FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Read this short article for my best answer to this oft asked question. 

Probably not! Here's why. 

This is probably our most frequently asked question. Almost all manufacturers suggest tuning a new piano four times in the first  year and then twice a year thereafter.  At a minimum, a piano should be  tuned at least once a year.  Click here for a much more detailed answer.  

Follow this link to learn more about the process of tuning a piano. 

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For churches and schools, we will invoice if needed. 

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I tuned strictly by ear (starting with just a tuning fork) for 20  years. I continuously rejected the idea that electronics could make an  improvement over centuries-old methods. Then a highly respected colleague insisted that I watch him use an ETD (electronic tuning device). I was amazed - the added visuals and precision can tell us things that we simply could not detect by ear alone. I adopted an ETD into my routine, and indeed, it made my tunings even better. I do not rely on the ETD alone, I still listen as carefully as ever. I do not use an ETD  to tell me what to do, rather I use it as an additional valuable tool to help me decide what is optimal for bringing out the very best in your piano.  Even though I have taught my son Ike to tune using an  ETD, he has been educated in aural tuning and tuning history.  More about tuning here. 

No, but I can play it's scales!

A piano tuner only tunes pianos, while a piano technician is qualified to  diagnose and correct issues with the piano action, pedals, strings,  dampers, etc... It is not insulting or incorrect to refer to a piano technician as a piano tuner, but no one who only tunes pianos should call themselves a piano technician. 

Sadly,  the field of piano technology is not regulated by any government or official agency. Several organizations exist in order to give customers a level of confidence in the person you are hiring. In the U.S., the primary titles that you might see are certified, registered, and master. 

The term "Certified Piano Technician" is generally given to those who have  completed a course in piano technology. No other qualifications are implied by this title. 

The title "Registered Piano Technician" (RPT) is given to those who have successfully completed a series of 3 tests which are administered by the  Piano Technicians Guild. Most good technicians can accomplish this within 5  or so years of piano tech experience. Hiring a tech with this  designation does not guarantee top-notch work, but it does let you know  that the tech is qualified to do most field work and is not a novice. 

In  order to be bestowed the title of "Master Piano Technician" (MPT), one  must have an impressive resume and considerable experience. Membership in this organization is exclusive, and new members must be approved by a vote of current members at the annual convention. 

This is not an exhaustive list of designations that have been given to piano techs, but these 3 are the most common. Even though the titles come from different sources, it may be useful to think of them in the standard trade terms of Apprentice, Journeyman and Master.

What is a pitch raise? Regulation? Hammer reshaping and voicing? What do all of these things mean and does my piano need them? These terms are explained in our glossary. 

"How much is it to tune a piano?"

Nationally,  the average piano tuning price in 2025 is between $150 and $250. The price varies with the skill level of the tuner, location, and what is  included in the service. 

Keep in mind that while price is a factor, the quality of the work and the specific needs of your piano should be the primary consideration. A higher initial cost might be worth it if a technician can address underlying issues that a cheaper service might miss, saving you money in the long run. 

This will be covered in detail a blog post soon, but in brief:
 

• Spinets have little or no monetary value. 
• Tall old upright pianos, in spite of their beauty, historical value, and sound quality, are a dime a dozen - unless they have been very well cared for, restored, or were made by a great maker such as Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, or Chickering, in  which case they may have some value, but rarely bring more than a couple thousand  dollars. 
• Console and Studio pianos, if well cared for and of good quality, may be worth $400 - $1500 or more. 
• Grand pianos vary considerably and could be worth anywhere from $500 - $50,000 or more. 
• I am available for appraisals and insurance estimates of a piano's monetary value. 

A  piano's true value though, lies in what it's worth to you and your family. Kept in good playable condition, your piano is priceless! 

You can schedule an evaluation of your piano if you'd like to know more about it's condition and market value. 

• Ask your neighbor, church, or piano teacher who they use. 

• Look for the most experienced piano tuner in your area - education is very important, but nothing can replace years of experience!

• Check Google reviews.

• If you are still undecided, give them a call - personality is important too!

• Keep in mind that while price is a factor, the quality of the work and the specific needs of your piano should be the primary consideration. A higher initial cost might be worth it if a technician can address underlying issues that a cheaper service might miss, saving you money in the long run. 

Most likely! I have information on upgrading specific systems available on this site. 

To learn more, select the maker of your system below.

• Disklavier
• QRS (PNOmation)
• Spirio
• Pianodisc
• Other/unknown

Oooh I love this question! There are a LOT of reasons. 

This depends on how long it has been since it's last tuning and who is tuning the piano. 

For me, most pianos that have been on a regular schedule, take about 70 minutes to tune. 

Read my short blog post on this for a good answer!