Piano Tuning and repair

A. Pianos drift out of tune gradually, what you are probably hearing is the group of two or three strings that make up a single note going out of tune. If your piano has recently been tuned, you may need a simple touch-up. If it has been awhile, your piano has probably drifted flat or sharp, just so gradually that you may not have noticed. I can help you with any piano tuning issues you may be having.

A. By far the most common question. A good rule of thumb for an instrument that is played regularly is twice a year. Many factors contribute to the stability of a piano tuning, but keeping a piano in tune is critically important to a student’s development and frankly, no lesson however well performed will sound right if the piano is out of tune. Bear in mind that pianos in recital halls and concert venues are generally tuned before each performance.

A. I add mileage to appointments that are more than 50 miles from home. However, if you live a ways away and have a friend that has a piano in need of service, I would be happy to offer a discount to both of you if the service can be scheduled on the same day. For customers who need piano repairs and tuning in Eau Claire, Wisconsin I will be happy to schedule you when I am in town servicing UWEC or the Pablo Center.

A. Against an inside wall, shaded from exposure to direct sunlight. Try to avoid placing the instrument in the stream of a heat register. Place the piano in a main room so as to not isolate the player, and position the piano so the player is playing to the room, not to the corner. With a vertical piano, leave 3-4” of air space between the piano and the wall.

A. Pianos are constructed of many different types of wood, cloth, and other materials varying greatly in size and shape. With this in mind, pianos should be in a consistent environment free from large swings in either temperature or humidity. Ideal humidity for a piano is 40-45%. Many modern homes have humidifiers built into their furnace systems, if your system is not so equipped, there are solutions for both the home and for specifically the piano. Contact us for further information on our piano repair services.

Part of my piano repair service can include rebuilding your action and restringing your piano. For new pinblocks and soundboards, I work with local rebuilders to bring your instrument back to life.