Frequently Asked Questions
These are just a few frequently asked questions that we have gotten over the years. If you have a question that is not on this list or if you're not even sure what to ask, give us a call and we will answer any questions you have as best we can.
How much will it cost to fix my piano?
One of our most asked questions. We would like to give a simple answer over the phone or a text but we will probably have to have a look at it. Condition is everything and pianos are wonderfully complex modern marvels. They have more moving parts then your automobile. The parts are made of diverse materials including wood, cast iron, steel, wool, leather, and many other varying materials. Simple repairs are inexpensive and best taken care of while a technician is tuning the piano. More complex repairs will require the piano’s action or even the whole piano to be moved to our shop for repair. We do everything from tuning to major rebuilding work. If you would like an estimate and evaluation of your piano please contact us for an appointment.
How often should I tune my piano?
For the home it is recommended the piano be tuned twice a year. For professional use it may need to be tuned much more frequently. Most concert venues tune the piano before each performance.
Why does it feel sloppy, unresponsive or blubbery?
If the parts are not damaged or excessively worn then you probably need an action regulation.
Can you make it play softer?
Piano's volume and tone can be adjusted by voicing the hammers. Hammer needling is a process where the technician repeatedly needles the hammers with a voicing tool. This is used to bring the tone down and to adjust it to make it sound more mellow. Voicing is an art and requires an experienced piano technician who can listen to the customer's preferences for tone and adjust accordingly. It is best to voice pianos in the room where they will spend most (or all) of their time as the room's acoustics will have an effect on the total sound.
Can you make it play louder?
Hammers can be hardened with chemicals to make for a louder, more robust, and bright sound. This is another aspect of voicing and often works in conjunction with hammer needling.
What temperature and humidity should I keep it at?
Very good question. Temperature and humidity have a huge effect on an instrument primarily built out of porous wood. The general consensus on humidity is to keep it at 42%. While this is not practical in the real world, it can be kept in the ballpark of 42% by controlling the humidity in the room with humidifiers and dehumidifiers or by installing a climate control system directly into the piano itself. Moderate temperatures are best and most importantly, not fluctuating the temperature drastically as it throws the piano out of tune. This can often be a problem in church sanctuaries or institutional auditoriums where they shut off the heat or air-conditioning when the room is not in use. Location is also an important factor. It is best to keep the piano away from direct air flow from a vent as this can dry it out and affect the tuning. One of the most critical and often ignored consideration is to keep the piano out of direct sunlight. If the piano is in line with a window, install curtains or blinds to protect the piano from harsh morning or afternoon sun. The heating and cooling as direct sunlight moves on and off the piano can draftily effect the tuning and over the long run and can do serious damage to the finish, soundboard, bridges etc.
Can you recommend a mover?
Yes, we recommend the following movers:
Tony Doss of Exclusive Piano and Organ Moving (918) 688-6458
Saied Music (918) 742-5541
Tony Doss of Exclusive Piano and Organ Moving (918) 688-6458
Saied Music (918) 742-5541
My baby has a scratch :(
We're very sorry to hear that. It happens :) If it is just a minor scratch you might be able to address the problem with a touch-up marker of matching color. Anything serious will require a professional touch-up. Piano finishes are complicated and making a good repair is an art. Your piano may be finished in lacquer, shellac (if it is very old), and more commonly with newer pianos: polyester or a urethane finish. We recommend you call a skilled pro to take care of this for you. We have used the following and have been very happy with their work.
Travis Moore of E.A. Moore Refinishing. (918) 834-2801
Travis Moore of E.A. Moore Refinishing. (918) 834-2801
Can you tell me how old it is?
Quite possibly. Many, but not all, pianos have a serial number. They have been tracked very well over the years and recorded in a book called The Pierce Piano Atlas. Buy a copy of the book or see if you can hit up your friendly piano technician who probably has a copy of the book. For piano manufacturers that are still producing pianos, check out their website or give them a call. Interestingly, Steinway & Sons kept meticulous records and for a small fee can look your Steinway up, tell you when it was made, and find the piano dealer and location it originally went to when it left the factory.
How much is my piano worth?
This can be a complicated question and will probably require a technician to inspect and evaluate the piano for you. Brands of pianos, their sizes/types, and most importantly their condition all play rolls in their value. Other factors include your local economy, and your ability to sell. Pianos are difficult to transport and are usually resold locally.