Services
CONTACT US
Frank Crawford
Phone: 301-910-2448
Email: frank@crawfordpianoservice.com
Tuning
Tuning is the most common service. Most piano manufacturers recommend that a piano being used in a home be tuned at least twice annually. Even pianos that are not being used should be tuned at least every 5 years to maintain the many tons of tension the piano was designed to accommodate. A piano that
has not been tuned for some years may require an adjustment to reach proper
pitch before fine tuning can be done properly.
This need is determined at the time of service.
When you call us for a tuning, you get far more than just tuning. We do a thorough inspection of your piano prior to beginning work. This means that we can advise you regarding any repairs that need to be made before a proper tuning can be done, and can usually take care of those problems during that visit. It also means that we will not waste your money on a tuning if it is unlikely to stay in tune due to the instrument's condition. Your pedals are adjusted, and piano bench legs tightened if needed.
Standard tuning services cost $150. If a pitch adjustment is required prior to tuning it costs an additional $50-100, depending how far we need to go. Unusual piano designs, such as old overdamper or square grand pianos start at $200.
Repair
Every piano has literally thousands of parts. Just like any other machine, parts can get squeaky, broken, or worn out. Proper
repairs are vital to the performance of your piano. Many repairs can be done during your scheduled tuning appointment. More extensive work may require a return appointment. Pricing on repairs is determined based upon the time and materials required.
Regulation
The
moving parts, or "action" in your piano are primarily made from wood
and felt. Over time, as parts wear and
warp, these parts can become misaligned, and important tolerances change. Power, control, and evenness of touch
suffer. Action regulation is the process
of adjusting the moving parts in your piano to perform as well as they can,
given their design and condition.
Purchase Consultation
The purchase of a piano is an important decision. You deserve to be as well informed as possible. Once you have found an instrument you would like to acquire, for your own protection it is important to have it thoroughly inspected by a competent piano technician to ensure that the instrument will not require expensive repairs or regulation.
Humidity Control
Humidity has a profound effect on your
piano. As with your furniture, as
humidity rises, the wood of your piano swells, and as it falls, the wood
contracts. This causes the pitch of the
piano to rise and fall respectively, hurting the stability of the tuning you
just paid for. It can effect the
regulation mentioned above. Swelling and
contracting also puts strain on parts like the bridges and soundboard, leading
to cracks, and possibly expensive repairs.
Excessive humidity can cause strings and other metal parts to
corrode. We install complete humidity
control systems inside (in a vertical), or under (in a grand) your piano to
keep it at an optimal humidity level at all times, day and night,
year-round. These professional
systems can help reduce repair and tuning costs over
the years, and will make you happier with your piano as its tuning and touch
remain more consistent day to day and throughout the year. They are silent, and are much easier to
manage than cumbersome and noisy room humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
Click here for more information on the Piano Life Saver System from
Dampp-Chaser.
Purchase Piano Accessories
No need to set foot in a piano store! For your convenience, we can help you select, and will then deliver accessories such as lights, benches, piano locks, or piano covers, to your location. We also carry the line of Cory piano care products. Cory's cleaners and polishes are both effective and actually safe to use on your piano.
Click here for more information on Cory Products.