Alexander Felides Certified Piano Technician The services I offer include tuning, regulation, appraisals, repairs and Piano Life Saver System installations. Phone: 603-818-6609 Email: thepianodoctor@gmail.com I learned the craft at Boston's prestigious North Bennet Street School, and I serve most of MA and NH.
What makes pianos go out of tune? Pianos strings change pitch for two primary reasons. One, the strings on a new piano go through a period of initial stretching and settling, and two, humidity changes cause the piano’s structure to swell and contract, affecting the strings.
How often should I have my piano tuned? Manufacturers recommend your piano be tuned four times the first year, and twice a year after that. More advanced players, and those with a particularly good ear, may want to have it done a little more often than that; about every four months, for which I offer a special price (see price list below). For most homes though, I think every seven months is ideal. That way the piano eventually gets a tuning in each season, rather than always being tuned the same time every year. You, however, are obviously the final judge; and if you are still happy with the piano beyond seven months, it is sufficient for it to only receive annual service. Anything more than a year, and the chance of the piano needing a pitch raise to be properly tuned becomes more likely.
What is a pitch raise? Your piano naturally goes flat in the winter and sharp in the summer. All this movement affects the piano’s approximately 230 strings considerably. The strings are stretched at an average tension of 150 to 200 pounds apiece, for a total tension of about 18 to 20 tons. The longer the piano goes without tuning the further it gets from this proper amount of tension (pitch). It is impossible to make any large jumps in overall tension and have a stable tuning in one pass. The “pitch raise” process involves returning all the strings to their proper average tension levels, so that the piano can then be accurately tuned.
What is regulation? Your piano has 88 keys, each with at least 50 points of adjustment. Those 4400 adjustments are affected by use, climate and wear. Regulating a piano’s action, (the moving parts), returns the geometry of those adjustments to their proper place.
How long does a tuning take? A regular tuning takes a little more than an hour. A pitch raise and tuning takes about two hours. In order to maximize the quality of your tuning it is helpful and greatly appreciated if you make that time as quiet as possible. Piano tuning requires very careful listening and intense concentration. The TV, radio, running water, dishwashers, washers, dryers and other extraneous noise all interfere with the process.
The care of your piano is a financial investment, and I hope this information helps you understand the complexities involved. Please feel free to ask me about any other concerns or questions you may have that were not addressed here.
Price list: Basic Tuning - $110.00 Tuning requiring a Pitch Raise - $125.00 to $150.00 Regulation and/or Repairs - $60.00 per hour Upright "Piano Life Saver System" + installation - $450.00 Grand "Piano Life Saver System" + installation - $550.00
Are you looking to have your piano moved? I always recommend Piano Movers Inc. They do quality professional work, I have used them myself.
Looking for a teacher or even a pianist to hire? Try nhpiano.com |