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 Frequently Asked Questions - What does it cost to tune a piano? The cost of tuning a piano depends on how far out of tune from the standard pitch of A440 Hz it is. If the piano is tuned on a regular basis (every 6 - 12 months or so), the standard charge is $90. If the piano goes through extreme swings in humidity, it MAY need more work in order for the tuning to hold. The piano repair industry calls this "pitch correction" or pitch raise/lowering. This service involves a rough tuning followed by a fine tuning. The fee for this service is approximately $130. If the piano in question has gone several years or more, it is almost certain it will need the pitch correction and fine tuning in order for a stable tuning to result. Tuning charges usually never exceed $130-$150 for pianos which have been neglected and having not been tuned in 5, 10, or even 15 years.
- How often should a piano be tuned? Good question! The answer is, it depends. Factors such as changes in humidity, frequency of playing, duration of playing, and intensity of playing (how hard the pianist plays) are some of the many factors which cause a piano to go out of tune and require tuning. An old piano with a loose pinblock may also require frequent tunings in order to maintain the pitch at A440Hz. Most manufactures recommend tuning a new piano 2-4 times the first couple of years until the strings are fully stretched and settled. Ideally you tune a piano twice a year. Many schools and churches tune their pianos once a month or once every 3 months. FYI, an "in-tune" piano makes for a more enjoyable learning process for beginners. If possible, try to tune your piano once a year.
- What is the cost to repair a piano? Most minor repairs, such as sticky keys, notes not playing, pedals not functioning, etc can be completed "in-home" at a reasonable cost. Minor repairs can normally be completed in 15 minutes to one hour. If you have your piano tuned at the same visit, there is no charge for a repair which is completed in 15 minutes or less.
- The piano technician broke a string while tuning my piano, and charges me for it. . .how come? Over the years, piano strings may rust do to high humidity situations. This rust may be visible or hidden. When tuning a piano that has not been tuned in several years, your piano technician will do everything in their ability to not break a string. Sometimes; however, a string will break due to weak spots in the wire caused by the rust.
- My piano has a few keys which don't work, what's the problem? Depending on the type of piano, (ie spinet, upright, or grand), it could be one of many problems with the action of the piano. A common cause of a faulty key in a spinet piano is a broken elbow, some of which are plastic and break over time. Another common cause of a faulty key in any type of piano would be high humidity conditions which cause the wood and other felt parts to swell, causing a key to be sluggish or non-functioning. With that said, extremely dry conditions and/or extreme and sudden swings in humidity can also wear on action parts, resulting in needed repairs. Again, the causes could be one of many, and only a qualified piano technician is able to properly troubleshoot, diagnose, and make the necessary repairs.
- Why should you have Smith's Piano Service tune or service your piano? Quality of craftsmanship, great rates, friendly, prompt and professional service, GUARANTEED!
This page is a work in progress.
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