FAQ

Below, I have tried to answer the most common questions our visitors may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page
please email me steven@orlandopianotuning.com, call me (407) 401-2236 or just  post your question or comment on my blog or facebook link.

How much does it cost to have a piano tuned?
According to a recent survey tuning prices can vary between $31.61 per hour (or less) for the lowest 10% of tuners who have less than five years of experience to as much as $102 per hour for the top 10% of piano tuners who have over twenty years of experience tuning pianos in the United States. Typically tuners work independently so the cost to tune a piano increases to cover the cost of transportation, fuel, insurance, payroll taxes, cost of living expenses, plus other considerations such as geographical areas served, market demand, and whether or not the piano will need a pitch raise before attempting to fine tune a piano. The average piano tuning price seems to be a flat rate of $85 to $166 in the United States. Top piano tuners may charge more than $102 per hour for a concert piano tuning including wait time to tune the piano on location.

Every piano is different therefore I would like to speak with you regarding your instrument. I like to know more about your piano’s needs before giving a quote. With that said, depending on the level of tuning you desire you can expect a tuning to cost between $80 and $125  very much inline with the US national average stated above.

How often should I have my piano tuned?
Almost all piano manufacturers recommend having a piano tuned twice a year. New pianos should be tuned 3-4 times in the first year. If your piano is used frequently by intermediate or higher player(s) you may want to consider more regular tunings. Also you may find if your piano doesn’t seem to stay in tune, there could be a mechanical problem of some sort that should be checked out.

If a new piano should be tuned more often, can an older piano be tuned less often?
All pianos should be tuned twice a year. Older piano in theory are more settled and often sound warmer due to the age of the wood and sounding board.

What will happen if I don’t have my piano tuned?
It will go out of tune severely. Remember that tuning a piano is mostly stretching the stings to get the proper tone. Pianos need regular tuning to keep them up to pitch, which is usually the internationally recognized standard concert pitch of  A440 Hz. The hammers of pianos are voiced to compensate for gradual hardening, and other parts also need periodic regulation. Aged and worn pianos can be rebuilt or reconditioned. Often, by replacing a great number of their parts, they can be made to perform as well as new pianos. While it may appear you are saving money by not keeping your piano tuned, in the end when it does need to be properly tuned, the expense could easily outweigh the price of a number of scheduled tunings.

OK  I’ve read your entire website and what makes you such an expert?
Piano tuning is actually very complex and requires a great deal of skill and experience for a truly professional quality job.

I think this is a very informative web site but you could have put a picture or two on this FAQ page for interest while reading these questions and answers.
I agree with your recommendation that pictures or illustrations might be helpful on this page. Designing a web site like this takes time, effort, creativity and concentration. Some of the questions are in fact real questions often asked by clients. Others, in an effort to have more content on this page are made up but I believe add to the overall interest and entertainment value of the site.

Your list of references and people you have tuned for in the past is quite impressive. Did you actually meet most of these performers? 
Thank you. Everyone listed on the reference page I had the opportunity to tune for on at least one occasion.  While living in Maryland I regularly tuned for these artists. Here in Central Florida I regularly perform tunings for many concerts. Some of the performers I have had the opportunity to speak with but usually just before or after stage soundcheck.  When tuning in this setting, I generally provide a tuning prior to the show and another during the intermission which allows me to have back stage access and always a great view of the performance.