Tuning
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(770) 570-0356
contact@PrimePianoServices.com
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If you care to explore the topic of “Why does my piano go out of tune?”, please feel free to study the information in the FAQs tab. However, if pressed for time and you simply want to shop or book a tuning appointment, please view the Contact tab. I look forward to discussing your needs and concerns.
Area of service –
As a resident of Gwinnett County, Russell's primary area of service is focused on Atlanta, and the North Metro surrounding areas. See the Areas of Service Tab for your county.
Fee Structure –
Russell's fee structure is a two-part design:
- Basic Tuning Service (per piano) $105.00/US
- Seasonal Pitch Correction ADD $ 0.00/US
- Minor Pitch Raise Service ADD $ 20.00/US
- Major Pitch Raise Service ADD $ 35.00/US
- Severe Pitch Raise Service ADD $ 70.00/US
Service Descriptions -
All pianos are created differently, and each has its own individual needs. For pianos that are regularly maintained, an owner can anticipate a standard finish tuning visit that will require 1.5 hours. In contrast, for instruments that do not receive annual or bi-annual tuning visits, an owner may need to budget additional time and money for reliable service. Prior to tuning, your piano will be measured with a computer to determine its present pitch position.
- Basic Tuning Service is typical for a piano tuned every 6 months, and will apply to some pianos tuned once per year. (1.5 hr @ $105.00)
- Seasonal Pitch Corrections are required to compensate for softer soundboards during the fall and winter months. It is usually conducted on the fly during the Basic Tuning/Finish Tuning at no additional cost.
- Minor Pitch Raises apply to pianos where the pitch is 2% to 8% flat or sharp. This category may be necessary for pianos last tuned within 1 to 2 years. It includes manipulating solid wire unisons one time beginning in the tenor area to where the dampers stop in the top break, and is done prior to the Basic Tuning/Finish Tuning. (2hr @ $105.00 + $20.00 = $125.00)
- Major Pitch Raises apply to instruments 9%+ flat or sharp. For pianos that haven't been tuned in 2 years or more, you will need to budget this category for the additional work involved. ALL tunings pins must be manipulated one time in order to apply new pressure to the sound board prior to the Basic Tuning/Finish Tuning. (2 1/4hr @ $105.00+ $35.00 = $140.00)
- Severe Pitch Raises may apply to older short spinet models and will apply to older instruments (80+ years) that haven't been tuned in many, many years. Precautions must be made with spinets as broken string repairs can be costly to owners. And older pianos do not have adequate stretch to allow for "over pull" techniques. Hence, IF the health of the piano will allow it to be raised to A440, ALL tunings pins will be manipulated two times prior to the Basic Tuning/Finish Tuning. It is the equivalent of two passes of a Major Pitch Raise. (3hr @ $105.00 + $70.00 = $175.00)
Shopper's Alert -
Shoppers, please take time to inform yourselves while pricing with the competition. You may be quoted $125.00 for a tuning, but what does that mean? Will you be blind sided after the technician evaulates the piano that your cost will actually be more? If you refuse to use their services, will you be hit with a $100.00 service call just because they showed up at you door step? Some technicians charge $125.00 and call it a Pitch Raise Tuning, BUT you will need to budget an additional $125.00 to tune one month later for a Finish Tuning. Hence, the service was $250.00 versus Russell's $140.00. With Russell you could have kept $110.00 in your pocket. Or you can find a part-time technician who charges $80.00 for a Saturday tuning visit. BUT Russell has had to help those technicians repair broken strings that they didn't know how to replace. You will find Russell quite flexible and reasonable. When he shows up at your home, then you will know that you are talking to someone who does not lie or steal.
Incentive & Standard Discounts -
For a discount on your tuning, show Russell a picture of his business card on your iPhone and he will apply a one-time discount of $10.00. The iPhone photo discount may not be applied with other coupons or price reductions.
Multiple piano discounts are available for 3+ pianos. Neighborhood discounts are available for 3+ pianos. Educator discounts are available to members of the Georgia Music Teachers Association and other satellite associations. Senior discounts are available to retirees. Piano tunings for nursing homes, hospice centers and extended care facilities are available at the discounted rate as well. Refer a friend and get $10.00 off of your next tuning.
Advanced Tuning Services -
Russell offers advanced tuning services for those whose needs require a more holistic approach. Many situations require a more detailed approach for stress filled moments. For example, one's piano may need lose benches tightened, pedals may have a creaking noise, regulation may need to be tweaked for better touch and feel, the hammers may need to be voiced for improved tone, or a sound board may be filthy. A Full Service Visit is available in 4-hour (Half Day Block) or 8-hour (Full Day Block) blocks of time.
- Half Day of Full Service (4-Hours) = $210.00
- Full Day of Full Service (8-Hours) = $395.00
Repairs Separate -
The Tuning Fee only applies to the tuning process and product. Repairs for sticky keys or for broken strings will be assessed separately, and are costs beyond the tuning service. As a general rule of thumb, for repairs that can be done in 10 minutes or less during a tuning visit, no additional charges will be applied to the invoice. Please review Repairs for more information.
Appointment Times –
Russell is a full-time piano technician. He is open to schedule tuning and other services to fit your schedule. He likes to keep Sundays open to nurture his own spirit, but he will consider special requests and needs.
Owner’s Risks (Good News and Bad News) –
As piano owners, there are two risks that are always present. Metal either stretches or it breaks.
- String Breakage - With instruments that are not tuned regularly or they have acquired rust, there is the ever-present risk of string breakage. All products have a life cycle. Whether clarinet reeds, trumpet valves, drum sticks, or music wire, man-made objects eventually go into a state of decay. Piano wire basically has an 8-year life span. After that, metal fatigue is a reality. All precautions will be taken to avoid breakage (i.e. the application of lubrication at friction points).
- Plate Breakage - The second concern that all piano owners face is plate breakage. Since the late 1800s pianos have been manufactured with cast iron plates that provide the piano with sufficient structure to resist the force of highly tensioned piano wire. In spite of refined quality controls, occasionally a plate is installed that either has an inappropriate mix of ore or it was not properly cooled once it was poured into the mould. Hence, weak points were inadvertently created during the manufacturing process. One of Russell's acquaintances has been tuning for more than 40 years. During the span of his career, only one plate has broken. Though a rare occurence, it can happen.
So there is good news and bad news with regard to the above. The good news for broken strings, most of those situations can be repaired. Unfortunately, the bad news for plate breakage is that the piano is done if/when the plate has had enough. If the plate breaks, the piano may be a great piece of furniture, a perfect place for potted plants, or it can be converted into an ingenious media center.
The Piano Technician’s Disclaimer –
Piano technicians DO NOT break strings and plates. Strings and plates break.
(770) 570-0356
contact@PrimePianoServices.com