amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

chococat · 09-30-2005, 07:18 PM

Anyone's husband, SO, brother, father, uncle, aunt, anyone? do piano repair/tuning? Any suggestions on do's, don't and maybe some good reading?

We have a late 1800's cabinet model that came with the house that needs some serious TLC. The $$ is better spent on other things right now, so to tide me over for the next several months until DH graduates, I would like to make some minor repairs myself and maybe, just maybe take a stab at tuning it. But right now, getting the keys to work are more important then the sound.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

Karen · 09-30-2005, 07:40 PM

I don't have any tips, but i'm watching this thread. We have an old piano that could use some help too.

annsni · 09-30-2005, 08:43 PM

Can't help you much. We had an old piano that belonged to my husband's grandfather that was gorgeous but needed work. The piano tuner finally wouldn't tune it anymore because he felt the soundboard wasn't strong enough so it needed a major overhaul for lots of moolah. Well, my DH called me a few weeks later - he bought a 6 1/2 foot grand piano! Yikes! We had to sell stock to pay for it but we're all happy that he did it - it sounds so beautiful!!

Maybe get some books out of the library or something!

Ann

chococat · 09-30-2005, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annsni

The piano tuner finally wouldn't tune it anymore because he felt the soundboard wasn't strong enough.

So what does it cost to tune a piano these days? I called 3 places and they never called me back.

I am at the point of trying to figure out how the hammers come out so I can glue the broken ones back together easier, or at least replace them.

Tap dancin mama · 09-30-2005, 09:55 PM

Between 85.00 and 100.00 to tune a piano...

jillbertx4 · 12-23-2005, 01:46 PM

I'm not sure I'd try tuning or fixing a piano myself.......I've watched the tuner who does ours each year and it's not easy -- it takes him over an hour just to tune. If the keys don't work, there could be something majorly wrong......I know this "advise" doesn't help you.....when we were looking to get a piano for the children, we were advised over and over to have a tuner look at any used piano to be sure it didn't need expensive repairs --- I guess fixing a broken piano (cracked soundboard?) can cost more than buying a new one. We eventually found a used piano in great condition after months of searching. Perhaps you can put the word out among friends, co-workers that you're looking for a piano....ya' never know if a usable one might come your way.

Is there a music (sheet music, instruments) store around? Maybe they can advise on someone to give you a quote on the work. Or ask a local music teacher who they'd recommend. Maybe call the music teacher at the public school....you never know if there is someone on staff who is looking for some $$ on the side.

Good luck!