DTFB MUSIC SERVICES
Piano Tuning, Repairs and Moving
I have been tuning pianos since 1976. The most common questions I get asked are...
Q. How often should I get my piano tuned?
A. Pianos start the process of going out of tune the second the tuner finishes tuning them. It does not matter how often you play them. Each piano is different. Each pair of ears listening to the piano is different. The best answer is to tune your piano when you hear it needs tuning. As a rule of thumb, most piano manufacturers say you should tune your pianos at least once a year. Grand pianos usually need to be tuned more often. Once a season is better. Every time you move a piano it should be tuned.
Q. Should I buy a used piano?
A. A new piano with a warranty would be the best choice but the best bargain could be a good used piano. Many tuners rebuild pianos and re-sell them which, of course, would be a better choice than a piano you know nothing about. Buying a used piano from a newspaper ad or even a family member is not recommended unless you hire "your" piano tuner to look at it first and appraise it's condition. Many people have a piano that has been sitting in the basement for years and decide to unload it. They are "in love" with this instrument and feel it is worth a lot of money. Also don't forget that the piano needs to be moved properly (not four beer-guzzling buddies with a pick-up truck) and be tuned after a settling in period which adds to the total cost to you. Not all old pianos are tunable or repairable! If you buy one of those you will not know until after you have paid to move it and booked the tuner which could cost over $500! It is well worth $50 to $80 to have a professional check it out first and save you a lot of grief.
Q. Where do I put it?
A. The ideal location for a piano is an "inside" wall away from windows, floor vents and heat rads. Any of the above will affect the longevity of the tuning. Keeping the temperature and humidity constant will also help to make the tuning last. Some establishments like hotels and churches try to save money by turning down the heat or A/C when the room is not in use. I'm not saying this is wrong but it will affect the tuning of your instrument requiring re-tuning a lot sooner. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Rates
Tuning (does not include repairs, pitch raising, adjustments or taxes)
If your upright piano has not been tuned in over 2 years the tuning will cost $100. Under 2 years $80
Grand pianos start at $100
Repairs and Moving are quoted per job
I will also travel to outside areas such as Lindsay, Little Britain, Oakwood, Barrie, Oshawa, Pickering, Brooklin, Bowmanville, Courtice, Whitby, Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Guelph, Fergus, etc. provided I can get at least three tunings or more to make the trip worthwhile. If your area has no local tuner I would consider making a trip to your area. To make arrangements for me to come to your town please give me a call.
Call me for an exact quote: 647-400-2632 or email me freddy@dtfbmusic.com