano to standard (A/440HZ) pitch, but I am limited of course by how low the pitch is when I first see the instrument.

Tuning does not include repair work, however a simple stuck key or action adjustment that can be done quickly is normally done without charge. More involved repairs are by inspection.

Pianos have over 200 strings with about 150 lbs. tension each. That totals around 30,000 lbs. of tension. As a result, pianos are constantly dropping in tension and in pitch. Here in the north east part of the country we experience 4 large seasonal changes in humidity. If your piano has not been tuned within 12 months, most likely it will have dropped in pitch too much to be brought back up to the pitch it was at a year ago with one tuning. The extra tuning is required, because for every amount I raise the pitch on a string, it changes back 10-38%. (Remember: “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction”) Generally, if the piano is substantially below standard pitch (around A=437 or lower), additional trips may be required to achieve standard pitch, assuming no other factors like rust, age, loose tuning pins etc. prevent it. Good work takes time, please allow it, and be realistic about what I can do in one appointment.

I am available for home, church, school, concert hall and studio tuning. I have decades of experience in the most demanding situations. I have 40 years experience and for the last 25 years I been the tuner/technician for the “PNC Bank Arts Center” Amphitheater in Holmdel NJ, as well as several state of the art recording studios and I have received numerous compliments on the quality of my work from performing artists.

Additionally, I can tune: Fender Rhodes, D6 clavinets, Yamaha CP-70 and wurly “2oo” series electrics. (These instruments are done in my shop and you must drop off and pick up)

Action Regulation:

Adjustments aimed at increasing the efficiency of the mechanical part of your piano are called action regulation. Frequently, relatively inexpensive adjustments can make an enormous difference in the sensitivity of touch, allowing you to play much more expressively. These adjustments restore the correct tolerances that were set when your piano was new, but which gradually changed over the years with use. There are over a dozen adjustments per note. My job is to recommend which of these will make the greatest improvement with the least expense.

Rebuilding/Refinishing:

I own my own rebuilding facility and can completely restore any piano, including case refinishing, keytop work, soundboard repairs, restringing, rehammering, etc. I especially enjoy restoring instruments from the 1890’s – 1940’s these are some of the finest instruments ever manufactured and are well worth restoring.

Purchase Evaluations:

I highly recommend the evaluation of every instrument prior to purchase. Pianos vary widely in quality and condition for the same price. Many need costly repairs or maintenance that are not obvious to the untrained eye or ear. I also offer free advice over the phone that can save you time and money when you are looking for a piano to purchase.

Climate Control Installations:

Most instruments benefit greatly from having a climate control system installed. Tunings last much longer, and soundboard splitting, as well as action problems are greatly reduced.