Closed for booking until April, 2021.
I am off-Coast until May, 2021 and will resume booking appointments in April, 2021. As I have shifted to tuning seasonally, I won't be able to meet all the piano-service needs on the Sunshine Coast. If you are seeking a technician, please contact a piano technician in the Vancouver area. Some possibilities include:
Chris Keller, www.thepianotuner.ca
A list of Southwest BC technicians is also available on the Piano Technicians Guild website:
https://portal.ptg.org/4DCGI/directory/RPT/personresults.html?Action=PTG&PTG_Activity=RPTDirectory
Tuning
I use a combination of aural techniques and an Electronic Tuning Device (ETD) in order to offer the most consistent and precise tuning. The fee for a tuning is $150 plus tax. If your piano is serviced at least once a year, it will most likely require a tuning only. If it has been several years since the piano was serviced, I recommend scheduling a 1/2 day of service (3.5 hours) for $200 + tax. During this service call, the piano will be tuned at least once, depending on condition, and other adjustments and repairs will be prioritized according to time (may include some action regulation, hammer reshaping, or string replacement, for example). Learn more about the impact of neglect on tuning by reading my blog post on pitch-raises.
Regulation
Regulation involves making many small adjustments to the action of the piano -- the mechanism that transfers power from your fingertip to the string. How do you know if it's out of regulation?
You may notice it is more difficult to play softly than it used to be, or than it is on other pianos. Or perhaps you just can't get the volume you want. Maybe the keys feel spongy or, conversely, like they're slapping your fingers away. Other regulation-related complaints include a lack of control or the feeling that you can't "dig in," There are many symptoms of poor regulation. But basically, if it doesn't feel great, it's difficult to play great.
Piano regulation can take from 5 to 15 hours, depending how many repairs to the action are required and how out of regulation it is. For a more precise estimate, an assessment can be made at the time of a tuning. I am a graduate of the Renner Academy Grand Action Master Course. The cost for regulation is $70/hour plus tax.
Repairs
Sticky keys, broken hammer, loose pedal, missing keytop, busted damper spring ... Sometimes things break, and many of the most common repairs can be done at the time of tuning. Other issues may require bigger fixes. Damper felts get worn out leading to excessive ringing, hammers get worn down causing a pinched and nasally tone. When action parts wear out, it can make it impossible to regulate smoothly.
A piano in need of major repairs does not necessarily mean a piano destined for the dump. Just like a vehicle, piano parts wear out. An assessment of your piano -- what repairs are required and the value of the instrument -- can help you make an informed decision about your investment. In my workshop, I am equipped to repair or rebuild action. The cost for repairs is $70/hour plus tax.
I accept payment by cash, cheque or e-transfer for your convenience.
For more information on these services, please don't hesitate to contact me at coastpiano(at)gmail.com.
I am off-Coast until May, 2021 and will resume booking appointments in April, 2021. As I have shifted to tuning seasonally, I won't be able to meet all the piano-service needs on the Sunshine Coast. If you are seeking a technician, please contact a piano technician in the Vancouver area. Some possibilities include:
Chris Keller, www.thepianotuner.ca
A list of Southwest BC technicians is also available on the Piano Technicians Guild website:
https://portal.ptg.org/4DCGI/directory/RPT/personresults.html?Action=PTG&PTG_Activity=RPTDirectory
Tuning
I use a combination of aural techniques and an Electronic Tuning Device (ETD) in order to offer the most consistent and precise tuning. The fee for a tuning is $150 plus tax. If your piano is serviced at least once a year, it will most likely require a tuning only. If it has been several years since the piano was serviced, I recommend scheduling a 1/2 day of service (3.5 hours) for $200 + tax. During this service call, the piano will be tuned at least once, depending on condition, and other adjustments and repairs will be prioritized according to time (may include some action regulation, hammer reshaping, or string replacement, for example). Learn more about the impact of neglect on tuning by reading my blog post on pitch-raises.
Regulation
Regulation involves making many small adjustments to the action of the piano -- the mechanism that transfers power from your fingertip to the string. How do you know if it's out of regulation?
You may notice it is more difficult to play softly than it used to be, or than it is on other pianos. Or perhaps you just can't get the volume you want. Maybe the keys feel spongy or, conversely, like they're slapping your fingers away. Other regulation-related complaints include a lack of control or the feeling that you can't "dig in," There are many symptoms of poor regulation. But basically, if it doesn't feel great, it's difficult to play great.
Piano regulation can take from 5 to 15 hours, depending how many repairs to the action are required and how out of regulation it is. For a more precise estimate, an assessment can be made at the time of a tuning. I am a graduate of the Renner Academy Grand Action Master Course. The cost for regulation is $70/hour plus tax.
Repairs
Sticky keys, broken hammer, loose pedal, missing keytop, busted damper spring ... Sometimes things break, and many of the most common repairs can be done at the time of tuning. Other issues may require bigger fixes. Damper felts get worn out leading to excessive ringing, hammers get worn down causing a pinched and nasally tone. When action parts wear out, it can make it impossible to regulate smoothly.
A piano in need of major repairs does not necessarily mean a piano destined for the dump. Just like a vehicle, piano parts wear out. An assessment of your piano -- what repairs are required and the value of the instrument -- can help you make an informed decision about your investment. In my workshop, I am equipped to repair or rebuild action. The cost for repairs is $70/hour plus tax.
I accept payment by cash, cheque or e-transfer for your convenience.
For more information on these services, please don't hesitate to contact me at coastpiano(at)gmail.com.
