Common Questions

Most pianos should be tuned every 6 months to maintain optimal performance. However, this can vary based on several factors: newly manufactured pianos may need tuning every 3-4 months for the first year as they settle, while pianos in stable environments with consistent humidity and temperature may hold their tuning longer. Wyoming's dry climate and temperature fluctuations often require more frequent tuning. If you play regularly or use your piano for lessons or performances, you may want to tune quarterly. The key is consistency - regular tuning is easier on the piano and more cost-effective than infrequent major adjustments.

Not necessarily! While long periods without tuning aren't ideal, most pianos can be restored to proper pitch without permanent damage. When a piano goes significantly flat, it requires a "pitch raise" - a process where we gradually bring the strings back to proper tension over one or more sessions. This prevents stress on the piano and ensures stable tuning. The main risks from infrequent tuning are strings losing their elasticity and the piano becoming harder to tune accurately. Some very old pianos or those exposed to extreme conditions might have brittle strings that could break during tuning, but we assess each piano individually and discuss any risks beforehand.

These are three distinct aspects of piano maintenance: Tuning adjusts the tension of the strings to achieve proper pitch relationships between notes. Regulation involves adjusting the mechanical action - the thousands of moving parts that transfer energy from your fingers to the strings. Proper regulation ensures even touch, consistent response, and optimal repetition across all keys. Voicing adjusts the tone quality by reshaping and conditioning the hammers that strike the strings. This affects whether your piano sounds bright and brilliant or warm and mellow. Think of it this way: tuning makes the piano play in tune, regulation makes it feel good to play, and voicing makes it sound the way you want.

Our standard piano tuning starts at $120 for pianos in good condition that are reasonably close to pitch. Several factors can affect the final cost: if your piano is more than 30 cents flat, it will need a pitch raise (additional $30-60), broken strings require replacement ($15-25 each), and extensive cleaning may add $25-40 to the service. Travel beyond our 25-mile service radius incurs mileage charges at $0.65 per mile. Upright pianos and grands are the same price for tuning, but some antique or unusual pianos may require additional time. We always discuss any additional costs before proceeding with extra services.

Yes, Wyoming's low humidity can affect pianos significantly. Dry air causes wood to shrink, which can lead to several problems: tuning instability as the soundboard contracts and changes tension on the strings, cracks in the soundboard or other wooden components, loosening of glue joints, and changes in key height and spacing. We strongly recommend maintaining 42-55% relative humidity around your piano year-round. A room humidifier or piano-specific humidity control system can make a dramatic difference. In winter, when indoor humidity often drops below 30%, these systems are especially important. We can recommend specific humidity control solutions based on your home and piano type.

For upright pianos, keep the lid (top panel) closed when not in use to protect the strings and action from dust. However, the key cover should be left open periodically to allow air circulation and prevent keys from sticking. For grand pianos, you can keep the lid open for better sound projection during playing, but consider closing it in dusty environments or if you have pets. The key cover on grands should be closed to protect the keys from dust and UV damage. Regular gentle cleaning with a dry cloth is better than leaving dust to accumulate. Avoid placing objects on top of pianos, as this can affect sound quality and potentially damage the case.

Several symptoms indicate your piano needs repair beyond tuning: keys that stick, feel sluggish, or don't return properly; notes that don't sound when pressed or continue ringing after release; pedals that don't function correctly or make excessive noise; visible broken strings or hammers that don't strike strings properly; rattling, buzzing, or clicking sounds during play. If you notice these issues, mention them when scheduling service. We can often address minor repairs during a tuning appointment. More complex repairs like action rebuilding or soundboard work require separate appointments and detailed estimates. The age and value of your piano help determine whether repair is cost-effective versus replacement.

This depends on several factors: the piano's make, model, and age; the extent of needed repairs; your budget and intended use; and the piano's sentimental value. Generally, high-quality pianos (Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Baldwin, Yamaha, etc.) are worth significant investment. Mid-level pianos may be worth repair if the costs don't exceed 50-60% of current replacement value. For refinishing, consider whether the piano has good sound quality and mechanical function - beautiful cases with poor actions aren't usually worth the investment. We provide honest assessments and can help you make informed decisions. Sometimes simple repairs and thorough cleaning provide excellent results without major expense.

We've serviced pianos in some challenging locations throughout Wyoming! We can work with most access situations: narrow doorways, stairs, basements, and even some outdoor venues for special events. Our mobile setup is designed to be flexible and compact. However, we do need reasonable access to the piano - we need to be able to remove the piano's action if necessary, and adequate lighting is essential. For grand pianos, we need space to open the lid fully. Rural locations are no problem, though travel charges may apply beyond our standard service radius. When scheduling, let us know about any access challenges so we can come prepared with the right equipment.

Regular maintenance between service visits helps preserve your piano's condition: keep the piano away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and exterior walls if possible. Maintain stable humidity (42-55%) with a humidifier during Wyoming winters. Dust the keys and case regularly with a slightly damp cloth, wiping dry immediately. Never use furniture polish or chemicals on the keys or case. Keep the key cover closed when not playing to protect from dust. Play regularly - pianos benefit from being used. Watch for and report any changes in sound or feel immediately. Don't attempt to fix mechanical problems yourself, as this often creates more expensive issues. Schedule regular tunings consistently rather than waiting for the piano to sound obviously out of tune.