
For the action, this would include replacing hammers, and felts such as key bushings that allow the smooth, quiet operation of the moving parts. Rebuilding means doing major repairs and replacement of parts. An appraisal makes sense for a valuable, high-quality piano, almost always a grand. An appraisal can be shown to potential buyers if the piano is for sale, or it can be used for insurance purposes. The selling price can vary significantly due to how long the seller can keep the piano on the market, the preferences of local buyers, and so on. The value is based on my judgment and does not assure that the piano will be sold for a particular price. I then provide a letter describing the condition of the piano and an approximate value. Or you might own a piano already and are wondering whether it is worth having extensive repairs done on it as opposed to purchasing a new piano.Īn appraisal starts with an inspection as above. I inspect the piano and highlight potential problems or indications of a quality instrument, and discuss your musical needs. It affects what is commonly called the piano's "touch."Īn inspection is especially important when you are considering buying a used piano. Regulation means adjusting the motion of the keys and action parts to give the pianist optimal control of dynamics, repetition, and other aspects of performance. If there are clicks, squeaks, buzzes, or other unwanted sounds, additional repairs are needed.Ī pitch raise is a first rough tuning, which is necessary when a piano has not been tuned for a long time and the pitch of the strings is well below the standard pitch. If the tone of a piano is dull or too bright, shaping the hammers and voicing them can improve things. The condition of the hammers and strings determines the tone quality. When a piano is noticeably out of tune, tuning will definitely make it sound better, but it does not address everything. When it is in tune, a piano has pure, pleasant-sounding unisons (single notes) and octaves. The notes in an out-of-tune piano waver in an unpleasant way. Tuning means adjusting the tension of the strings to put them at the proper pitch.

The piano does not normally need to be moved. Please remove photos, books, and other items from the top of the piano before I arrive. Please avoid activities such as vacuuming, washing dishes, conversation and other activities that produce similar sound levels in rooms adjacent to the piano.Īccess: When I service a piano, I always need to open it. I don't need silence, but a reasonably quiet environment. Noise: When I come to tune your piano, please keep in mind that I must listen very closely to what I am doing.

Please allow +/- half an hour for my arrival due to traffic and other factors.

Unexpected repairs can also add time to a visit. All pianos are different, and I would much rather do the best job I can instead of hurrying through. Please note that these are approximate times. If I am raising the pitch first, it can take closer to two hours. Scheduling: It normally takes me about an hour and 15 minutes to tune a piano. When customers have family members or friends nearby who also need service, I am willing to tune additional pianos for a reduced fee. This is not related to the process of tuning, and there is an additional fee for the repair. Among the most common are strings and hammer shanks. Occasionally, parts may break during tuning.

For fees outside of this area, please contact me for a quote. The above rates apply to the Tacoma metropolitan area, which includes Lakewood, Spanaway, Puyallup, Sumner, Federal Way, and Gig Harbor. Please read the rest of this section for a description of these services and things you can do to prepare for my visit that will make it go smoothly. The fee is higher in other areas - please call for the fee in your location He is very reliable and trustworthy, and it is my pleasure to recommend him."īen Klinger, Manager, Classic Pianos - Bellevue "I have been impressed with the musicality and stability of Loren's tunings. Please go to to learn more about the qualifications of a Registered Piano Technician. You are welcome to watch me at work and to ask questions. I am always willing to explain to customers what I am doing to their pianos. For information about moving, see the FAQ page.
