Welcome to our website... 02-8-2012
Piano Tuner & Technician services in Maine - keeping your piano in tune!

Does It Matter?

Whether or not you choose Parks & Sons to service your instrument there are some very important things to keep in mind when selecting who will provide service to your piano.
When selecting an individual or business to service or tune your instrument we always recommend choosing a Tuner/Technician as apposed to simply a Tuner. It is saddening to see an instrument that now needs hundreds of dollars in repairs to keep it going, when if damage had been caught earlier the repairs would have been relatively inexpensive and secured the customer's investment.
A Tuner/Technician can alert the customer to any problems and advise, whether or not they need attention now or in the future. While a Tuner that does not understand piano repair will miss these problems which could result in much more expensive repairs in the future. In fact a Technician can sometimes perform small repairs and adjustments while tuning that will improve the instrument's pliability without extra cost to the customer. These little repairs help keep the piano functioning longer, and can extend the time between needed repairs or regulations.

How Often To Tune?

The frequency of tuning is highly dependent on both the instrument, the player, and the environment the piano is kept in. While some will suggest having an instrument be tuned two or three times, maybe even four times, a year - we find that on average a piano that is kept in a reasonable environment can be kept in satisfactory condition with one or two tunings a year. Many times have we recommended that a piano need not be tuned more than once a year, but this is based on that particular piano, the player's needs, and the environment the piano is kept in. Of course a piano player who is more demanding of their instrument will want more frequent tunings.
Another thing to keep in mind when deciding how often to have your instrument tuned is that, unless the instrument is in storage, no piano - no matter the quality - can be expected to keep it's tune for more than a year. Having a piano tuned less than once a year may seem to save money initially but this is usually made up for by the fact that a piano that has fallen badly out of tune will usually require what is called a Pitch Raise. In fact an instrument neglected for two or more years could require more than one pitch raise before it will hold a tuning. A pitch raise stabilizes the piano for the tuning, if the piano was tuned without a pitch raise it would very soon (sometimes even before the tuner leaves) be back out of tune. Include the possible damage that can occur from lengthy neglect of the instrument, such as increased dangers of string breakage, and the cost to bring the instrument back up to playing condition can negate any possible savings from irregular service.
Institutional pianos (those in schools, churches, and other non-private locations) usually will need at least two tunings a year if they are expected to produce quality music. These get heavy use and are usually subject to large swings in temperature and humidity. A regular service schedule will help these instruments remain in good condition - which may pay back years later if the institution decides to acquire a new instrument and to sell the old instrument.

In closing - just a reminder - to get the most out of your tunings try to schedule them about two weeks after the heating system is turned on for winter and two weeks after it goes off for the summer. This will allow the piano to acclimate to the new temperature and humidity before the tuning, so the piano remains in tune longer.

If you would like more information about piano care (or any other piano subject) please call or email.