3. How often does my piano need tuning?
4. Why do pianos go out of tune?
5. How should I care for my piano?
7. What is a "pitch raise" or "pitch correction"?
9. What is the best location for my piano?
11. Where can I find help buying a piano?
12. What is a "gray market" or "wet" piano?
To book an appointment, email Dennis by clicking here or call (306) 949-6797
A1: I strive to keep rates affordable. An accurate rate for your particular piano depends on its current condition/location and level of performance you expect. Call for an estimate. Be prepared with the following information:
1. Name/Make of piano
2. Approximate age of piano
3. Condition - from previous technician comments
4. How long since last tuning
5. Does it have a dampp-chaser climate control system installed
6. Any mechanical problems (i.e. dead keys, sticking keys, etc.)
A2: Yes, pre purchase, pre sale, insurance claim are charged at an hourly rate.
Q3: How often does my piano need tuning?
A3: At least every 6 months for a new piano for the first couple of years. After major humidity changes in fall or spring, or at least once a year for a very stable piano. Humidity typically increases most in April and May and decreases most in October, November and December.:
Q4: Why do pianos go out of tune?
A4: Hard playing, careless tuning and condition of the instrument can all contribute to a piano going out of tune, but the greatest factor is seasonal humidity change. See question 3 above. The greater the humidity changes the more the piano pitch may vary. The only remedy for this is humidy control The most effective way to control the affects of humidty change is with a build in dampp-chaser climate control system.
Q5: How should I care for my piano?
A5: For information on a variety of aspects of care, we recommend visiting the Piano Technicians Guild website page on Piano care by clicking here.
A6: Voicing is adjusting the tone of the piano. The tonal "colour" of a piano can be adjusted from mellow to bright. The amount of change possible depends on the condition of the piano and the quality of parts in the instrument.
The tone of the a piano will change over time and so will need periodic voicing to restore the original tonal qualities, or to match the piano to a particular room acoustic.
Q7: What is a "pitch raise" or "pitch correction"?
A7: If a piano has not been tuned for several years the strings may be so far out of tune that a single fine tuning will not be possible. A "pitch correction" of at least one additional tuning pass will be required to increase tension on the strings to the point where a fine tuning is possible.
A8: Regulation refers to the correct adjustments of keyboard and action parts. For a home or studio instrument these adjustments should be done every few years; more frequently for a performance piano.
Q9: What is the best location for my piano?
A9: The piano should ideally be located away from sources of heat, cold, humidity or high air flow from heating or air conditioning. Keep the piano out of direct sunlight.
A10: Yes, a piano under normal use has a lifespan similar to a human life span. Some "high end" pianos can be rebuilt when they reach this stage but for most instruments this is not practical as the cost can be much higher than a new piano. The best way to preserve a piano is by:
1. regular tuning and regulating and;
2. controlling the effects of humidity changes
Q11:Where can I find help buying a piano?
A11: Two websites that we recommend to help you in your piano purchase are:
1. Piano Technicians Guild page on Tips on Buying a Piano
3. To read an Expert Advice article from Fine Life Styles Magazine by Dennis Weist, click here
Q12:What is a "gray market" or "wet" piano?
A12: For a detailed description of a "gray" market or "wet" piano, click on the two following articles at www.pianofinders.com: