FAQ

Every piano is different and every pianist uses the piano differently. Piano manufacturers all recommend the piano be tuned twice a year. Every piano should be tuned at least once a year. The more often the piano is tuned, the better it will stay in tune.

The cost varies based on factors like when was the piano last tuned, piano condition, and services required. Contact us for a personalized quote.

I use both my ears as well as my electronic tuning device (ETD)  to tune pianos. When studying for my degree in Piano Technology, I had to learn to aurally tune a piano and when I graduated for my tuning exam, I started using my ETD in combination with my ears.

I have rebuilt many pianos in my workshop before moving to Fort Myers. I decided not to build a workshop here but in case you are interested in having your piano rebuild or restored, I am more than happy to refer you to colleagues who may be able to help you.

Regulation is short hand for saying “regulating the action”. The action is the heart of the piano which includes keys, hammers, dampers, and many other delicate moving parts with narrow tolerances. Over time these parts deteriorate and depart from their proper position. This can result in broken parts, keys not playing, heavy touch, lack of playability, lack of tonal control, and the acceleration of wear and tear. During a regulation, the piano technician replaces or restores the condition of the parts and aligns them to their proper relationships. A regulated piano produces maximum power, speed, control and evenness of touch.

A piano can be compared to a car which also has lots of moving parts. Just as a car needs proper maintenance to achieve efficiency and performance, so does a piano. To perform at its best, piano parts should be in good condition, shaped and aligned properly, tightened in their proper positions, and move in the proper planes and angles. Parts should be lubricated. This all reduces wear and tear of the many intricate interwoven parts and optimizes their working which translates into a piano that plays evenly and give the pianist control and dynamic range.

Scheduling is easy!  If your piano only needs a tuning, use the “ book now, or schedule your appointment” button on top of the page. If your piano needs tuning(s) and repairs, contact us via phone or email to book a convenient time for your piano tuning or service.

Yes, I am a proud member of the Piano Technicians Guild, adhering to high standards of business and professional ethics. When I serviced the area Southwest of Atlanta, I was a member of the Atlanta Steinway Society

We work on acoustic pianos of all brands, models, and ages, providing quality services tailored to each instrument's unique characteristics. The only acoustic pianos we do not service, are the square pianos, usually called "square grand" pianos

Signs include uneven key response, unusual sounds, or visible damage, keys not responding or not making a sound. Contact us for a professional evaluation and recommended repairs.

While we prioritize scheduled appointments, we understand urgent needs. Contact us, and we'll do our best to accommodate your situation.

Absolutely! We have extensive experience tuning and servicing grand pianos, ensuring their intricate components are in optimal condition.

Yes, voicing is crucial for adjusting the piano's tone. It ensures a balanced and pleasing sound, enhancing the overall musical experience.

Voicing means to alter the voice/sound of the piano. This can only be done within certain margins. Every piano has its own voice. Some pianos have a warm, mellow sound, while others sound brighter or sometimes even harsh. The sound of the piano will change when you place it in another room, or if you redecorate the room (carpet versus hardwood floors, curtains versus blinds etc.). Also, over time the sound of your piano will change because of the aging of the various parts. The hammers may become harder at the spot where they strike the strings, producing a harsher or brighter sound. When you prefer a different sound, or if the piano sounded different in the showroom when you selected it, or if the sound varies much from key to key, you may consider having your piano technician voice your piano. Voicing requires that you sit with the piano tuner because you will have to indicate the sound you like. Note: a quality voicing can only be done if the piano is regulated well and after it has been tuned. Also the hammers and other parts should be in good condition.

Pitch correction involves adjusting the piano's pitch close to its proper pitch. It may be  necessary if the piano has gone without a tuning for more than 1 year, has been moved or is in a very unstable environment. A pitch correction is an initial tuning and is followed by a fine tuning.

If your piano is substantially out of tune, off pitch, it is impossible to do a fine and accurate piano tuning without a pitch correction. Without a pitch correction, you will be unhappy with the tuning because it will not last long. We always do a pitch correction when needed because we value your satisfaction and our reputation for a quality piano tuning.

We will only do what your piano needs: no more and no less!.

We stand by the quality of our work. While specific warranties may vary, we strive for customer satisfaction and lasting results.

Reach out via phone at 678-416-8055 or email at janssenpianoservices@gmail.com. We look forward to serving your piano needs.

A tuner is concerned with the sound of the piano. He usually just tunes. Some may be able to repair, but that is not always the case. Many piano tuners refer their clients to a technician for repair and maintenance. A piano technician tunes and is capable of repairing and maintaining all aspects of the piano. He is concerned with the sound and the mechanics. We are professionally trained, full-time piano technicians.

The first question a prospective client will ask is “How much does a tuning cost?” That’s important, but the more important question is “What do I get for my money?” Stated differently, “How do I know if you are good at what you do?” If I were to hire a piano tuner for my piano, I would ask: how many years have you been a tuner?; how/where were you trained? (in a school or self-taught); are you full-time or part-time?; how many clients do you service?; and who may I contact for a recommendation? It is also a plus if the piano tuner/technician has been affiliated with a professional organization.

Tuning aurally  (by ear) means using a tuning fork to get the pitch of one note and then tuning all the other notes in relative relationship to that note. And, yes, I can tune by ear. Good piano technicians know how to tune by ear but may also use a tuning machine for several reasons: (a) the human ear cannot register frequencies at higher/lower pitches; (b) the tuning information for an individual piano can be stored and retrieved for subsequent tunings, and (c) the machine reduces the effect of ambient noise on the tuning. Finally, older pianos sometimes develop wild strings, false beats, and other “piano noises” which complicate aural tuning precision. The machine is an excellent tool under those circumstances.

That said, the machine is not tuning the piano, the technician is. Anyone can purchase a tuning machine. However, unless the individual is a trained technician the final result will not be the same in terms of quality, pitch, or the stability of the tuning .

As technology has advanced the speed and accuracy of tuning, it makes sense to take advantage of the tools. But in the end, the technician must have "a trained ear" to assure the final result is accurate and pleasant.

It is also important to hire a technician, who can repair and maintain your piano. There are a number of hobby tuners, who call me when a repair is needed. Why inconvenience yourself or pay for two service calls? Always ask a potential piano tuner if he/she does repairs. If not, look for one who does.

Your piano goes out of tune primarily because of seasonal changes in humidity. This is true no matter where you live. Other contributing factors are: temperature fluctuations, moving the piano, cracks in the pin block, loud and frequent playing, and new strings.

Yes, but your piano will very likely require a pitch correction prior to it being able to hold a tuning.

In fact, your piano begins to detune almost immediately after a tuning. Our ears are just not able to discern it until it becomes well out of tune. So whether you play the piano or not, it will ultimately reach the point that you will definitely hear that it is time to schedule a piano tuning.

It depends on a number of factors, like humidity, use, location of the piano, condition of the piano, and the skill of the piano tuner. Piano tunings last much longer on pianos with humidity control systems.

If your piano has been tuned within a year, it usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If a tuner takes less than 30 minutes, you may want to look for another tuner. Without getting too technical, most of the 45 minute tuners are not giving a full tuning. If a pitch correction is needed, expect 2 hours or in some cases, even more.

Take everything off the piano, any valuables which are near the piano and anything under a grand piano. If at all possible, keep the noise level to a minimum. Tuning requires concentration and quiet for the technician. If there is a problem with the piano, like sticking keys, make a note which keys they are.

I'm accustomed to having dogs sing alongs. Rupert, a charming miniature schnauzer, was operatic throughout most of the tuning. Usually, dogs will quiet down. I'm comfortable with pets of all kinds, so my calm will often translate to their calm. And I don't mind stopping for patting a pet.

Keep it away from big drafts, open windows and direct sunlight. It should be where the humidity and temperature ire most constant. Of course, sometimes it's a compromise: less favorable position for the piano will mean more frequent tunings.

Climate control systems that are designed for pianos can result in longer life and possibly reduce the frequency of tunings. We recommend the humidity control system made by Dampp Chaser (the Piano Life Saver System). All major piano manufacturers endorse this system. We are certified installers and field technicians for Dampp Chaser.

The short answer is "yes" but within certain parameters. Various mechanical issues can contribute to a heavy touch. After analysis, the technician will be able to tell you the required adjustments and the likely outcome and cost. It is important that you rely on a qualified technician to do a proper analysis and to make such proper adjustments.

Avoid commercial cleaners for the outside. Ask your technician for special cleaners for pianos. Using those cleaners will protect the surface of  your piano. Always use a lint free cloth and wipe with the grain. Use a different cloth for the keys. Leave the inside cleaning to your technician so that you do not damage delicate parts. Combined with a tuning, a cleaning is more cost effective. We carry a full line of cleaning supplies which were specifically developed for pianos.

Replacing a string is not that difficult for a trained technician; and piano technicians usually carry strings with them. However, expect that a new string may require several tunings. Your tuner may have to come back several times before the string will hold a tune. Sometimes, bass strings will have to be custom ordered, which will require more time.