• Tuning
• Reconditioning
• Rebuilding
• Voicing
• Key Re-Covering
• Appraisals
• Estimates for Repair
• Climate Control
• String Covers
• Historical Pianos & Harpsichords
•  
• Area of Service

---

Tuning

On the first visit our goal is to tune the piano to standard pitch (A440), do any minor adjustments and/or regulation if needed. I also evaluate the condition of your piano for any repair needed. If it's been longer than a year since the piano has been tuned it may require a pitch raise.

^back to top

Reconditioning

Reconditioning is the process of putting a piano back in good condition by cleaning, repairing, and adjusting for best performance with parts replacement only where necessary. This is most appropriate for a piano with only moderate wear or those of medium value with average performance requirements.

Reconditioning does not involve replacing major components such as the soundboard, bridges, pinblock, and most action parts. This means the performance and life-span of an older piano will not be restored to new. Instead, reconditioning is designed to improve a piano's performance, keeping in mind both costs and benefits.

Reconditioning may include:

• Thorough cleaning
• Repair or replacement of damaged parts as needed, typically including such jobs as felt replacement, hammer filing or replacement, and partial restringing
• Adjustment, regulation, tuning, and voicing to return all parts to proper function, reduce mechanical noise, and improve tone

^back to top

Rebuilding

Complete rebuilding includes the entire pianos structure -- including soundboard, bridges, pinblock, and strings -- as well as the action, keyboard, and case refinishing. Partial rebuilding includes only one or two of these areas, for example rebuilding of the action and structure, but not case refinishing.

Rebuilding restores the piano to original condition or better. Such comprehensive work is usually most practical for high-quality instruments here maximum performance and longevity are required.

Complete rebuilding typically includes:

• Complete disassembly of the instrument.
• Repair or replacement of soundboard, bridges, and pinblock, as well as repair of any structural damage to the case.
• Replacement of all strings and tuning pins.
• Thorough restoration of action and damper system, including replacement of hammers, many action parts, springs, and most felt.
• Rebuilding of the pedal and trapwork system, including replacement of all worn felt, leather, and metal parts.
• Refinishing of case and plate, polishing or replating of all hardware, and replacement of all decals, felt trims, and rubber buttons.
• Complete action regulation, tuning, and voicing.
• Multiple tunings to stabilize new strings

^back to top

Voicing

Every piano has its own unique sound. One might be described as 'glassy,' another as 'warm'. One might have a 'full singing' tone, and yet another sounds 'thin.' Although the original design establishes the basic character of your piano's tone, your technician can modify it to better suit your taste or restore its original tone if it has deteriorated with age. The process of modifying a piano's tone is called voicing.

^back to top

Appraisals

A written appraisal includes a complete evaluation of both the musical workings of the instrument as well as the condition of the case. An estimate for any needed repairs is given in writing as well as Whole Sale Value, Fair Market Value, Retail Value, and Replacement Cost.
^back to top

Estimates for Repairs

An estimate for repairs includes a complete evaluation of both the musical working of the instrument as well as the condition of the case. An estimate for repairs is given in writing, often with several cost options. A written appraisal of value both before and after repairs is provided as well. The fee is credited towards the cost of repairs.
^back to top

Key Re-Covering

Genuine ivory repair.
We can repair or replace a few ivories if needed. Repairing or replacing many makes it more difficult to match the other ivories by color and size.

Plastic keytops:
To give the piano a brand new look with new keytops we measure and fit with quality keytop material. We maintain the original height and width of the key.
After the new keytops are installed, the keys should be re-leveled.

We also replace the sharps.

^back to top

Climate Control

We also install climate control systems which, when properly installed, are proven to greatly enhance tuning stability and can prevent costly repairs caused by large changes in humidity.

Learn more about Humidity Control

Learn more about the Piano Life Saver System form Damp-Chaser

^back to top

String Covers

Over years dust and moister tarnish the inside of the piano, making it look old. The purpose of a string cover is to keep dust and moisture off the strings, soundboard and harp keeping it new looking and maintaining the value of the piano.
About Our String Covers

Our 100% WOOL piano string covers come in Black, Burgundy, Dark Brown, Medium Brown, Tan, Royal Blue, Medium Blue, and now Red (White as been discontinued). You can specify type of decorative stitch, Feather or Greek Key and also the color of thread, Gold, Blue, Red, Black or White. Single row stitching available . Also available without decorative stitching.

PIANO STRING COVERS ARE HAND CUT, HAND MADE, AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR EVERY SIZE GRAND PIANO

Black & Available in a variety of colors

ROYAL BLUE | TAN | BURGUNDY | MEDIUM BROWN | RED | MEDIUM | BLUE | DARK BROWN > NO WHITE

GOLD, BLUE, RED, BLACK, OR WHITE DECORATIVE STITCHING

TOP THREE ROWS EXAMPLES OF GREEK KEY STITCH

BOTTOM THREE ROWS EXAMPLES OF FEATHER STITCH

^back to top

Historical Pianos & Harpsichords

I'm one of the few - if not the only — technician in the Bay Area that will tune, repair, recondition and rebuild Historical pianos from the early 1800's such as:

• Birdcage uprights
• Square Grands
• Viennese Grands

I also work with harpsichords as well.

^back to top

---

^back to top