Q: Do you charge by the hour?
A: No. I charge a standard fee of $75.00 for a complete concert tuning (A-440).
Q: What is a pitch raise and do you charge extra if my piano needs it?
A: Pitch raising is an expression piano tuners use to indicate that a piano is several cents away from concert pitch and the strings need to be raised up a substantial amount. While this process takes more time to stabilize the piano's tuning, I do not charge an extra fee to raise the piano back to concert pitch.
Q: What is the difference between electronic tuning and aural tuning? Which method do you use?
A: When tuning a piano electronically, the tuner uses an Electronic Tuning Device (ETD) to tune each note on the piano. Aural Tuning is better known as tuning by ear. When tuning a piano aurally, the tuner uses his ear to adjust and create the most pleasing sound of every key on the piano by comparing its tone to other keys on the keyboard. I join the many professionals who practice aural tuning. While electronic tuning may seem more precise and accurate, this is actually not the case. Due to the individual harmonic differences that exist between all pianos, it is important for the tuner to have a good ear of discernment when tuning.
Q: How long will it take to tune my piano?
A: A complete tuning (tuned to concert pitch) can take 1-3 hours depending on the necessity of a pitch raise. I do not tune pianos to themselves. It is my opinion that if a piano is to be tuned, then it should be tuned perfect. I do not rush through this tuning process; I treat each piano as if it were to be played regularly and/or professionally.
Q: Am I required to be home while my piano is tuned?
A: You are not required to stay while your piano is tuned. In fact, many people find the loud monotonous noise, accompanying the repetitive striking of the hammers during the tuning process, a bit annoying. Hence, you may come and go as you please.
Q: Does piano tuning require a quiet environment?
A: Absolutely. In order to hear and focus on the subtle beats while tuning a piano, a tuner needs a quiet environment in which to work.
Q: How far will you travel to tune my piano and do you charge extra for mileage?
A: My tuning services extend out to all of Delmarva (the Eastern Shore) without any charge for travel.
Q: Will the size/type/make of my piano affect the cost of tuning?
A: No. Whether tuning a concert grand or Grandma's hand-me-down spinet, it makes no difference. Every piano I tune will be accurately tuned and treated with care.
Q: What is the best way to keep my piano in tune?
A: While there are many factors which contribute to a piano's stability, the best way to keep your piano in tune is by having your piano tuned frequently/regularly. A piano string has the same property as any metal wire - it wants to maintain the position that it settles in. The more often your piano is tuned, your piano will begin to settle near correct pitch.
Q: Do you repair and/or refinish pianos?
A: At this time, I do not take repairing/refinishing jobs. I'm sorry for this inconvenience, but I will gladly recommend professionals in this field if your piano needs these services. This does not include small repairs which can be done within the home.