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My name is Geoff and I tune pianos within a 25 mile radius of Chester. This includes (but is not limited to):
Cheshire / Merseyside / Flintshire / Denbighshire / Wrexham / Shropshire
(Exceptions can be made depending on your location and how busy my schedule is)
If you would like a quote for my services, or have any other queries, please contact me via phone or email:
07305 145181 / devapianotuner@gmail.com
Standard Tuning
A routine tuning for your piano - it is recommended that pianos should be tuned at least once every six months, so that a consistent pitch level is maintained. The internationally recognised concert pitch is A440 - a piano will be close to this level if it has been regularly tuned. If not, then a pitch raise may be required.
Pitch Raising
This is usually required if the piano has not been tuned for a long time, and its pitch has fallen flat as a consequence. A pitch raise takes significantly longer than a standard tuning, and is therefore more expensive. Depending on the size of a pitch raise, a follow-up tuning maybe required a few weeks later.
Basic Repairs & Regulation
A piano is constructed out of thousands of parts and materials which over time will eventually require repairing, replacing or adjusting. If there are only a couple of minor issues present then an attempt will be made to fix these for free during a tuning appointment (provided that there are no pressing time constraints).
However, if there is an extensive list of issues present then these will be discussed and a quote will be provided in line with the work required. Depending on the scale of the task, repairs can either be done on the same day, or during an additional separate appointment.
Cleaning
A piano can accumulate a substantial amount of dust and dirt during its lifetime. Various foreign objects can also be discovered inside a piano (coins and guitar plectrums being the least bizarre of what can be found). Cleaning can also help improve the playability of a piano. This is an optional extra service that can be arranged in conjunction with a tuning or repairs appointment.
FAQ
Why does my piano go out of tune?
There are many reasons as to why a piano goes out of tune. The most common of these are changes in humidity, years of neglect, loose or poorly set tuning pins and moving the piano itself (usually whilst moving it into a new home). Heavy and frequent usage will also cause the piano to go out of tune. It is recommended that pianos are tuned once every 6 months.
Does my piano really require a pitch raise?
Pianos are designed to sound best at concert pitch (A440). Over time, a lack of tuning and neglect can cause the pitch of a piano to fall below this standard. Sometimes the pitch may have fallen a semitone flat, or more. This can be a problem if a piano is to be played with other instruments, such as a guitar or violin.
It is important to assess the overall condition of the piano prior to performing a pitch raise, as the change in tension may cause strings to break, and could also lead to future tuning instability. After a pitch raise, it is advisable to allow the piano to settle for a few weeks and then book a standard follow up tuning.
Whilst pitch raises are usually beneficial for a piano; there can be cases when a piano simply does not require this - despite it not being tuned to concert pitch. Instead, the piano can simply be ‘tuned to itself’. This would fall into the category of a standard tuning and thus avoid the need for a pitch raise.
How long does it take for a piano to be tuned?
A ‘standard’ routine tuning should take on average 2 hours, depending on the piano's existing condition and when it was last tuned. A pitch raise will take at least 3 hours, and under certain circumstances may require an additional appointment.
A string broke during a tuning appointment - will you pay to replace it?
If a string breaks during a tuning then a charge will be issued for it to be replaced. A charge will also be issued to all other parts of the piano that can break (for example; hammer shanks).
How much do your services cost?
Please contact me via telephone or email for a quote.
Do you sell, remove, or recondition pianos? Can you tune and fix electronic pianos?
No - but I am happy to recommend local specialists if required.
About
I was trained by Steve Droy at his piano technology school located in Northampton. Steve has been working in the trade for over 30 years, and is highly respected amongst piano technicians operating within the UK.
During my time in Northampton I was taught on how to tune a piano using an integrated approach, through the use of aural checks and professional tuning software. I also learnt how to fix common repairs and adjust various regulation issues using industry standard tools and techniques.
Having played and written music the majority my life, I believe that the piano is the most important instrument to rely upon when creating music. I hope that my service can encourage people both young and old to either begin learning the piano or feel a renewed enthusiasm to take up playing again.
All I ask of my clients whilst I work is patience…
and maybe a cup of tea.
Contact
You can contact me via phone or email:
07305 145181 / devapianotuner@gmail.com
If possible, please provide as much information as you can about your piano, such as its age, make and recent tuning history.
Due to the nature of this work it's unlikely that I'll be able to answer phone calls immediately, so a voicemail message maybe required instead. I will try to respond to all queries within 2 working days, if not sooner.
Some email accounts may incorrectly categorise an email sent from me as junk or spam, so please check the relevant folder if you have not received a reply beyond 2 working days.
COVID-19
Please be assured that I will respect and adhere to any guidelines or precautions that you may have in place. This includes:
1) Wearing a disposable face masks and gloves, whilst practising social distancing.
2) Wiping down all surfaces using appropriate disinfectant.
3) The option to make payments via wireless transactions.
If you or anyone within your household develop symptoms and wish to self-isolate; please contact me as soon as possible prior to an appointment, so that we can re-schedule. No cancellation fee will be charged under these circumstances.
Privacy
This website does not actively collect any personal data.
The only personal data that I hold are the client's name, address, telephone and email address. This contact information is used solely for the purpose of maintaining the client’s piano. No one else has access to this data, and it will not be divulged to anybody without the client’s specific permission.
I will retain this data for seven years; in order to refer to an existing client’s piano history and to use their contact details when arranging future appointments. If a client is not comfortable with this, then I can erase such information off my records upon request.
This privacy policy is reviewed and updated as appropriate.