Piano tuning and servicing in Wagga Wagga, the Riverina, and surrounding areas
Taking good care of a piano involves much more than getting it tuned once every couple of years. I approach each new piano as though I will be seeing it regularly for years to come. The following services are what I would recommend for new and continuing customers.
First Appointment: Allow 3-3.5 hours
In a first appointment my aim is to assess the condition of the instrument, get it playing and sounding the best I can within the time limits of the appointment, and plan for how it can be maintained and even improved over the coming years. This may involve:
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A thorough inspection of the piano’s condition, including the outer case, the action (playing mechanism), strings, and tuning stability (how likely it will be to stay in tune)
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Cleaning of dust, spiderwebs and rodent detritus
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Any minor maintenance necessary to get the piano playing smoothly
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Action regulation, that is, fine adjustments of the playing mechanism to improve the feel and sound of the piano, and to ensure all the parts are moving the way they’re supposed to
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Pitch raise, a rough tune in order to get the strings to the correct tension if they are a long way out of tune
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Fine tune to concert pitch
I will also make recommendations for follow-up work based on what I find during a first appointment.
Note: Some pianos, usually due to age-related factors, will no longer reliably hold their pitch. If I find this is the case with your piano, I will discuss the various options available with you before going ahead with any work.
Regular service: Allow 2-3 hours
A piano should be serviced once a year, at a minimum, to ensure the pitch remains stable. In addition to tuning the piano as part of a regular service, I carry out small amounts of regulation to ensure that the playing mechanism is functioning smoothly and efficiently, and feels good under your fingers.
Complete piano regulation
Sometimes the playing mechanism of a piano needs some more dedicated attention. In a complete regulation service, I adjust all the parts of the playing mechanism to factory standard so the piano plays as it was intended. This service finishes off with a fine tune to concert pitch. Allow one day for upright, or two days for grands.
Repairs
Sticky keys, squeaky pedals, annoying buzzes and hums, broken or missing parts. We can help troubleshoot the cause of these problems and conduct minor repairs to help eliminate these sources of frustration. I address these issues as part of regular servicing, however they may incur an extra charge if the scope is too far beyond the allocated time.
String replacement
Sometimes piano strings will break as part of the tuning process. This will incur an extra fee. Treble strings can be replaced on the day, however bass strings need to be made especially for the piano and so will require a call-back appointment. The charge for string replacement also includes a follow-up visit to re-tune the strings, as new strings tend to go out of tune more quickly. (Extra travel fees will still be required for customers outside Wagga Wagga).
Do you travel outside Wagga Wagga?
Yes! Let me know where you are located and we can work something out. Please note that locations beyond a certain distance from Wagga Wagga will incur an extra travel fee. If you can find a few people in your area who I can service on the same day (or days), then I can spread it out so there will be less individual cost.
How often should my piano be tuned?
Pianos that see a moderate amount of use should be tuned once every six to twelve months to ensure the best sound. Pianos that see heavy use, for example in practice rooms or teaching studios, may need more frequent tuning. Sometimes pianos in performance venues should be tuned prior to an event to ensure the best sound for the occasion.
My piano doesn't get played much - do I still need it tuned?
Yes. Pianos will still go out of tune due to changes in temperature and humidity, even if they haven't been played. A piano will hold its tuning longer if it is tuned regularly. If it hasn't been tuned in a while, your piano might need a few tunings in close succession before it remains at the correct pitch for any length of time.
How can I best look after my piano?
Regular tuning is an important part of keeping your piano healthy. The piano's location is also important. Try to keep it in a room with a stable temperature, away from sun, outside walls, heaters, and air conditioners. Keep the piano away from excessive moisture. Consider having your piano regulated too, as this will help reduce the amount of wear and tear that playing causes to the playing mechanisms.