Question 1

Can I get a quote before work begins?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The first thing our technician does upon arrival is to give your piano a thorough inspection. That information will be used to give you a specific estimate for your piano. This will include a specific quote for what your piano needs, as well as any areas of concern or potential unforeseen costs. We then go over the estimate with you and get your approval before starting any work on your piano.

If you choose to have us proceed with the work on that day, this estimate is free! If you opt to not proceed with the work, or the piano isn't serviceable, our minimum service charge of $110 applies.

Question 2

How much does it cost to have my piano tuned?

Accepted Answer

We offer 2-hour or 3-hour full-service appointments for tuning your piano. These full-service appointments include tuning your piano, additional work if it's been a while since your last tuning, and minor repairs - in other words, everything you need to get your piano back to a more musical place!

We don't believe in trying to upsell you to the "next tier" of tuning. Our tuning prices are fixed, regardless of what kind of piano you have or how long it's been since your last tuning.

To view current prices, click here (https://www.professional-piano-services.com/tuning-and-seasonal-services)or take a look at the online scheduler.(https://gazelleapp.io/scheduling/0QxBqXShLYwkyvc3xbZVj3cJ)

Question 3

How much does repairing a sticking key cost?

Accepted Answer

Sticking keys can be caused by a lot of things. The good news is that most types of sticking keys can be fixed in less than a minute.

If we're already at your house to tune your piano, we don't charge anything extra to fix a sticking key. The exception is if we have to install replacement parts or use additional supplies to unstick your keys. These are not normal situations, though, as most sticking keys can be repaired almost immediately.

Estimated cost: $0 - $50.

Question 4

How much do pedal repairs cost?

Accepted Answer

Pedals rarely need to be repaired, but sometimes they can start to squeak. Over time, they may need to be adjusted to function like they did when your piano first left the factory.

Most pedal repairs are quick and easy. We don't usually charge for repairing your pedals. The exception would be if the entire mechanism needs to be reset to factory standards, or parts replaced. This is not normal though, as most pedal repairs are easily done in less than a minute.

Estimated cost: $0 - $50.

Question 5

How much does it cost to replace a broken string?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes strings break during the tuning process. This is usually caused by rust, corrosion, mouse damage, or age (typically only if the piano is more than 50 years old). When a string breaks, it's possible to get a custom replacement for it. The cost of this varies based on the size of the string, whether it's wound in brass or not, and the difficulty of the installation. Taxes and shipping also play a role.

Every string replacement we do includes the cost of the string, applicable taxes, shipping, and installation.

Estimated cost: $50 - $150 per string.

Question 6

How much does it cost to voice my piano?

Accepted Answer

"Voicing" is the process of changing your piano's tone to be less harsh and more melodic. If your piano sounds too bright or lacks power, voicing may be the key to falling in love with your piano again.

If your piano's hammers are too worn, they may need to be reconditioned first. But if the hammers are still in reasonable condition, voicing can be accomplished in a few hours.

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300.

Question 7

How much does it cost to recondition or replace my piano's hammers?

Accepted Answer

The hammers are a major part of your piano. They are the components that hit the string and cause the sound. The quality and condition of the felt on the hammers determines the tone of your piano - how bright, mellow, powerful, singing, or clear it is.

As a piano hammer is played, it wears down a little. Over time, this can negatively affect the hammers' ability to do what they're supposed to do. When this happens, there are two options for treatment.

The first is to recondition the hammers. This involves working with the existing hammer to get them back to the optimum shape and condition again. The estimated cost for this job is $500 - $750.

The second option is to replace the hammers. When the old hammers are so worn that they're not able to be reconditioned, this is the only option. If it's doubtful that reconditioning will make an improvement, replacement may be the best option. Replacement costs vary based on the type of piano and the hammer chosen, but an estimated cost is between $2,500 and $3,500.

Question 8

How much does it cost to improve the touch of the keys?

Accepted Answer

Over time, your piano's internal playing mechanism experiences wear and tear. When this happens, you have to spend 2 - 3 times the energy to get the same response from the keys that you used to. Like all machines, your piano needs maintenance to perform as it was designed to.

This maintenance is called "regulation." Your technician will make up to 1,200 adjustments to make your piano play as it once did when it was brand new. When everything is completed, your piano's keys and playing mechanism will be much more consistent, responsive, vibrant, and give you much better control over the dynamics.

For the vast majority of pianos, this procedure costs between $200 and $400. If the piano has never had this done and is suffering from decades of very heavy use and neglect, regulation may cost as much as $1,300.

Question 9

How much does complete rebuilding / restoration cost?

Accepted Answer

Like everything, pianos eventually come to the point where they're completely worn out and are no longer serviceable. When this happens, complete rebuilding or restoration may be needed.

The cost for this varies widely, depending on what exactly your piano needs to give it new life. At a minimum, rebuilding includes new strings, pins and pinblock, soundboard repairs, and a new playing mechanism. It may also include replacing the soundboard, replacing the keys, refinishing the piano, and more. This process can often take months to complete. A rough estimate for complete rebuilding / restoration ranges from $18,000 to $45,000.

Most pianos do not need this level of work to be brought back to a playable state. Many pianos need repairs, but very few need complete rebuilding / restoration.

Question 10

Is complete rebuilding / restoration worth it?

Accepted Answer

The answer depends largely on the piano and it's value to you. Most old pianos could be replaced several times over for the cost of rebuilding them once. In other words, for most pianos, rebuilding is not worth the cost.

There are two exceptions. The first is with name-brand pianos, such as Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Chickering, Knabe, and a few other collectible brands. Rebuilding one of these pianos is often half the cost of buying them new, and it will give your piano new life to make it last another century.

The second exception is with family heirloom pianos. If a piano has been in your family for generations and has significant sentimental value, it may be worth restoring.

Again, for most pianos, rebuilding is simply not worth the cost. In the vast majority of cases, you'd be better off investing in a brand-new piano for half the cost of restoring the old one.

Question 11

How much does a Piano Life Saver System cost?

Accepted Answer

A Piano Life Saver System (https://www.pianolifesaver.com/)is an automated humidity control system for your piano. If your piano is an older instrument or has problems holding its tune, this system may be ideal for your situation.

A complete system includes a humidistat, a humidifier, and two dehumidifiers. This allows the system to cycle between adding humidity to your piano when it needs it and removing humidity from your piano when there's too much. A complete Piano Life Saver System costs between $750 and $850 for upright piano and grand piano models, and between $850 and $1,000 for a concert grand piano model.

A partial Piano Life Saver System includes only the humidistat and a single dehumidifier. This is primarily useful for situations where the humidity is always too high and never drops too low, even during the winter months. A partial system costs between $350 and $400, depending on what size is needed for your piano.

All prices include the system itself, shipping, taxes, installation, and a full 5-year warranty on both parts and labor.

Professional

Piano Services