Services

upright restringing

Tuning, including historic tunings
Over time, even the best pianos will go out of tune. There is a tremendous amount of tension in the strings which naturally tends to release, making the strings looser and bringing the pitch down. The temperature and humidity of the piano’s environment can also affect the tension on the strings by swelling or drying the wooden soundboard. And with use, the strings will become looser as they are hit repeatedly by the piano’s hammers. Most manufacturers recommend tuning your piano one to four times per year. A piano is designed to sound best when it tuned at the international pitch standard of A-440. If a piano has substantially deviated from this standard, a pitch correction may be necessary.

On-site repair: broken and missing parts, stuck keys, broken strings, etc.

Full action regulation
Most of the moving parts in a piano are made of wood, and the joints are bushed with woolen felt. These materials are organic – wood swells and dries with humidity and temperature fluctuation, and felt is subject to wear and compression. Over time, the geometry of the action may be compromised by the wear and movement of the parts, and your keys may feel “mushy”, “slippery”, or “sticky”. Regulation compensates for wear and compression of parts over time, and can restore your piano to a pleasing uniform feel through the keys.

Piano Life Saver System (humidity control system) installation
The soundboard of a piano is made of wood, which is very apt to swell and contract with fluctuation in temperature and humidity. This swelling and contraction changes the tension of the strings which press on the soundboard through the bridge, and makes the piano go sharp or flat. In New England, climate fluctuation is somewhat unavoidable, but keeping your piano in an area away from drafts, windows and heat sources can help. Keeping your piano in a climactically stable area is best, but if that proves impractical, you may consider installing a humidity control system directly in your piano. Such a system will regulate the piano’s microclimate and have a stabilizing effect. The Piano Life Saver System is the system I recommend (for more information visit http://www.pianolifesaver.com).

Keytop repair, including ivory chip repair

Professional cleaning

Sale of piano accessories
Caster cups, benches, lamps, piano covers, and other accessories.

Full restoration service
Complete renovation of the piano, including case and plate refinishing, restringing, bridge and soundboard repair or replacement, full action renovation and parts and felt replacement as required.

Having extensive restoration work done on a piano can be exciting, especially when a tired or even unplayable instrument is brought back to its original condition. It can also represent a significant investment. If you have any questions about options or process regarding large rebuilding work, do give me a call.

Crystal Fielding, 2007