Piano Services
I provide a range of professional services to help you maintain, restore, and get the most from your acoustic piano.
Every piano is different. Its design, age, condition, environment, and history all influence the way it sounds and feels. I tailor my work accordingly, taking the time to assess your instrument and determine what it needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
From routine fine tuning to regulation, voicing, repairs, cleaning, and pre-purchase inspections, I bring the same attention to detail and commitment to quality to every piano I service.
My goal is to preserve the character of your instrument while helping it perform at its best.
Tuning
Regular tuning is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your piano. Pianos respond to changes in temperature and humidity, and the seasonal extremes we experience in the Washington, DC area can have a significant effect on tuning stability.
For most pianos, I recommend tuning every six months or at least once a year. The ideal schedule depends on how often you play, the condition of your piano, its environment, and your personal preferences.
I use a hybrid tuning approach, combining careful aural tuning with a precision electronic tuning device. This allows me to take advantage of both the trained ear and modern technology to achieve an accurate, musical result.
A regular tuning typically takes approximately two hours.
Regular tuning: $180–$240
Repairs
Even a well-maintained piano can develop small problems over time. Sticky or sluggish keys, squeaky pedals, rattling noises, and other minor issues can affect your enjoyment of the instrument.
I diagnose and repair these problems with the goal of restoring your piano's proper function while preserving its existing components whenever possible.
If I find an issue that requires more extensive work, I will explain what I have found and discuss the appropriate options with you before proceeding.
Pitch Correction
When a piano has gone a long time without being tuned, its overall pitch may have dropped significantly. In these cases, simply performing a standard tuning may not be enough to bring the piano back to the desired pitch.
I first adjust the strings toward their appropriate tension levels, followed by a careful fine tuning to bring the piano to the target pitch. This process is particularly important when you want your piano at standard concert pitch (A440) so that it can play accurately with other instruments, musicians, or recorded accompaniment.
When returning to standard pitch is not necessary, I can often address a lower pitch gradually over the course of regular tuning appointments.
Pitch correction followed by fine tuning typically requires at least three hours.
Cleaning
Dust and debris naturally accumulate inside a piano over the years. Because many of the instrument's components are delicate, proper cleaning requires more than simply removing visible dust.
I provide detailed interior cleaning using appropriate tools and techniques designed to protect the piano's action, strings, soundboard, and other components.
A clean interior not only improves the overall condition and appearance of your piano; it also helps create a better environment for the instrument's mechanical components to function properly.
Regulation
A piano's touch and responsiveness depend on thousands of individual components working together with remarkable precision.
Over time, normal use causes these components to shift away from their original specifications. Regulation involves carefully adjusting the piano's action and related mechanisms so that the parts work together as they were designed to.
I assess the condition of the action and make the necessary adjustments to improve consistency, responsiveness, and control. Proper regulation can make a significant difference in the way a piano feels under your hands and how effectively you can express yourself through it.
Voicing
Voicing allows me to shape the tonal character of your piano.
The hammers play an important role in determining how a piano sounds, and their condition and treatment can significantly influence the instrument's tone. Through careful work on the hammers, I can adjust the tonal character of the piano while respecting the instrument's individual qualities.
Whether you prefer a warmer, rounder tone or a brighter, more projecting sound, I work with you to achieve a tonal character that suits your piano and your musical preferences.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Buying an acoustic piano is a significant investment, particularly when purchasing a used instrument. A piano may look beautiful on the outside while having issues that are difficult to identify without technical knowledge. Before you purchase, I can inspect the piano inside and out and provide you with a professional assessment of its condition. I look at the instrument's major components and identify issues that may affect its performance, maintenance needs, or future costs. Following the inspection, I provide a brief report outlining my findings and my professional assessment of the instrument. If you decide to purchase the piano, I can also recommend professional, reliable piano movers to help you arrange its transportation.