Piano technicians such as myself fall into the “versatile” category Most are at least competent if not very good piano tuners and excel in mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity a better understanding of adhesives, lubricants and various materials as well. We are usually the best choice for older pianos and those pianos needing more work than just tuning A versatile piano technician will generally have a larger and better equipped and supplied workshop and service vehicle than a “tuner” We will more likely be prepared in the event anything other than tuning is needed (often saving a return visit) Many, including myself , are very good at piano full and partial restorations. Versatile piano technicians can generally do repairs and most adjustments better and at a lower cost than others.
With long periods of differed maintenance, fluctuating humidity, and use, pianos will likely need more than just a tuning It is “common practice” of piano technicians to charge their tuning price per hour for other servicing items The main goal of most piano technicians is to build a large tuning clientele My main goal is to seek out those pianos needing extra TLC. If you like your piano tuner, keep them for tuning. Consider that others might be better suited for other servicing items.
Upgrading to another piano can also be an ideal solution as can completely rebuilding your piano Perhaps, A partial rebuilding or just working with older existing parts is is ideal. I would discuss all options If the original parts are still in good-excellent condition, a piano may just require and “warrant “ 1 service call which can take between 2-8 hours (depending upon its age and condition) A partial or complete piano rebuilding will take much longer to complete at a higher cost.
I can do all the work at your premises (if feasible) This would not necessitate expensive piano moves or removing your pianos parts from the premies.
Selecting The Right Piano Technicians for You?
There is no such thing as a technician who is the best choice for every piano owner.
Comparing piano technicians can be a lot like comparing Apples to Oranges at times. Piano technicians can have VERY different skillsets, level of skills, and aptitudes from one to the other just the same as plumbers, doctors, lawyers auto mechanics, etc. There are many facets to piano work. The vast majority of piano technicians, I find to be naturally inclined in some facets of their business and are less proficient in other areas.
I am a 54-year-old 2nd generation piano technician I was a member of the Piano Technicians Guild for over 20 years I have 35 years experience as a piano technician These are my perceptions of what I see like 4 different types of piano technicians Not all piano technicians “fit neatly” into any of these categories I’ve created, but, most generally do.
The technician you choose should be an ideal fit for your piano and situation Unfortunately many piano technicians are not all that honest with their customers or themselves about their capabilities. I noticed that people in various trades and professions specialize in what they are best at to a higher degree than piano technicians. I believe piano technicians should do the same. Referrals are generally good, but pianos, their condition and
situations can vary widely.
The “Tuner”
Perhaps the largest group of piano technicians are those who mostly or primarily tune pianos “The Tuner” more often the best choice for regular tuning, especially on newer and well-restored older pianos The main business goal for “the tuners” is to acquire as many regular tuning customers as they can and sell the customer on putting their piano on a regular tuning schedule. Tuners are generally most proficient at tuning than others
and have a more finely developed ear When it comes to large repairs and “shop work” tuners”(usually a smallish space in their homes) they generally use to fill time when tuning business is “slow “ These technicians are more likely to be not only good tuners, but, usually come across as polished or “professional ” in the office on the phone, personally.
Tuners are often very good musicians Mechanical inclination is typically not what “the tuner” excels at. Although I find most to be competent at doing basic repairs, but, way too many can lack the mechanical inclination and manual dexterity as compared to others Tuners generally charge their
tuning rate per hour for repairs (usually not a good value) when the piano also needs repairs.
The “Versatile” Piano Technician
Piano technicians such as myself fall into the “versatile” category Most are at least competent if not very good piano tuners and excel in mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity a better understanding of adhesives and various materials We are usually the best choice for older pianos and those pianos needing more work than just tuning A versatile piano technician will generally have a larger and better equipped and supplied workshop and service vehicle than a “tuner” We will more likely be prepared in the event anything other than tuning is needed (saving a return visit) Many, are very good at piano full and partial restorations When we do rebuilding work we usually have to “farm out” such work as refinishing and soundboard replacement (should the job “call for it” to“rebuilders” Versatile piano technicians can generally do repairs and most adjustments better and at a lower cost than most others.
The Piano Re-builder
They mostly or primarily rebuild and refinish pianos. The piano Rebuilder is generally the most mechanically inclined (as a group.) Generally, excellent woodworkers and often refinish as well . Most are competent as tuners, but many do not tune pianos These people can be the best choice for replacing with new parts and very good at regulation These technicians are an excellent choice for rebuilding the best quality pianos both inside and out. Rebuilding work using these technicians is not at all “cheap” IT costs several $1000s of dollars ,but, can often be the best option These people usually have the largest and best-equipped workshops.
The Concert Technician
The “Concert technician” does precision tuning, voicing, and regulation work They tune for the best pianists concert halls, etc They typically charge the highest rates. These people are the best musicians among technicians.