How much will she Charge? Will she wipe her Feet? Can I go get Sally from the Bus Stop? How Long will it take?
Our Pianos come into our lives in many different ways. Sometimes we buy them new, sometimes used. Sometimes they are passed down to us by family or friends. There are often special memories associated with our pianos. Sometimes we just don't know what we are to do with it, but we want to honor our family heritage, or preserve our investment. Who can we trust to come into our home and take care of such a special gift?
“Often times my clients are seeing a piano technician for the first time.”
Sometimes there is guilt that they have not serviced the piano in such a long time. There need not be guilt or awkwardness when I arrive. The last time I checked, life was not easy. We all do our best. I'm just your friendly technician coming to give you a hand. It's just fabulous that you reached out, and we'll take it from here. In most cases pianos need to be tuned twice a year to sound good throughout the year. Sometimes they can be tuned once a year and sometimes they need! Sometimes people say, "No need to worry about us too much. We're not concert pianists." I just giggle inside, knowing that concert pianos are often tuned every few days, or even twice a day. They are often regulated twice a year or more! They receive minor voicing at almost every service. Don't worry! I know, but you are still getting my best work while I am with you.
How Much will she charge?
That depends on how long it has been since you tuned your piano, where you live, and how well your piano holds it's pitch. My basic tuning fee includes small adjustments as I find them. I do not enjoy nickel and diming people. If your piano has not been tuned in a couple of years, the chances are huge that you will need a pitch raise. This is basically like doing a double tuning. The piano strings have to be retrained to stay tight and at pitch.
I can usually do both tunings in the same visit and can discount the second tuning.
A first time service usually costs about $295. I am usually able to include a quick vacuuming, tightening of the plate bolts, checking the soundboard, and bridges for cracks, and fixing minor sticking keys with my service. I give as much value with my services as possible, and it saves you money and trouble in the long run. A basic tuning visit for a well cared for piano will cost 195 if you are within 25 minutes of Warrenton Central, and 210 if you are further out.
Will She Wipe Her Feet?
Yes! I will remove my shoes, and be careful with your carpet, walls, and instrument. I will tighten your bench, and treat your children kindly. Right now I wear a mask, and I always clean the keys.
Can I pick up my kids from the bus stop?
I'm ok with it if you are :) My basic service takes about 1.5 hours. If it's my first time at your home, it will probably take me 2 - 2.5 hours. I develop a friendly relationship with my clients, and as long as we communicate, you should be able to go on with your life. Flexibility really helps with the scheduling. If you need to organize payment and run to the store that is ok. I just ask that you keep animals contained, so they don't escape out the door when I leave.
God bless you all, and I will see you soon.
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