Questions and Answers

Please feel free to ask whatever you like below.  For private questions use the “Contact” form on the top navigation bar, otherwise use the comment area below to enter your piano question.

Thank You!

(Please note, this is not for piano technicians or people wanting to learn the piano tuning business but rather a place for customers and / or potential customers to ask questions about piano care or service related issues.)

12 Responses to “Questions and Answers”

  1. Karen

    I live outside Kansas City and need a piano tuner, there is a college nearby, but I have heard some questionable things about their technician. Are college piano tuners generally a good source for help?

  2. Chuck

    Wading In Dangerous Waters

    Wow! What a question to start things off.

    I am somewhat uncomfortable critiquing another technician, but I guess there is no way to avoid it and still answer your question.

    So let me point out a couple things:

    • College piano work is hard . You’re asked to work on pianos that are in constant use – generally you’re under time constraints and usually the pianos are abused.
    • Colleges never want to pay what a high quality technician is worth so college piano tuners are underpaid.

    In other words, working for a college is not necessarily an indicator of a skilled technician. If you were a piano technician of high quality, would you want to work for an institution where you are asked to work harder than normal and yet paid less?

    The best money in this business is not with colleges or even for concerts, but your best opportunity for real money is working for Mrs, Smith and Mrs. Jones — that is where the real money is and the most pleasurable working environment.

  3. Pat

    How much do you charge?

  4. Chuck

    See “Piano Tuning Cost / Price“

  5. Ethan

    I am considering purchasing an acoustic piano and am wondering if you have a preference in piano manufacture(s).
    (i.e. Steinway, Baldwin, B

  6. Chuck

    See “Best Piano Brand“

  7. Gina Madden

    I have an antique upright piano that has many broken strings. Can you replace just the individual broken strings, or do you have to replace all of them?

  8. Chuck

    Gina,

    I can replace the individual strings. Bass strings with windings on them have to be duplicated by sending in the old broken strings and having them specially made. Stings in the mid and top sections without windings can be replace the day I come. However, your description of the piano leads me to believe it is not worth the cost, but of course I cannot say that for sure without seeing the piano.

  9. pamela Dolan

    We have a Yamaha CLP 250 electronic piano that has two keys that stick. Do you work on electronic piano’s or know of someone who does?

    Thank you.

  10. Chuck

    Sorry, I only work on acoustic pianos. You might try the piano stores and ask who they use.

  11. mark

    I just purchase a Yamaha c3 grand. It does not sound the same at home as when I played it in the store – it sounds very dull and lacks tone clarity and dynamics. what can I do?

  12. Chuck

    I would have to see the piano for an accurate assessment, but my first impression is that it needs a good voicing.

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