Frequently Asked Questions: Q: Are you a member of the Piano Technician's Guild (PTG)? Yes. I'm a Registered Piano Technician(RPT) of the Piano Technician's Guild and the current President of the Vermont Chapter. For more information about the PTG please visit www.ptg.org
Q: How does the Climate affect my piano?The piano is made of mostly organic materials (wood and cloth) that are affected by moisture content in the air. The climate in the Northeastern United States is known for having dry winters that are contrasted by very humid summers. The drastic fluctuation in humidity can be detrimental to a piano that is more exposed to the natural environment. Common problems include tuning fluctuation and “sticking keys”. More serious damage that can occur may include issues such as glue joint failures, cracked bridges, cracked soundboards, and loose tuning pins.
Q: Where in my home is the best place to put my piano? On an inside wall AWAY from windows, doors, heaters, drafts, and out of direct sunlight. An outside wall can be OK as long as your home is well insulated.
Q: What can I do to help my tuning to last longer? Keep the piano in a consistant climate, with as little air movement as possible. That is the best thing you can do. Humidify in the winter, and de-humidify in the summer if you have to. Investing in a climate control system for your piano helps tremendously! Generally, the more consistant you are with a tuning schedule, the happier your piano (and your ears) will be!
Q: How often should I have my piano tuned? I encourage those who use their pianos year round to do a semi-annual tuning after the seasonal change. Some others have their pianos tuned annually. Many Music Teachers and other professionals prefer 3 or more tunings per year. I recommend tuning intervals based on the use of the piano, climate stability, and piano age.
Q: Do you install Piano Climate Control Systems? Yes! For more information please contact me and visit www.dampp-chaser.com
Q: Do you fix old player piano mechanisms? No. I don't tune many old player pianos either, unless the mechanism has been fully restored, or has been removed. Players are simply not my specialty.
Q: What are your prices? Please see my price/policy page for current rates. I will also be happy to discuss pricing with you via phone or email.
Q: What days of week do you schedule appointments? I'm now scheduling appointments 3-5 days/week (days are variable). I typically only schedule weekend appointments for concerts
Q: How long does it take you to tune a piano? Depending on the situation, a standard tuning takes me between 1hr to-1hr &15 min. A pitch-raise takes anywhere from 1hr and 15 min. to 2 hrs.
Q: What is Aural Tuning? Aural tuning means tuning by ear. I tune to equal temperament. Most pianos should be pitched at A=440, and I aim to achieve this with all of my tunings. However sometimes due to seasonal change, age of the piano or neglect, it may not be the best thing for your piano. I will always make the best choice for your particular situation.
Q: I have not had my piano tuned in several years. Will it need more than one tuning? In most cases, yes. If the piano is significantly under pitch, it will need a pitch-raise and a follow up tuning to properly stablize the tension on the instrument.
Q: I have and old upright that hasn't been tuned in ?? years. Can you help me? I'll be happy to come look your piano over for damage and discuss your options. Occasionally, I will find structural damage too great to justify the expense of "bringing it back to life" (a tuning/repair project). I may do a little maintenance to "get you by" while I encourage you to search for a different piano. Don't let this discourage any inquiry. I have seen many pianos that bounce back quite well.
What towns do you currently serve? The current list is:
- Alburgh
- Bakersfield*
- Berkshire*
- Burlington
- Charlotte
- Colchester
- Enosburg Falls
- Essex
- Essex Junction
- Fairfax
- Fairfield
- Franklin
- Fletcher*
- Georgia
- Grand Isle
- Highgate
- Hinesburg
- Huntington*
- Isle La Motte
- Jericho
- Milton
- Montgomery*
- North Hero
- Richford*
- Richmond
- St. Albans
- St. George
- Shelburne
- Sheldon
- South Burlington
- South Hero
- Swanton
- Underhill
- Westford
- Williston
- Winooski
*limited service in this town. I only travel there once or twice per year
Don't see your town? Recruit at least two other venues in your town who need my services, and I'll consider adding your town to my list.
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