Every 6 months is the standard tuning schedule for every home piano. This follows the change in seasons and the associated ‘swelling and drying’ humidity cycle. Concert halls need a more accelerated schedule, and pianos that are not used at all may have a more relaxed schedule yet not relaxed enough to cause the piano any permanent harm from neglect.

It’s best to schedule the next appointment at the end of the current appointment. This way everyone’s calendar is open together. Since no one knows exactly what they re doing 6 months from now, I call beforehand and the client either confirms or adjusts the appointment time.

Don’t worry. Most of these old pianos are only worth it to get them ‘playable’: keys go up, down, makes sound, sound cuts off after key comes up, stays in relatively good tune. I keep this in mind with all customers like this. Most say “let’s just get by for now and if my child continues I will consider a better piano”. No problem with me! I get this and see it all of the time. Yet I will also tell you what is possible for me to do with what you have and always point you to the best music situation.

Please call regarding your specific situation yet we travel mostly in Nassau, west to mid Suffolk, parts of Queens, and Manhattan.

Call me! I see this ALL of the time. There are no easy answers. It’s usually a frustrating situation. A dialogue is the place to start (and I have extensive info and resources) but I want to hear YOUR side of the story first and if it’s ok with you, offer you some suggestions.

Water!  Yes, don’t be afraid to use water BUT make it only a few drops on a paper towel and pull the towel towards you.  You don’t want to soak the key at all.  You might want to let a tiny bit of water sit on the key for a few minutes before trying to get any dirt off.  Remember that the dirt has probably been there for eons, so a little ‘pre-wetting’ as described will help soften the dirt.  Now for yellow ivory keys there are some other options that you may want to consider.  The list of options is long so please call me on this one.  You may actually want to get a new set of key tops that I can install for you.  Its like getting a new set of teeth (without the pain).