Are you still tuning pianos?
Yes! I am currently booking into 2026.
I'm inheriting/buying/seeking a used/new piano. Can you assess it for me?
Yes! Ideally, before you have it moved. I don't sell pianos yet, but I offer a $90 inspection service for pianos anywhere on Prince Edward Island. This $90 can be counted against the bill for any work booked within 2 months of inspection.
What are important environmental factors for my piano?
The performance and longevity of pianos depends on consistent ambient humidity and temperature. Please avoid: proximity to doors, windows, and methods of heating/air conditioning; exposure to moisture, sunlight, heat, and cold. Pianos are usually best kept around 45% relative humidity in an ambient temperature around 18-22C. In some situations, regulating the room is adequate; in others, installation of a Dampp-Chaser system is recommended.
How often should pianos be tuned?
This will depend on circumstance and usage. At one end of the spectrum, concert and recording pianos are usually tuned before each performance/session. On the other end, infrequently used home pianos should still be tuned once or twice per year. This helps maintain your piano's condition and pitch level. As a musician's ear develops, they may prefer an interval of 3-6 months.
Is there a base price for your services?
Yes, standard tuning for annually-maintained pianos costs $207. First-time or pitch correction tunings are $241.50. If your piano needs additional servicing, I quote cost during inspection; there is often the option to start with just tuning and plan for future work.
Is there a penalty for going over a year without tuning?
No! However there are musical and financial advantages to keeping up: if booked within 1 year, it will cost only the standard $207, even if another pitch correction or minor regulation is needed.
Is a "pitch correction/raise" just a tuning?
I often explain a pitch correction as "loading or unloading the tension" before the actual tuning begins. If a piano is more than 3~5 cents away its designed pitch, it will require some amount of pitch correction for a stable tuning. Despite the heavy cast iron bracing of a modern piano, simply tuning one note can lower the pitch of a neighbour note.
What is regulation?
It is the mechanical adjustment of the integrated systems that make up a piano. This can include a variety of things like pedal adjustments and refining the touch/tone.
What are rebuilding and reconditioning?
Terminology for the scope of work varies widely across this industry. For me, to "recondition" a piano is to make it perform as best as possible without the replacement of components, while "full rebuilding" means replacing and/or rebuilding all degraded systems. I often take on "partial rebuilds" that focus on the musical performance of the instrument without getting into any cosmetic work. I outsource cabinet refinishing - also...
Do you move pianos?
I outsource my piano moving. I recommend Affordable Canadian Movers Ltd. and Halifax's Doctor Piano for piano moving in Prince Edward Island.
Do I need a Dampp-Chaser?
Very possibly! These systems help preserve the longevity of your pianos structure, and can reduce tuning drift between appointments.
Does the keyboard cover have to be kept closed while you're not playing?
As much as possible, if only just to keep away dust. For ivory keytops, leaving the cover closed after playing can contribute to yellowing.
How far can a piano be moved before it needs tuning?
The physical motion of the move shouldn't affect the tuning much, but even moving from one part of one room to another will.
Will you tune my piano 432Hz?
Yes, so long as the structure of the piano is not at risk, I will tune to any desired pitch standard (it's not unheard of for circumstances to call for A415, 432, 435, 442, and some orchestras have even used 445).
Tuning by ear versus with electronic tuning device?
A contentious topic among piano technicians! Suffice to say, many technicians agree that it's valuable to develop ability in both, and that they inform each other. Personally, I tune using a hybrid of electronic and aural methods.
If a piano is being stored/moved, should it be down-tuned (like a pedal harp or guitar?)
Generally I think this would only apply for historic pianos built without full cast iron bracing.
If you have any other questions, please contact me or