Joan's Piano Service
Tuning, Repairs, Regulation, Consultations
Services
Tuning
Most manufacturers recommend three to four tunings the first year, and one or two annually after that. Pianos are greatly affected by humidity changes, so they go out of tune even if they are not being played. Without regular tunings, the pitch falls a bit each year, and it may take several tunings to get the piano back up to pitch and stable.
Tuning and Pitch Adjustment
If the overall pitch of the piano has changed by 15% (or more) of a half-step, a pitch adjustment is necessary before tuning the piano. A pitch adjustment is a quick tuning of the whole piano, just bringing the strings up to pitch. The pitch adjustment prepares the piano for tuning, so that it will sound its best and the tuning will be stable. (In some situations, more than one pitch adjustment may be needed.)
Changes in pitch are most often caused by changes in humidity. Moving from house to house (whether in different cities or close by) usually affects the pitch. If the piano has not been tuned regularly, it is likely to need a pitch adjustment.
Repairs
A simple repair can often be done during the time reserved for a tuning appointment, and there is usually no extra charge for this. If it is determined that more extensive work is needed, we can discuss the extra costs and make an additional appointment.
Technical Work
If a follow-up appointment is necessary, or we discuss some special work (replacing a set of key coverings, for example, or changing a set of spinet elbows), I will provide a verbal or written estimate before starting the work.