We try to be very reasonable in pricing and we will be happy to provide an estimate by phone or email. Contact me at dpinson@everestkc.net or 913-568-7363 (phone or text message).

For rough estimates, it is helpful to know something about the piano including:

• Brand name
• Type (5-9 ft grand; studio, console or spinet uprights)
• Approximate age (or serial # of the piano if you can find it on the plate inside the piano)
• Date of the last known tuning or estimated number of years since tuning
• Any major service history (string replacements, hammer replacements, etc.)
• Any significant current problems (sticking keys, action does not work)

The single most common issue that impacts pricing is the need for one or more pitch raise procedures. The strings of a piano apply a great deal of tension across the large metal plate supporting them. If pianos are seriously flat (anything over 5 cents, where one half step = 100 cents), then a pitch raise procedure is required. This is a very quick tuning (20-25 minutes) with programmed over pulls. Its only purpose is to bring the piano up to pitch where A4 = 440 Hz. It is well documented that pulling up the pitch in one part of the piano distorts tension enough in other parts to throw the piano out of tune. The piano must therefore be at pitch before it is tuned. There is a charge for each pitch raise procedure.

The fine tuning is done on pianos at pitch. In this tuning, intervals are refined for equal temperament and 2- and 3-string unisons are tuned as cleanly as possible. This is the time consuming part of tuning (1.5-2 hours).

Thus, the cost for a tuning is driven by time commitments (driving, tuning), car expenses, equipment, taxes, insurances, guild membership, and continuing education. We will make every effort to be efficient and professional and provide the best tuning in the time allotted to keep your costs reasonable. Discounts are provided for those customers who consistently tune at routine intervals.

Recommended tuning intervals:

• Pianos used for children's practice: 6 month intervals
• New pianos or new strings: 3-4 times yearly since new strings stretch considerably
• Clients with sensitive ears: Whenever the tuning troubles them
• Performance instruments: Depends on circumstances, sometimes daily. We have tuned concert instruments the day before a performance and the very next day of the performance.
• Harsh environmental conditions: Variable 2-4 times yearly. Dampp-Chaser systems are recommended here (Dampp-Chaser.com).