What I Offer
Friendly Service
Tuning
Repairs
Regulation
(Non-Smoker!)
Q: How often should my piano be serviced?
A: Piano strings are under a tremendous amount of tension which
needs to remain constant. If the tension fluctuates too greatly,
the stresses become unequal throughout the piano and can
cause costly damage. Also, a piano that falls below standard
pitch of A-440 will not have as bright of tone as one where the
strings are at the proper tension. To minimize damage to the
piano and to maximize the piano's tone quality, remember
to have your piano tuned twice each year for moderate use
and more frequently for heavy or professional use. If your
piano is used for performance or recording purposes, it is
common to have it tuned before each event.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: What time of year is best to have my piano tuned?
A: When choosing a time of year to have your piano tuned, fall
and spring are typically thought of as the best times, being
right after major seasonal changes. However, if your home or
establishment maintains it's temperature and humidity rather
well, or if your piano has a Dampp Chaser or similar humidity
control system installed and functioning regularly, then this is
not as much of an issue. While there is never a "perfect" time,
it is always better to have it tuned than it is to wait, and risk
forgetting.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: Why does my piano need a pitch raise?
A: Pianos were built to function at a certain tension and
altering that can cause damage. Also, if you try to play any
other instrument with the piano, you may not be able to
tune the instrument to the piano, or you may have to transpose
the instrumental music to be able to play in tune with the
piano. Ex: trumpet, clarinet, etc.
If your piano has not been tuned for at least a year or more,
then there is a good chance that it will take more than one
tuning before it will hold a proper tune. Over time, the
tension on the piano causes much of the piano, if not all, to
go flat as the tension slowly loosens. It is not difficult to
bring back up to proper pitch, but the trick is getting it to
stay. By dramatically increasing the tension in a short
amount of time, the strings' tendency is to "fight" that
tension. In doing so, they will go flat a fraction of what they
were just raised. Therefore, it can take several passes
before it re-adjusts to the correct tension enough to stay.
Sometimes this can be done in one extended session, but
sometimes, depending on a number of things, it may be
best to do it gradually over several weeks or months.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: What is Action Regulation and does my piano need it?
A: "Action Regulation" simply refers to the adjustments that a
piano needs to make all the moving parts move the right way.
The piano is a very simple, yet very technical instrument.
From the key to the hammer that strikes the strings, there are
levers and such that move in a very precise way to make the
note play correctly. Each note on a vertical upright has 25 or
more adjustments that can be made, and a grand has nearly
35. If any of these are incorrect, it will affect how the
instrument performs.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: How often does my piano need regulation?
A: To maintain the right touch and prolong the life of the piano
action, it is recommended to have the piano action
regulated approximately every two years unless you have a
humidity control system installed on your piano. As the
piano is played and subjected to humidity changes, it
becomes necessary to adjust its many moving parts in
order for it to respond correctly. If you notice…
- notes that seem to double bounce when you play them;
- sloppy keys that are extra loose and wiggle from side to
side, or are extra sluggish;
- notes that continue to ring when they should be quiet
...these are signs that your piano needs adjustment.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: Will I always know when my piano needs repairs?
A: Sometimes, but not always. The good news is that if you have
regular tunings, I can inspect the piano to be sure that
everything is working as it should be. This could prevent
costly repairs in the future.
Pianos are made from a variety of materials: wood, metal, felt,
plastic, and such. Although pianos are built to last, there will
come a time when these materials will break down, leaving you
with a sticky note, a broken string, broken pedal, broken
hammer, and the list goes on. It is inevitable that repairs will
need to be made. It is very important to have the repair made
as soon as possible.
Continuing to use an instrument that has a broken part, or is
not "acting" just right, can lead to further damage if not
taken care of. Don't make things worse, get it repaired.
You'll be glad you did.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: Where can I purchase piano covers, piano lights, and
other accessories for my piano?
A: I can provide many accessory items for your piano,
including such items as: piano covers, key cover locks,
humidity control systems, piano lights, piano benches, and
piano dollies for easy moving on stage or down school
hallways. Visit my accessories page and/or browse my
amazon.com store. I also have a limited selection in my piano
supply catalog that I can show you when I visit.
OR, the following website has a wide selection of piano
accessories as well as musically printed cups, napkins, etc.
Visit now at www.pianoworld.com.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: Do you tune by ear or with an electronic tuning aid?
A: I use a SAT III (Sanderson Accutuner III) as a reference to help set the temperment, calculate a stretch for the piano, and during pitchraising, but I make all the "checks" or musical "tests" that one would make when tuning aurally since what is heard always "trumps" what is seen on a machine. Electronic tuners nowdays are lightyears ahead of those of yester-year and can make the tuner's job much easier, so long as they don't have the final word, so to speak.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: What is my piano worth?
A: Good question. Basically, your piano is worth what the
market will bear. Here is a website that might be helpful.
http://www.pianoworld.com/value.htm
While it doesn't give prices, it does give you an idea of what
might be involved in setting a price. It's always a good idea to
to have your tuner/technician inspect your piano and let you
know the general condition of your piano as well as if there are
any concerns that need to be addressed before you sell, (or
what the new owner would need to address after purchase).
This will help both parties feel good about the sale. It's not a
good situation when a piano is purchased based on looks and
owner opinion, only to find that the piano is going to need a
substantial amount of work. One lady I know was given a
piano, only to find after all the hassle of moving it that it
had a severely cracked pinblock and could not be tuned. Her
only consolation was that it was a gift and she fortunately
hadn't paid anything for it.
Get a written estimate for insurance, sale, buy, etc. for only
$20 at: www.bluebookofpianos.com/whats_it_worth.htm
- Return to FAQs list
Q. How old is my piano and who made it?
A. First look for the brand name, sometimes on the key cover, or
most likely inside the piano printed either on the upper lid
(that you set all your pictures and knick-knacks on), or
somewhere on the plate near the tuning pins. Secondly, while
you have the piano open, look for a serial number (typically a
5 or 6 digit number unless it's really, really, old). I've found
several pianos that don't have one that I could find, but
usually there will be one printed in plain view. You may need
a flashlight to read it though. Write this down and close up
the piano. Visit www.bluebookofpianos.com/ages/, find
your brand name, and then find the year in which your serial
number was made. There will also be a brief description
about the manufacturer. I can also give you most of this type
information free of charge when I come tune your piano if you
remind me.
- Return to FAQs list
Q. What is the cost to have a piano tuned?
A. Costs vary greatly from one part of the country to another,
and from city to rural areas. Generally you will find that on
the coasts, rates average from $100-$150 per tuning. In the
midwest, with a lower cost of living, the rates average
somewhere around $60-$85. Something to consider when
comparing rates is the distance a tuner must travel and what
they will charge for mileage. That can add considerably to
your cost, so be sure to ask before being caught off guard at
the end of a tuning with a larger bill than expected! You can
view my rates here.
- Return to FAQs list
Q. What do I need to do to get ready for the tuner's visit?
A. There are several things that you can do to prepare for my visit
that will be most helpful.
1) Remember to be home at the appointed time - If you are
unable to keep your tuning appointment for any reason, please
call me as soon as possible.
2) Please remove all items from off the top of the piano,
ie: knicknacks, pictures, piano books, etc. I would rather you
handle them than me risk breaking them.
3) On vertical pianos, it is not necessary to move the piano out
away from the wall. All work is performed from the front of
the piano.
4) Provide a quiet, distraction free environment. TV, radios,
electric mixers, washing dishes, or kids playing in the front
room, can all be very distracting when I am concentrating on
listening to the slight changes in the piano's pitch and tone.
5) Please allow adequate time for me to do the job correctly.
Some tunings take longer than others, and I always want to do
the best job for you, so it would be helpful to avoid planning
somewhere to be immediately after the tuning in case we go
longer than expected. I usually estimate 2 hrs. for a regular
tuning tuning. If the piano needs a pitch raise (pre-tensioning),
then allow another 1/2 hr. for that. Don't forget that if we find
a repair or adjustment that needs to be made, that can add time
too. So...bottom line, do allow enough time for me to leave
your instrument in great shape without feeling rushed!
6) A piano bench would be nice! I say that in fun, but I have
showed up at homes only to find that there was no piano
bench. If you don't have a piano bench, an armless chair of
about 18"-19" will work.
- Return to FAQs list
A: Piano strings are under a tremendous amount of tension which
needs to remain constant. If the tension fluctuates too greatly,
the stresses become unequal throughout the piano and can
cause costly damage. Also, a piano that falls below standard
pitch of A-440 will not have as bright of tone as one where the
strings are at the proper tension. To minimize damage to the
piano and to maximize the piano's tone quality, remember
to have your piano tuned twice each year for moderate use
and more frequently for heavy or professional use. If your
piano is used for performance or recording purposes, it is
common to have it tuned before each event.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: What time of year is best to have my piano tuned?
A: When choosing a time of year to have your piano tuned, fall
and spring are typically thought of as the best times, being
right after major seasonal changes. However, if your home or
establishment maintains it's temperature and humidity rather
well, or if your piano has a Dampp Chaser or similar humidity
control system installed and functioning regularly, then this is
not as much of an issue. While there is never a "perfect" time,
it is always better to have it tuned than it is to wait, and risk
forgetting.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: Why does my piano need a pitch raise?
A: Pianos were built to function at a certain tension and
altering that can cause damage. Also, if you try to play any
other instrument with the piano, you may not be able to
tune the instrument to the piano, or you may have to transpose
the instrumental music to be able to play in tune with the
piano. Ex: trumpet, clarinet, etc.
If your piano has not been tuned for at least a year or more,
then there is a good chance that it will take more than one
tuning before it will hold a proper tune. Over time, the
tension on the piano causes much of the piano, if not all, to
go flat as the tension slowly loosens. It is not difficult to
bring back up to proper pitch, but the trick is getting it to
stay. By dramatically increasing the tension in a short
amount of time, the strings' tendency is to "fight" that
tension. In doing so, they will go flat a fraction of what they
were just raised. Therefore, it can take several passes
before it re-adjusts to the correct tension enough to stay.
Sometimes this can be done in one extended session, but
sometimes, depending on a number of things, it may be
best to do it gradually over several weeks or months.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: What is Action Regulation and does my piano need it?
A: "Action Regulation" simply refers to the adjustments that a
piano needs to make all the moving parts move the right way.
The piano is a very simple, yet very technical instrument.
From the key to the hammer that strikes the strings, there are
levers and such that move in a very precise way to make the
note play correctly. Each note on a vertical upright has 25 or
more adjustments that can be made, and a grand has nearly
35. If any of these are incorrect, it will affect how the
instrument performs.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: How often does my piano need regulation?
A: To maintain the right touch and prolong the life of the piano
action, it is recommended to have the piano action
regulated approximately every two years unless you have a
humidity control system installed on your piano. As the
piano is played and subjected to humidity changes, it
becomes necessary to adjust its many moving parts in
order for it to respond correctly. If you notice…
- notes that seem to double bounce when you play them;
- sloppy keys that are extra loose and wiggle from side to
side, or are extra sluggish;
- notes that continue to ring when they should be quiet
...these are signs that your piano needs adjustment.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: Will I always know when my piano needs repairs?
A: Sometimes, but not always. The good news is that if you have
regular tunings, I can inspect the piano to be sure that
everything is working as it should be. This could prevent
costly repairs in the future.
Pianos are made from a variety of materials: wood, metal, felt,
plastic, and such. Although pianos are built to last, there will
come a time when these materials will break down, leaving you
with a sticky note, a broken string, broken pedal, broken
hammer, and the list goes on. It is inevitable that repairs will
need to be made. It is very important to have the repair made
as soon as possible.
Continuing to use an instrument that has a broken part, or is
not "acting" just right, can lead to further damage if not
taken care of. Don't make things worse, get it repaired.
You'll be glad you did.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: Where can I purchase piano covers, piano lights, and
other accessories for my piano?
A: I can provide many accessory items for your piano,
including such items as: piano covers, key cover locks,
humidity control systems, piano lights, piano benches, and
piano dollies for easy moving on stage or down school
hallways. Visit my accessories page and/or browse my
amazon.com store. I also have a limited selection in my piano
supply catalog that I can show you when I visit.
OR, the following website has a wide selection of piano
accessories as well as musically printed cups, napkins, etc.
Visit now at www.pianoworld.com.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: Do you tune by ear or with an electronic tuning aid?
A: I use a SAT III (Sanderson Accutuner III) as a reference to help set the temperment, calculate a stretch for the piano, and during pitchraising, but I make all the "checks" or musical "tests" that one would make when tuning aurally since what is heard always "trumps" what is seen on a machine. Electronic tuners nowdays are lightyears ahead of those of yester-year and can make the tuner's job much easier, so long as they don't have the final word, so to speak.
- Return to FAQs list
Q: What is my piano worth?
A: Good question. Basically, your piano is worth what the
market will bear. Here is a website that might be helpful.
http://www.pianoworld.com/value.htm
While it doesn't give prices, it does give you an idea of what
might be involved in setting a price. It's always a good idea to
to have your tuner/technician inspect your piano and let you
know the general condition of your piano as well as if there are
any concerns that need to be addressed before you sell, (or
what the new owner would need to address after purchase).
This will help both parties feel good about the sale. It's not a
good situation when a piano is purchased based on looks and
owner opinion, only to find that the piano is going to need a
substantial amount of work. One lady I know was given a
piano, only to find after all the hassle of moving it that it
had a severely cracked pinblock and could not be tuned. Her
only consolation was that it was a gift and she fortunately
hadn't paid anything for it.
Get a written estimate for insurance, sale, buy, etc. for only
$20 at: www.bluebookofpianos.com/whats_it_worth.htm
- Return to FAQs list
Q. How old is my piano and who made it?
A. First look for the brand name, sometimes on the key cover, or
most likely inside the piano printed either on the upper lid
(that you set all your pictures and knick-knacks on), or
somewhere on the plate near the tuning pins. Secondly, while
you have the piano open, look for a serial number (typically a
5 or 6 digit number unless it's really, really, old). I've found
several pianos that don't have one that I could find, but
usually there will be one printed in plain view. You may need
a flashlight to read it though. Write this down and close up
the piano. Visit www.bluebookofpianos.com/ages/, find
your brand name, and then find the year in which your serial
number was made. There will also be a brief description
about the manufacturer. I can also give you most of this type
information free of charge when I come tune your piano if you
remind me.
- Return to FAQs list
Q. What is the cost to have a piano tuned?
A. Costs vary greatly from one part of the country to another,
and from city to rural areas. Generally you will find that on
the coasts, rates average from $100-$150 per tuning. In the
midwest, with a lower cost of living, the rates average
somewhere around $60-$85. Something to consider when
comparing rates is the distance a tuner must travel and what
they will charge for mileage. That can add considerably to
your cost, so be sure to ask before being caught off guard at
the end of a tuning with a larger bill than expected! You can
view my rates here.
- Return to FAQs list
Q. What do I need to do to get ready for the tuner's visit?
A. There are several things that you can do to prepare for my visit
that will be most helpful.
1) Remember to be home at the appointed time - If you are
unable to keep your tuning appointment for any reason, please
call me as soon as possible.
2) Please remove all items from off the top of the piano,
ie: knicknacks, pictures, piano books, etc. I would rather you
handle them than me risk breaking them.
3) On vertical pianos, it is not necessary to move the piano out
away from the wall. All work is performed from the front of
the piano.
4) Provide a quiet, distraction free environment. TV, radios,
electric mixers, washing dishes, or kids playing in the front
room, can all be very distracting when I am concentrating on
listening to the slight changes in the piano's pitch and tone.
5) Please allow adequate time for me to do the job correctly.
Some tunings take longer than others, and I always want to do
the best job for you, so it would be helpful to avoid planning
somewhere to be immediately after the tuning in case we go
longer than expected. I usually estimate 2 hrs. for a regular
tuning tuning. If the piano needs a pitch raise (pre-tensioning),
then allow another 1/2 hr. for that. Don't forget that if we find
a repair or adjustment that needs to be made, that can add time
too. So...bottom line, do allow enough time for me to leave
your instrument in great shape without feeling rushed!
6) A piano bench would be nice! I say that in fun, but I have
showed up at homes only to find that there was no piano
bench. If you don't have a piano bench, an armless chair of
about 18"-19" will work.
- Return to FAQs list
Special Tuning Rates for:
- Churches
- Piano Teachers
- Schools (3+ pianos)
- 2 or 4 prescheduled
tunings/year
- Churches
- Piano Teachers
- Schools (3+ pianos)
- 2 or 4 prescheduled
tunings/year
Locally Licensed
and Insured
and Insured
Call (573)-765-9903 or email for a tuning appointment....today!
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Visit my
Amazon.com store:
---------
Hundreds of items!
---------
- Piano/Keyboard Accessories
- Keyboards/Pianos
- Piano Music (Classical)
- Trumpet Music
Amazon.com store:
---------
Hundreds of items!
---------
- Piano/Keyboard Accessories
- Keyboards/Pianos
- Piano Music (Classical)
- Trumpet Music
"make a joyful noise..."
Richard W. Bushey - Piano Tuner/Technician
Phone:(573) 765-9903
email: Rbushey at RichardsPianoService.com
email: Rbushey at RichardsPianoService.com
Address: 25490 Richard Dr.
Waynesville, Mo. 65583
Waynesville, Mo. 65583
Please report broken links! Thank-you!
Copyright 2008 - Richard W. Bushey