Services Provided - Tune88-GRHorst

Tuning

Piano tuning involves many precise adjustments to the tension of each string. The pitch of strings are not simply matched to a standard set of pitches. The tuner listens to the inharmonicity that is unique to each individual acoustic piano and assesses the interaction among notes. A slight variation is applied from the theoretical standard to make each particular instrument sound its best.

Pitch-Raise

A pitch-raise is an pre-tuning pass to restore string tension so the piano can be tuned to concert pitch pitch (A = 440 cycles per second). This may be necessary for a piano that has not been tuned for an extended time or has been subjected to environmental fluctuations such as temperature and humidity.  Following a pitch-raise, the instrument can be fine tuned.

Sticky Keys

Customers often use the phrase "sticky keys" to indicate that some keys either repond/reset slowly or don't play at all. This can be caused by a number of issues including wood swelling, restricted key movement, hammer alignment, sticky or broken flanges, bridle straps, regulation, or the result of objects dropped into the piano.

Regulation

Regulation is making fine adjustments to the key mechanism for the best "feel and response". This involves adjusting up to nine parameters for each note including proper key travel, hammer travel, let-off distance, backchecks, dampers, and repetition lever.

Voicing

Voicing is also referred to as tone regulation. It is the art of adjusting the tone quality for the desired amount of brilliance, mellowness or what musicians often describe as "control and power". The touch response must be uniform across the keyboard.

Note that a piano must be regulated and tuned prior to voicing.

General Repair

Repair, replace, or adjust to correct issues impacting the response and playability of the instrument. Cabinet work may include cosmetics, loose legs, squeaks, rattles, and general cleaning of the piano.

Reconditioning

Can include both mechanical and cosmetic enhancement to revitalize the instrument via repair and/or replacement of components.

Piano Evaluation
    or  Pre-Purchase Evaluation

Evaluate the condition of a piano. This is commonly done prior to a purchase or sale to determine the overall condition. This may include photos and a list of recommended repairs. An evaluation  is highly recommended prior to obtaining a used piano (including the "free piano") to avoid obtaining an instrument with issues that are difficult to detect or costly to repair.

Humidity Control

Installation of the Dampp-Chaser system to automatically control the humidity in the piano. This system automatically manages both moisture and dryness issues. This will help to stabilize tuning and environmental issues with the many wooden parts. This system is highly recommended for quality instruments.