Frequently Asked Questions

Most pianos should be tuned every 6-12 months. Pianos that receive heavy use—concert pianos, teaching studios, performance venues—may require tuning every 3-4 months. New pianos that have just been delivered or have had major work done should be tuned 2-3 times in their first year to stabilize the strings and tension.

The primary cause of piano detuning is humidity fluctuation. Piano soundboards are made of wood, which expands and contracts with changes in moisture levels. When humidity rises, the board swells and increases tension on the strings, raising pitch. When humidity drops, the board contracts and pitch falls. Temperature changes, string stretching, and regular use also contribute to detuning over time.

A standard tuning typically takes 1-1.5 hours for a well-maintained piano. Pianos that haven't been tuned in a long time may require additional time for pitch raising, which could extend the appointment to 2 hours or more. Major pitch corrections are often done over multiple sessions to avoid stress on the pinblock and strings.

While digital pianos don't require tuning in the traditional sense, we do offer maintenance services including key cleaning, pedal repair, and electronic diagnostics. For issues requiring circuit board repair or replacement, we recommend contacting an authorized digital piano dealer or technician.

Tuning adjusts the pitch of the strings by changing string tension. This ensures each note plays at the correct frequency. Regulation adjusts the mechanical action of the piano—the relationship between keys, hammers, and strings. Proper regulation ensures even touch, proper escapement, and consistent tone production across all 88 keys. Think of tuning as adjusting the sound, while regulation adjusts the feel and responsiveness.

Our standard tuning service is $150 per piano. Additional pianos at the same location are $100 each. We also offer maintenance plans for multiple pianos. Please note that pianos significantly out of pitch may require additional time billed at our standard hourly rate. We provide upfront pricing before beginning any work.

Yes, we provide complete in-home service for tuning, regulation, voicing, and most repairs. Our service vehicle is equipped with the tools and parts needed to handle most issues on-site. For major restorations or repairs requiring specialized equipment, we may recommend bringing your piano to our Johnsonville workshop.

We service Johnsonville and surrounding areas in Rensselaer, Washington, and Albany Counties. This includes Troy, Albany, Schenectady, and surrounding communities. For locations beyond our standard service area, we may be able to accommodate requests with additional travel fees. Please contact us to discuss your specific location.

Voicing adjusts the tonal characteristics of a piano by shaping the hammer felt. A properly voiced piano produces a clear, balanced tone across all registers. If your piano sounds harsh, dull, or uneven, voicing can significantly improve its character. Many pianos benefit from voicing every few years, especially those in heavy use.

Ensure the piano is accessible with at least 2 feet of clearance on the tuning side. Remove any items from the top of the piano. Keep the room at normal temperature (68-72°F) and humidity (45-55%) if possible. If your piano hasn't been tuned in several years, mention this when scheduling so we can allocate appropriate time. Ensure someone will be present to provide access.