Piano Tuning

 

Is your piano flat, out of tune or both? A piano can be in tune with itself but flat of its desired pitch (usually A above middle C is at 440Hz – concert pitch). It might also sound out of tune but be at or around the desired pitch. Of course it may also be flat AND out of tune. To determine this you can download a free tuning app (I like Pano Tuner as it gives a frequency number). Play A above middle C and see what the dial says. This will show if it is flat. If it sounds like it should be playing in a Western saloon, it is out of tune.

I offer piano tuning, repiars and restoration as the primary service but also offer organ tuning (see below).   It is advised a piano is tuned at least twice a year, although you can usually get away with annual tunings. A piano will need this more often if it is in a fluctuating environment (heat and humidity, like a conservatory or church), and for heavy-use pianos such as those in schools or owned by serious musicians and teachers.

I tune pianos in:

• Stirling (including tuning in Dunblane, Bridge of Allan,  Falkirk and the surrounding areas).
• Throughout the Trossachs (including Killin, Callander, Arrochar and Drymen)
• Perth (including tuning in Auchterarder, Dunkeld, Crieff and the surrounding areas)
• Dundee (including tuning in Carnoustie, Arbroath and Forfar)
• Edinburgh and East Lothian
• Glasgow and Cumbernauld

This list is not exhaustive, I can travel further afield, but this may incur some additional travel cost. Often this can be mitigated if you know somebody else in your area who also wants a piano tuned. Call for further information.

Advice on Buying a Piano

Whether you simply want the basic information for buying your first piano, detailed advice on a piano you are thinking of buying, or advice on what maintenance your current piano needs, give me a call.

I am happy to accompany you to a piano viewing in Scotland, and appraise a piano before buying – I can take a video call too. This is strongly advised if you are a first time buyer and don’t know what you should be looking out for; a bad piano will limit your potential and a free piano may end up costing you more in the long run.

One of the most damaging things for a new player is a poor instrument. It is always a shame when I hear ‘It doesn’t need to be good, it is just for the kids to learn on.’ Although you don’t need to spend thousands of pounds on a piano, and a second hand piano will often be the best choice, a small investment should be made. Imagine trying to learn to drive in a Ford Model T, or learning carpentry with blunt, damaged, rusty tools. If you want to learn something, you need to be inspired. A terrible piano will not inspire you, indeed it can stunt your development. Advice will cost you nothing.

Piano Maintenance and Regulation

A piano is a mechanical instrument.  Like all machines it needs regular attention.  The process of making a piano work to its optimum is called regulation.  If you have a sticking key, a rattle or buzz, pedals not working, broken strings or something which is ‘not quite right’, your piano needs attention!  A well maintained piano is a beautiful thing and will make you want to play it.

Things the regulation includes: key height, key dip (when playing), key easing, hammer rest position, set off (how close the hammer gets to the string before falling back), checking distance (where the hammer rests when you play a note and keep the key pressed), damper lift with key, damper lift with pedal, pedal adjustments and much more. This is a complex process, but it will get the most out of your piano.

A piano should be regulated at least every three years, depending on use. I guarantee you will feel the difference in the touch after your piano is regulated. Please get in touch if you want to discuss piano regulation or have any questions about it.

Regulation and maintenance to the action (the moving parts) should not be undertaken by a non-professional.

Piano maintenance and tuning should be undertaken on a yearly basis at least.  It is advised that you get your piano maintained every six months.

Piano Repairs and Restoration

I offer all types of piano repair. Whether it is a broken key, a broken string or repairs to the action, give me a call. I also restore pianos and can offer a full restring. I have experience restoring actions, which can give the piano a whole new feel. I can do some casework repairs too, but please get in touch to discuss this.

Piano Cleaning

A clean piano is a happy piano. when dust and debris gets onto a grand piano soundboard, it ruins the aesthetics. If dust gets into the action of any piano, it may affect the performance. A deep clean will ensure the piano is totally clear of dirt and dust. I can clean the internal and external parts of a piano. This will be done on a full day visit, but I also offer it as a stand-alone service.

Piano Moving

There are companies who specialise specifically in moving pianos, there are also people and companies who will offer to move the piano themselves.  It is vitally important to use someone who knows what they are doing and have the correct equipment.  An incorrectly moved piano is a dangerous object, and worse, the piano or your home can be damaged.  I personally offer a very limited moving services but for most moves I can point you in the right direction.

Organ Tuning

Yes you read correctly.  I am also familiar with may aspects of organ tuning and maintenance.  While I don’t offer full overhaul, in many cases I can improve the function of a pipe organ (please note, I don’t work on entirely electric organs).  For full overhauls I can point you in the right direction.  Furthermore, if you want to have  a piano and organ tuned in the same visit I can negotiate a good deal. I also have experience in harmonium repair.