PIANO TUNING AND REPAIR THROUGHOUT MILWAUKEE AND SE WISCONSIN
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY PIANO TUNED?
This is the question I get asked most often. Because I am a pragmatist and practical, I always answer – once a year. (I will send text reminders). However, if you would like your piano tuned twice a year, just mention your preference when I tune your piano. (Again, I can send text reminders). All modern piano manufacturing companies recommend tuning twice a year.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO TUNE MY PIANO?
It takes about 1 hour to tune most pianos. This includes the time I spend preforming minor repairs and adjustments.
If your piano needs a Pitch Raise, it will be an imprecise tuning and not sound much better than before the Pitch Raising. I will then return in about 6 weeks to apply a precise tuning.
IS A PITCH RAISE REALLY NECESSARY?
Yes it is. Pianos were engineered and designed to hold about 40,000 pounds of pressure and should be tuned to a frequency of A-440 Hz. When the pitch is allowed to moderate (sink) and stay at a lower pressure and pitch, every part of the piano is adversely affected – strings, tuning pins, plate, sound board and case. Also, tuning to a frequency of A-440 is especially important to help children with developing musical ears.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO TUNE MY PIANO?
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
I accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards or Venmo.
WILL WISCONSIN SALES TAX BE APPLIED?
I am sorry to say that I will need to collect the Wisconsin State Sales tax for all piano tunings and services.
DO YOU USE AN ELECTRONIC TUNER?
Yes, I do – for two reasons. First - I believe I can set the first octave with the most precision (the other octaves are tuned by ear but based on an accurate first octave). Second -- When doing a pitch raising, I can see how flat the piano is and thereby better gauge how far above A-440 I should raise the pitch. Because that raised pitch, over a few weeks, will flatten close to A-440. Then, the Precision Tuning – done a month or 6 weeks later – will be considerably more stable.
WHAT ARE YOUR DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION?
I am available 24/7 -- call, text or book me any time! I now offer you the ability to book a piano tuning from my website -- see BOOK TODAY at the top line of my website. I will go anywhere within the 8 counties normally associated with Milwaukee and SE Wisconsin - except Kenosha County.
SHOULD I HAVE MY PIANO TUNED AFTER MOVING IT?
If you just move it around within your home – probably not, but across the city or country – definitely yes. However, wait at least a month to let your piano get acclimated to its new environment.
SHOULD I HAVE MY PIANO TUNED IF IT ONLY GETS PLAYED OCCASIONALLY?
Yes. I know this sounds self-serving, but I recommend that you tune it regularly to keep its resale value high, keep its value as an heirloom, and keep it structurally sound.
WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR SHOULD I HAVE MY PIANO TUNED?
In Wisconsin, if you have your piano tuned annually, attempt to have it tuned during the same season. If you have your piano tuned twice a year, try to have it tuned when the heat is on and again when the AC is on (or the heat is off).
WHY DOES MY PIANO STILL GO OUT OF TUNE, EVEN WITH REGULAR TUNINGS?
The short answer is humidity changes with our four distinct Wisconsin seasons. A Dampp-Chaser Humidity Control System from Dampp-Chaser can make a considerable difference. The long answer is that a piano simply cannot hold 40,000 pounds of pressure indefinitely.
DO YOU GIVE FREE ESTIMATES OF REPAIR WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
Yes, but save yourself the cost of a service call and just schedule a tuning. Along with a tuning I will provide a free estimate of any piano repairs needed.
DO YOU SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF PIANOS?
Trick question – I service all acoustic pianos – any brand name and any style. However, I do not service electronic pianos, electronic keyboards or electronic organs.
WHY DO PIANO STRINGS OCCASIONALLY BREAK?
Piano strings usually break at the point where the string comes in contact with the metal plate. They may be rusty or become inelastic. Sometimes they corrode to the plate and don’t stretch when the tuning pin is tightened. Other times, the string flattens out where it passes under the plate bracing and becomes weakened. Another reason to have your piano serviced regularly. If I ever make an error and inadvertently break a string, I will admit to it and replace it at no cost.
WILL YOU EVALUATE A PIANO I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE?
Yes, (See SERVICES/PRE-PURCHASE CONSULTATION above).
WILL YOU HELP ME SET A PRICE IF I WOULD LIKE TO SELL MY PIANO?
Yes, but save yourself the cost of a service call and just schedule a tuning. Along with a tuning I will provide a free evaluation of my estimate of the resale value of your piano. Also, you will likely recoup the cost of the tuning in the increased price of the sale. Pianos that have been well-cared for bring higher prices.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY PIANO’S FINISH?
Common household products are not the best thing you can use on your piano’s finish. I always recommend CORY Piano Care Products (from Amazon). I recommend them and believe they are the best products on the market today. You will be pleased with the results.
