Up to a 60-minute drive
Piano Repairs
From sticking keys to broken strings, from simple adjustments to worn out action parts; the problem is diagnosed in your home and discussed before any work begins. Prices are very reasonable.
- Tuning by ear
- Insured piano & organ moving
- One technician, start to finish
- Serving Harrisburg, Hershey, Carlisle, Halifax, and greater Central PA
The most common piano problems are fairly simple to resolve: one note that will not come back up, a string that snapped mid-piece, a pedal that has stopped working, a key that feels dead next to its neighbors. Behind each of those is a mechanical part that has worn, swollen, dried out, unglued or broken, and finding the cause is only half the job.
Repairs are diagnosed in your home before any changes are made. The action is taken out if needed, the fault is traced, and you are told what is wrong, what it would take to fix it, and whether it is worth fixing on that particular instrument. Common work includes replacing broken strings, freeing sticking keys, regulating and adjusting the action so the touch is even and responsive across the keyboard, fitting new white keytops, and adjusting the pedal and damper problems.
Some repairs are worth doing on any piano. Other older pianos are not worth it because of their overall condition. An instrument that is near the end of its life ought to be replaced. In that case, you will be told so plainly, rather than being sold an expensive restoration job. In some cases, a broken part means more of the same parts are nearing failure. Example: plastic elbows.
Who calls for this
- Owners with one or more piano faults: a broken string, a sticking key, a dead pedal, a buzzing note.
- Players who feel that the touch has gone uneven and want the action adjusted for more power and control.
- Anyone deciding whether an inherited or second-hand piano is worth restoring before spending money on it.
Up to a 60-minute drive
Ask a questionHow it goes
From the first phone call to a piano you can enjoy
Describe the fault
Which note(s) are not playing correctly? Write down which ones, just in case the problem is intermittent. That can make finding the problem difficult. Describe what is happening or not happening.
Diagnose in the room
The action is tested and examined in the home. Sometimes the action needs to be pulled out to facilitate diagnosis. Some repairs are done on the spot; other repairs need parts. I carry many common parts in my car, however, sometimes parts must be ordered and another appointment is scheduled.
Repair, then re-check
Once the repairs are made, the piano is re-checked and I will have the customer play it also. After the repairs, the piano can be tuned. This also serves as a thorough checking and playing of every key. (For sticking keys: check with the sustain pedal down to be sure none are sticking.)
Questions people ask
Repairs are booked up to a 60-minute drive from Harrisburg, the same range as tuning.
See the full service area+A string broke. Can it be replaced?
Yes, broken strings are routine work. The replacement string is fitted and then needs a period of time to stretch and settle, so it may want re-tuning shortly afterwards. I'll stop by when I'm in the area to retune that string for free.
+What does an action adjustment do?
It evens out and regulates the timing and distance of the mechanisms between the key and hammer. It provides more responsiveness, power and control to your touch. It makes the touch of your piano feel like new again, so satisfying!
+Is my old piano worth repairing?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. That is what the in-home diagnosis is for, and an appraisal can be done if you need a considered value before deciding. We can talk about your needs and expectations and take into consideration your playing ability. Sometimes customers want to re-invigorate an older piano because they remember their family member who has since passed. The sentimental value comes into play for some.
+Do you fix humidity impairment?
Swelling, sticking and constant tuning instability can be indications of humidity problems. A Dampp-Chaser installation treats the cause rather than repeating the same repair every season. Many professionals and regular players like the benefits from this system.
+How much do repairs cost?
Often, repairs are simple and cost between $20 and $40 (provided I am tuning it as well). I always give an estimate and explain what is needed. Sometimes repairs can involve a lot of time, adjustment, and parts. I always advise the owner on the piano's overall condition and whether it is worth repairing. Note: Voicing and regulating a grand piano can produce impressive results in tone and touch. All pianos need adjustments over time.
Also offered
Professional Piano Tuning
Professional piano tuning done by ear for homes, schools, churches, and performance venues around Harrisburg. I tune to Standard Pitch A=440, unless requested otherwise.
Professional Piano TuningPiano & Organ Moving
Insured piano and organ moving, including grands, uprights, and player pianos, with the equipment and crew needed for success. 1000s moved.
Piano & Organ MovingAdditional Services
Everything else a piano owner needs, from appraisals and cleaning to Dampp-Chaser installation, used piano sales, piano disposal, and stage dollies for grands.
Additional ServicesBook piano repairs
Call or text with the make of the instrument and what town it is in, and you will get a straight answer about piano repairs the same day, where possible. Appointments run Monday through Saturday.