Four Four Music

About

• Tuning

• Pitch Raising

• Regulating

• Repairs

• Voicing

• Cleaning

• Insurance Appraisals

• Repair Estimates

• Purchase Consulting

• PianoDisc Service

A standard acoustic piano has approximately 220 strings which are stretched over a bridge and terminate at a tuning pin. A special wrench (“tuning hammer”) is placed over the tuning pin and turned slightly to tighten or loosen the tension on each string until the correct pitch is obtained for that note. Normally a piano company will tune its pianos many times before it is shipped to the dealer. Since the strings are still fairly new, the piano may need more tunings in the first year, tapering off to only once a year.

What is a "pitch raise"?

When the tension on the piano strings drops to where the musical pitch is one half a step flat (The note "A" sounds like an "A flat".) we say the pitch is 100 cents (100%) flat. I have found that pianos that are around 20 years old will normally drop in pitch about three to five cents in a year.

When the pitch has dropped overall by twelve cents or more, it should have a "pitch raise" before the fine tuning is done. This compensates by increasing the tension I put on it so it will drop down to the correct pitch rather than below the correct pitch. Once the pitch raise is done, a fine tuning will make the final adjustment to each string. Pianos that have had a very large pitch raise will probably need another fine tuning within six months. If you know that the piano has not been tuned in several years, tell me in advance so I can allow time.

Flat Rate Service: Standard Tuning Fee$100

There is nothing harder than finally agreeing to have your piano tuned and learning that you need to double or triple your original costs in order to get your instrument working. In most cases I will only charge you a standard tuning fee and will complete minor service and pitch raising at no extra charge. If your instrument has major difficulties I will discuss your options in advance and not charge you for the consult.