How much does it cost to tune a piano?
A typical local standard tuning/ callout costs £45 for a standard console upright or grand piano, tuned at the settled pitch.
If you own a mini Eavestaff piano (1930s art deco style), or a working pianola, please ask for a separate quote.
Should your piano not be able to be tuned (e.g. over-damped mechanism collapsed), the callout fee is still payable.
See "Over-damped pianos" below for more information.
Do you charge a different rate for tuning a grand piano?
No, the standard rate is charged for all pianos, tuned at the settled pitch.
Do you charge a call-out fee?
There is no call-out fee for a successful tuning - you just pay the amount as above.
If on a rare occasion your piano cannot be tuned, we deduct £5 from the tuning cost.
We would then advise you if further work was necessary (for peace of mind).
Do you offer any discount?
New customers "first time bookings" can receive up to 10% discount if your appointment is booked within 48 hours and carried out within 7 days of your original enquiry. This means that if your very first email enquiry or your first phone call is followed up and your visit is confirmed (there and then) within this time limit - you get discount.
Same/ next day booking (24 hrs)= 10% off. 2 day booking (48 hrs) = 5% off.
Other offers are sometimes available during seasonal promotions.
We offer a part or whole refund for the call-out fee for restorations/ refurbishments - depending on the program selected.
Do you tune the piano in our home, and do I need a piano stool?
Yes to both. Wherever the piano is located (home/ work), we always come to you.
You will need a piano stool for a tuning to be carried out.
On some tall over-damped pianos, I occasionally stand up to insert tools between bass strings (wedges), however, most of the work is carried out in the sitting position so that there is less risk of back injury.
How long will it take?
A typical tuning takes just over an hour. I like to allow 90 minutes per visit for removal of piano cabinet parts, tuning
and re-assembly.
Can you do a piano repair in my home?
Yes, most repairs can be done in your home. Also see our "48 hour booking" discounts above.
We sometimes need to take the parts away for workshop attention, or if your room is not suitable (i.e. lacking space)
How long does a repair take?
A typical small repair takes in the region of c.15-20 minutes
What is a "pianola" ?
The correct name is a "player piano". The term 'pianola' is often used instead, referring to a piano that plays itself by pumping two paddle pedals. When air enters the chambers, it is sucked through various bellows and tubes creating suction between valves. The air is then controlled through tiny holes punched out of a paper roll. When the suction is released, this causes tiny valves (pneumatics) to move the mechanism parts. There are two mechanisms inside a player piano; one to operate the 'player' unit, and at the back, the main mechanism consisting of hammers, levers and dampers.
Do you tune and repair player pianos (pianolas) ?
We can tune a player piano, but no longer repair them. Depending on the age and condition, a player piano tuning can be risky as it involves temporarily dismantling and removing various old rubber hoses, tubes, tracker bar/ spool bar, main air chamber stack and other components to gain access to the strings. When the parts are re-assembled after the tuning, old hoses and tubes/ gaskets can perish and break - sometimes rendering the player unit not working properly (even if it was working before the tuning). Due to player piano parts becoming unavailable, many old instruments are left un-tuned (the tuning is often sacrificed to enable the player unit to continue working).... however, if you would like to take the risk - please ask for a tuning quote.
A 'player piano' stills plays like a normal piano, and we often tune these pianos like any other instrument. We occasionally come across player pianos with the player unit removed (and the customer has not been aware it was once a player piano!)
If I had my piano refurbished or restored, would it need to be taken away?
Yes & No. It depends on the work involved and your budget, and your location.
A consoled standard piano mechanism can be taken away, leaving the piano cabinet in your home...
but a complete refurbishment (i.e. stringing/ re-polish) will need the whole piano taken away
Certain mini pianos (e.g. Kemble Minx/ Eavestaff) with 'drop actions' - should the piano require a full service, regulation or repairs,
(e.g. string replacement), depending on the location and access of the piano in your home, we may be able to carry out the work in situ. If at a glance the 'working area' is limited, or the mechanism is more advanced to remove, then the whole piano may need to be taken away for repairs, full servicing etc.
What is the difference between a "restoration" and a "refurbishment" ?
A 'restoration' is a complete 100% replacement of all main components which include:
Wrest plank : Soundboard & bridges : New strings : Cast iron frame re-spray :
New hammer heads & shanks :
Complete mechanism/ pedal/ keyboard rebuild and cabinet re-polished.... everything!Many original wooden components such as hammer butts/ flanges/ undercarriages cannot be replaced with brand new parts if the piano is very old; however if every part is completely stripped down & rebuilt, and according to the main component replacements, this would be classed as a restoration.
A 'refurbishment' involves around 80% replacement of main components which excludes
replacement of: Wrest plank : Soundboard & bridges : New hammer heads & shanks.
We refurbishment all other original components using felt, cloth, cashmere and leather.
Many original wooden components such as hammer butts/ flanges/ undercarriages cannot be replaced with brand new parts if the piano is very old. A refurbishment may include parts of a restoration such as: Re-string without cast iron frame respray : Keyboard (ivories) repolished without keys being re-bushed, or without key frame washer replacements.
This depends on the condition of the piano and your budget.
Smaller subdivisions of a refurbishment may be referred to as a major or minor repair.
What does it cost for a restoration or refurbishment quotation?
Quotations are valid for one months as prices may change afterwards.
If you live a considerable distance away (say 40 miles), we would charge £30 call-out -
i.e. £1.00 per mile return journey, but your quotation/ 1st 10 miles is still free. If you agree to a restoration or refurbishment, we would fully refund your call-out charge.
If you lived about 12 miles away, we would obviously not charge any extra.
See refurb/resto package deals + prices
How long does a quotation take?
On average, it takes around one hour to fully assess and inspect your piano
How long does a piano restoration/ refurbishment take?
Depending on the design, size, (length of a grand piano), the duration will vary.
Restoration: 6 - 8 months Refurbishment: 3 - 6 months Repair improvements: 2 - 6 weeks
How much is a restoration?
We will need to inspect your piano first, then we can give you a quotation.
Restoration costs are a fixed price; Refurbishment costs are estimated.
We can then discuss with you the best option to take. See price guide here
Can you repair minor scratches and dents in my home?
Yes, most cabinet repairs can be done in your home or at work
My piano is "over-damped".... can it still be tuned?
Over-damped pianos are those with the dampers over the top of the hammers, and the front looks like a bird cage with about 65 vertical wires. If the damper system is in good working order, your piano can be tuned; however, if many notes are ringing on (long after letting go of the notes), then the dampers must be adjusted first before tuning at extra cost.
REMOVING AN OVER-DAMPED MECHANISM FOR TUNING
The whole mechanism must be removed and relocated from the piano several times prior to, during and after tuning.
This is because access to the strings muting area, and celeste rail is completely covered by the mechanism.
Removal 1: Fit in place muting felt between strings F below Middle C to F# above Middle C (just over one octave) to tune the middle strings.., and removal of the left pedal celeste rail (if fitted). Mechanism relocated.
Removal 2: Mechanism reclined forward to remove muting felt, tuning left & right strings. Mechanism relocated.
Removal 3: Mechanism removed to replace celeste rail after tuning. Mechanism relocated fully
If the dampers and bridle tapes are in good condition, the tuning should be successful. During removal 1 + 2, if the dampers are good, sometimes the mechanism only needs to be partly relocated for tuning to save time. Usually the side turn buckles are sufficient without having to tighten up the centre crown nut (if fitted). When the tuning is complete, the mechanism is relocated fully and all turnbuckles & crown nut are tightened up fully.
.
When the mechanism is removed each time, all the weight of the dampers and undercarriages are held in place with bridle tapes. This prevents the mechanism from dislocating from the hammers. The bridle tapes are under a lot of tension holding everything in place.
If a multiple amount of bridle tapes break, the piano cannot be tuned during your visit. (Call-out fee still applicable).
Your piano tuner will then spend some time making the mechanism safe to install by removing the offending tape's piano keys, then reset each note manually. If you decide to have the tapes replaced, there are other parts of the mechanism that must be refurbished such as hammer head felt re-facing, and depending on condition - hammer leathers. Please ask your tuner for more details.
Please note, this is not applicable to under-damped pianos for tuning only, but may apply for repairs that require the mechanism to be removed.
What is the value of my piano?
Sorry, we cannot give valuations by email, phone or photograph only.
Your piano must be physically inspected. Please ask us for more info.
We are being offered a free piano! Have you any advice?
It is always recommended to have a piano checked over first by a qualified technician.
If the piano is offered for very little money or free, there is sometimes a good reason for this.
If a piano is not tuneable/ serviceable, or has been condemned - the seller may not tell you.
This is often a way of 'selling' a piano so the seller doesn't pay any removal costs..... and then simply passing the burden onto you. A seller knows this deep down in their heart.
Remember: "There is no such thing a FREE!" (you may pay the price later!)
What is the age of my piano?
We would need to know the name and serial number.
For more information on this <<Click Here>>
Are you insured?
Yes, we carry Liability Insurance of £2 million
Can we check your qualifications and creditability?
Yes of course. All qualifications and associations are displayed below
What are your qualification for this work?
City & Guilds BTEC National Diploma (Leeds):
Certificate of Musical Instrument Technology [CMIT]
Course modules: Piano tuning/ pitch changing/ major & minor repairs/ restoration /
Woodwork & Metalwork skills / Health & Safety
Can we leave some feedback?
Yes. We welcome any comments you wish to make.
You may leave feedback to be displayed on our home page, or if you wish your comments to remain anonymous, we can send you a "Guild Questionnaire" to be free posted.
Obviously, we would like you to leave positive feedback, and any agreement by you to display your kind comments will automatically award you with some discount on your next visit.
We also welcome any comments about our website, and if you found it interesting?
Please note that all duration times/ costs etc. mentioned above are estimated and may vary.
The answers given are based around an average 'local' day to day job, based on our experience.
Need a question & answer added to our FAQs ?
For any other questions you need answering, or general enquiries/ bookings:
Mobile: 0791 485 4072
AA PIANO TUNERS UK
<<Home
A typical local standard tuning/ callout costs £45 for a standard console upright or grand piano, tuned at the settled pitch.
If you own a mini Eavestaff piano (1930s art deco style), or a working pianola, please ask for a separate quote.
Should your piano not be able to be tuned (e.g. over-damped mechanism collapsed), the callout fee is still payable.
See "Over-damped pianos" below for more information.
Do you charge a different rate for tuning a grand piano?
No, the standard rate is charged for all pianos, tuned at the settled pitch.
Do you charge a call-out fee?
There is no call-out fee for a successful tuning - you just pay the amount as above.
If on a rare occasion your piano cannot be tuned, we deduct £5 from the tuning cost.
We would then advise you if further work was necessary (for peace of mind).
Do you offer any discount?
New customers "first time bookings" can receive up to 10% discount if your appointment is booked within 48 hours and carried out within 7 days of your original enquiry. This means that if your very first email enquiry or your first phone call is followed up and your visit is confirmed (there and then) within this time limit - you get discount.
Same/ next day booking (24 hrs)= 10% off. 2 day booking (48 hrs) = 5% off.
Other offers are sometimes available during seasonal promotions.
We offer a part or whole refund for the call-out fee for restorations/ refurbishments - depending on the program selected.
Do you tune the piano in our home, and do I need a piano stool?
Yes to both. Wherever the piano is located (home/ work), we always come to you.
You will need a piano stool for a tuning to be carried out.
On some tall over-damped pianos, I occasionally stand up to insert tools between bass strings (wedges), however, most of the work is carried out in the sitting position so that there is less risk of back injury.
How long will it take?
A typical tuning takes just over an hour. I like to allow 90 minutes per visit for removal of piano cabinet parts, tuning
and re-assembly.
Can you do a piano repair in my home?
Yes, most repairs can be done in your home. Also see our "48 hour booking" discounts above.
We sometimes need to take the parts away for workshop attention, or if your room is not suitable (i.e. lacking space)
How long does a repair take?
A typical small repair takes in the region of c.15-20 minutes
What is a "pianola" ?
The correct name is a "player piano". The term 'pianola' is often used instead, referring to a piano that plays itself by pumping two paddle pedals. When air enters the chambers, it is sucked through various bellows and tubes creating suction between valves. The air is then controlled through tiny holes punched out of a paper roll. When the suction is released, this causes tiny valves (pneumatics) to move the mechanism parts. There are two mechanisms inside a player piano; one to operate the 'player' unit, and at the back, the main mechanism consisting of hammers, levers and dampers.
Do you tune and repair player pianos (pianolas) ?
We can tune a player piano, but no longer repair them. Depending on the age and condition, a player piano tuning can be risky as it involves temporarily dismantling and removing various old rubber hoses, tubes, tracker bar/ spool bar, main air chamber stack and other components to gain access to the strings. When the parts are re-assembled after the tuning, old hoses and tubes/ gaskets can perish and break - sometimes rendering the player unit not working properly (even if it was working before the tuning). Due to player piano parts becoming unavailable, many old instruments are left un-tuned (the tuning is often sacrificed to enable the player unit to continue working).... however, if you would like to take the risk - please ask for a tuning quote.
A 'player piano' stills plays like a normal piano, and we often tune these pianos like any other instrument. We occasionally come across player pianos with the player unit removed (and the customer has not been aware it was once a player piano!)
If I had my piano refurbished or restored, would it need to be taken away?
Yes & No. It depends on the work involved and your budget, and your location.
A consoled standard piano mechanism can be taken away, leaving the piano cabinet in your home...
but a complete refurbishment (i.e. stringing/ re-polish) will need the whole piano taken away
Certain mini pianos (e.g. Kemble Minx/ Eavestaff) with 'drop actions' - should the piano require a full service, regulation or repairs,
(e.g. string replacement), depending on the location and access of the piano in your home, we may be able to carry out the work in situ. If at a glance the 'working area' is limited, or the mechanism is more advanced to remove, then the whole piano may need to be taken away for repairs, full servicing etc.
What is the difference between a "restoration" and a "refurbishment" ?
A 'restoration' is a complete 100% replacement of all main components which include:
Wrest plank : Soundboard & bridges : New strings : Cast iron frame re-spray :
New hammer heads & shanks :
Complete mechanism/ pedal/ keyboard rebuild and cabinet re-polished.... everything!Many original wooden components such as hammer butts/ flanges/ undercarriages cannot be replaced with brand new parts if the piano is very old; however if every part is completely stripped down & rebuilt, and according to the main component replacements, this would be classed as a restoration.
A 'refurbishment' involves around 80% replacement of main components which excludes
replacement of: Wrest plank : Soundboard & bridges : New hammer heads & shanks.
We refurbishment all other original components using felt, cloth, cashmere and leather.
Many original wooden components such as hammer butts/ flanges/ undercarriages cannot be replaced with brand new parts if the piano is very old. A refurbishment may include parts of a restoration such as: Re-string without cast iron frame respray : Keyboard (ivories) repolished without keys being re-bushed, or without key frame washer replacements.
This depends on the condition of the piano and your budget.
Smaller subdivisions of a refurbishment may be referred to as a major or minor repair.
What does it cost for a restoration or refurbishment quotation?
Quotations are valid for one months as prices may change afterwards.
If you live a considerable distance away (say 40 miles), we would charge £30 call-out -
i.e. £1.00 per mile return journey, but your quotation/ 1st 10 miles is still free. If you agree to a restoration or refurbishment, we would fully refund your call-out charge.
If you lived about 12 miles away, we would obviously not charge any extra.
See refurb/resto package deals + prices
How long does a quotation take?
On average, it takes around one hour to fully assess and inspect your piano
How long does a piano restoration/ refurbishment take?
Depending on the design, size, (length of a grand piano), the duration will vary.
Restoration: 6 - 8 months Refurbishment: 3 - 6 months Repair improvements: 2 - 6 weeks
How much is a restoration?
We will need to inspect your piano first, then we can give you a quotation.
Restoration costs are a fixed price; Refurbishment costs are estimated.
We can then discuss with you the best option to take. See price guide here
Can you repair minor scratches and dents in my home?
Yes, most cabinet repairs can be done in your home or at work
My piano is "over-damped".... can it still be tuned?
Over-damped pianos are those with the dampers over the top of the hammers, and the front looks like a bird cage with about 65 vertical wires. If the damper system is in good working order, your piano can be tuned; however, if many notes are ringing on (long after letting go of the notes), then the dampers must be adjusted first before tuning at extra cost.
REMOVING AN OVER-DAMPED MECHANISM FOR TUNING
The whole mechanism must be removed and relocated from the piano several times prior to, during and after tuning.
This is because access to the strings muting area, and celeste rail is completely covered by the mechanism.
Removal 1: Fit in place muting felt between strings F below Middle C to F# above Middle C (just over one octave) to tune the middle strings.., and removal of the left pedal celeste rail (if fitted). Mechanism relocated.
Removal 2: Mechanism reclined forward to remove muting felt, tuning left & right strings. Mechanism relocated.
Removal 3: Mechanism removed to replace celeste rail after tuning. Mechanism relocated fully
If the dampers and bridle tapes are in good condition, the tuning should be successful. During removal 1 + 2, if the dampers are good, sometimes the mechanism only needs to be partly relocated for tuning to save time. Usually the side turn buckles are sufficient without having to tighten up the centre crown nut (if fitted). When the tuning is complete, the mechanism is relocated fully and all turnbuckles & crown nut are tightened up fully.
.
When the mechanism is removed each time, all the weight of the dampers and undercarriages are held in place with bridle tapes. This prevents the mechanism from dislocating from the hammers. The bridle tapes are under a lot of tension holding everything in place.
If a multiple amount of bridle tapes break, the piano cannot be tuned during your visit. (Call-out fee still applicable).
Your piano tuner will then spend some time making the mechanism safe to install by removing the offending tape's piano keys, then reset each note manually. If you decide to have the tapes replaced, there are other parts of the mechanism that must be refurbished such as hammer head felt re-facing, and depending on condition - hammer leathers. Please ask your tuner for more details.
Please note, this is not applicable to under-damped pianos for tuning only, but may apply for repairs that require the mechanism to be removed.
What is the value of my piano?
Sorry, we cannot give valuations by email, phone or photograph only.
Your piano must be physically inspected. Please ask us for more info.
We are being offered a free piano! Have you any advice?
It is always recommended to have a piano checked over first by a qualified technician.
If the piano is offered for very little money or free, there is sometimes a good reason for this.
If a piano is not tuneable/ serviceable, or has been condemned - the seller may not tell you.
This is often a way of 'selling' a piano so the seller doesn't pay any removal costs..... and then simply passing the burden onto you. A seller knows this deep down in their heart.
Remember: "There is no such thing a FREE!" (you may pay the price later!)
What is the age of my piano?
We would need to know the name and serial number.
For more information on this <<Click Here>>
Are you insured?
Yes, we carry Liability Insurance of £2 million
Can we check your qualifications and creditability?
Yes of course. All qualifications and associations are displayed below
What are your qualification for this work?
City & Guilds BTEC National Diploma (Leeds):
Certificate of Musical Instrument Technology [CMIT]
Course modules: Piano tuning/ pitch changing/ major & minor repairs/ restoration /
Woodwork & Metalwork skills / Health & Safety
Can we leave some feedback?
Yes. We welcome any comments you wish to make.
You may leave feedback to be displayed on our home page, or if you wish your comments to remain anonymous, we can send you a "Guild Questionnaire" to be free posted.
Obviously, we would like you to leave positive feedback, and any agreement by you to display your kind comments will automatically award you with some discount on your next visit.
We also welcome any comments about our website, and if you found it interesting?
Please note that all duration times/ costs etc. mentioned above are estimated and may vary.
The answers given are based around an average 'local' day to day job, based on our experience.
Need a question & answer added to our FAQs ?
For any other questions you need answering, or general enquiries/ bookings:
Mobile: 0791 485 4072
AA PIANO TUNERS UK
<<Home
