Piano Tuning & Maintenance



A piano is a tricky instrument to deal with. A very well built and relatively new piano would normally require little attention other than tuning. (In that respect it is similar to a car.) However, an upright piano has over 8,000 moving parts inside and wear and tear will often require part replacement, adjustment or calibration. 

Keeping constant temperature and humidity levels is the best environment you can provide an instrument, any instrument.

 

Unfortunately, that is no easy task in Texas where we can easily have hydrostatic readings with a variance of over 80% within a week. Add to that the pressure exerted through playing and you have a very flexible pitch environment. The is a difference for the piano between you rehearsing Skryabin preludes and you playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. The best protection you can give your piano is to regularly maintain it.

 

Piano Doctor can service, repair, maintain and restore your piano.

 

If you use your instrument several times a week you should have it tuned 4 times a year. More moderate use would require a tuning every six months.

 

Special attention should be given if you use the instrument in ensemble playing, where a 440Hz is expected. If your piano's pitch deviates too much from the standard ("perfect pitch"), a pitch correction may be needed. This can be a process over several months depending on the condition of your piano.

 

A piano usually falls into the hands of either,

(a) a professional,

(b) an avid music enthusiast or

(c) a beginner ("I play because my mom told me I had to learn to play the piano").

 

An out-of-tune instrument stands to disgust either of the three (not to mention their audiences) in different ways, which are as follows:

 

1. The professional is concerned that a poor tuning will cheapen his performance and image.

2. The music enthusiast has his/her progress slowed (like a cook complaining not having the right cooking equipment).

3. The beginner will usually abandon quickly because of the wretched sound.

 

The human body senses, consciously or not,  when things are in tune and when they are not. So, be in tune.

 

 

Free Piano Tuning

Earn a Free Piano tuning every time you refer us to 5 new customers. 

 

 

Piano Moving

Moving a piano requires specialty movers with specialty equipment, dollies, straps, hooks etc. A regular moving company will not do. Piano Doctor can assist you in moving your instrument anywhere you wish with the United States and Canada. All our movers are insured and bonded.

 

 

Appraisal and Sale/Purchase Assistance

Piano Doctor will assist you in the purchase of a new or used piano if needed. We represent you, the buyer/seller, and can often assist in also providing a guarantee on the condition of a piano being sold.

 

This will usually greatly enhance the sale value and provides added security to the new owner. Acquiring an instrument can often include a sizeable investment and it is always judicious to get a second, professional opinion on the quality of the instrument you plan to acquire.  A used piano can often be preferred to a new piano in that it is a seasoned instrument...the soundboard is 'cured', meaning it has withstood decades of climate changes.  Unless one goes very high up in price for a new piano, the sound quality of a used instrument can often surpass a new one.

 

Is string oxydation going to cause problems with tuning? Is the soundboard cracked? ...and, if so, is it cracked in a place where it interferes with standing waves? Is the action properly calibrated? Have the hammerfelts been 'abused' or just been subjected to regular wear and tear, or do they only need revoicing?...These are just some of the issues that an untrained ear cannot determine. Get a professional opinion and you stand to save yourself hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars down the road.

 

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