Piano Tuner: Finding a Good Technician
You know you need to get your piano tuned, not only for a more pleasant sound but for the instrument’s proper care. How do you find a good piano tuner?
(1) If you’ve purchased your piano second-hand, ask the previous owners who they used to tune it. If they’ve kept it in good shape, chances are they have a regular tuner (technician) whom they’ll be happy to recommend.
But suppose you purchased your piano at a sale, or drove an hour or two to get it? It won’t do you much good to get a recommendation for a tuner who doesn’t live in your town. In that case, try Step (2).
(2) Ask a piano teacher. Piano teachers must take good care of their own instruments and keep them in tune. They most likely have a regular piano tuner whom they can recommend to you.
But often these excellent technicians are not taking new clients. In that case, keep trying.
(3) Ask a piano store, or local churches and schools, for recommendations. Again, like the piano teacher, these organizations must keep their instruments well in tune and probably have a regular technician whom they can recommend.
(4) You may wish to check with the Piano Technicians Guild. Membership in this guild is only granted after passing a rigorous test to ensure expertise.
(5) Once you have identified a likely prospect or two, check out their websites to learn about their experience and credentials. If they don’t have websites, call them up and ask. Call any references they provide.
Remember, your piano should be tuned at least twice a year. It will also need periodic minor maintenance and cleaning, which the technician can perform as well. Your piano tuner will be a regular part of your life, so you need to find someone you like and whose work you trust. After all, you’ve invested a lot in your piano, and you want to find a technician who will help you treat it right.
Tags: caring for your piano, finding a piano tuner, getting your piano tuned, piano, piano care, piano maintenance, piano technician, piano tuner, Piano Tuning, technician, tuner
