Piano Tuning

Tips for Choosing a Piano

Making the decision to purchase a piano for your home does not happen overnight. It takes serious consideration and it’s a big commitment. Once you arrive at the decision, you find yourself with the task of choosing a piano that fits your needs and your home. If there’s one thing we know about at Chicago Piano Tuners, it is pianos and we want to help you make the best decision with these tips.

Understand the Options – Vertical or Grand?

There are four kinds of vertical pianos. Spinet pianos, are the lowest in price and height, standing at 35 to 39 inches. The console piano measures between 40 and 44 inches and a studio piano between 44 and 47 inches. The final vertical piano is the upright, the most traditional in appearance. The price and quality of sound vary for all vertical pianos, so do your research.

The grand piano is going to cost far more than a vertical. However, grand pianos come with those higher price tags for a reason. Grand pianos are not only beautiful to look at, they are incredible to listen to and play on. This is why concert pianists most often play on grand pianos.

In addition to the price tag, you will also want to consider the size of the grand piano. While many can span up to nine feet, these are most often used in concert halls. Grand pianos designed specifically for the home are just under five feet in width. Our friends have one in what would be their dining room and the melodic sounds of the piano echo through the house.

Evaluate Needs and Budget

When it comes to choosing a piano, it is important to understand why you’re purchasing one and how you, or your piano-playing family member or student, will use it. If the motivation is to enable a new learner, you may want to start smaller. If you are seriously interested in investing in a quality showpiece, and you have space, you may want to go grand!

In addition to defining your why is to consider the size of the space where the piano will be placed, the budget, and the reality of owning a piano. It’s a large instrument that takes practice to play and for too many owners, in our opinion, becomes a place to hang their coat or place their mail. Before making the commitment, evaluate your needs and budget. We wouldn’t want a good piano to go to waste!

Weigh the Pros and Cons When Choosing a Piano

Unless you have unlimited resources and space, you may not find a piano that meets all of your requirements, making it important to weigh the pros and cons.

Maybe the spinet fits into your price range, but you’d prefer something of higher quality sound. In this case, is it worth it to spend more to get what you want? Perhaps you want to invest in a beautiful grand piano, but you know it’s going to be a tight fit in the space you have in your home. Would you rather have the beautiful, timeless piano, or more room for living? That’s what you need to evaluate.

When choosing a piano, it comes down to what you want, what you can afford, and what fits the space you have. It’s not a quick decision. We’re here to help you and to tune that piano once it is properly moved to your Chicago home or school.

Caleb CrockettTips for Choosing a Piano
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Need to Move a Piano? Hire Professional Piano Movers.

Moving is a time of mixed emotions. It can be exciting, and also stressful. Moving some items is as easy as putting them in a labeled box, taping it up, and carrying it to the truck. Moving your piano, won’t be quite as easy. Pianos are heavy and contain hundreds of moving parts that can be easily damaged if not moved properly. To make moving day as stress-free as possible, the best option for securely moving your piano is to hire professional piano movers.

Professional piano movers have experience.

Whether you’ve hired movers or have asked friends to help, know that pianos need to be moved with extreme care. Don’t rely on yourself or basic home movers to move the piano. Ask if they have experience and then verify it. Dropping a piano can result in damages costing up to and more than $1,000. Professional piano movers know what it takes to safely move a piano, and most likely have done it many times before.

They know what to assemble and disassemble.

In addition to knowing how to move the piano, professional piano movers will also know how to or if they should disassemble or remove any pieces before transport. Pianos are made of hundreds of pieces and parts. Professional piano movers will know if there are pieces they can or should remove for safety or ease of the move.

A basic mover will most likely just move the piano as is, with no regard for foot pedals or what is inside the piano. Once the piano makes it to your new home because professional piano movers have the experience and knowledge they will know how to properly reassemble the piano, or check to make sure nothing has shifted out of place.

Piano movers understand what it takes.

Piano movers know pianos. You can tell them what kind of piano you have, and they will know how much it weighs and how many movers to bring. They will know specifically how to lift or move your piano.

With the transport in the vehicle to the new home, more than likely strings will shift. When the big moving day comes, give us a call here at Chicago Piano Tuners, and we will get your piano back in melodic action.

Caleb CrockettNeed to Move a Piano? Hire Professional Piano Movers.
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Pros and Cons of Buying a New Piano

At Chicago Piano Tuners, we know that investing in piano is a big decision. When it comes to buying a piano, you can basically go in one of two directions, new or used. There are pros and cons of buying a new piano that we’re going to explore in this article.

Pro – Never Been Used

Similar to buying a car new, buying a piano new comes with the peace of mind that no one except you has used this piano. This means that it’s never been damaged or repaired. A piano that had been damaged or repaired, could bring more problems depending on the extent of the prior damage and the quality of the repair.

Pro – Warranty Included

A new piano likely comes with a warranty. It could even have two warranties, one from the manufacturer, and one from the store. Warranties from manufacturers commonly cover up to three years. Knowing that your piano will be covered for three years is reassuring when shelling out a hefty chunk of change for a new piano. If the piano is also covered by the store warranty, be sure to read the fine print and ask for the warranty in writing. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions for clarity purpose.

Pro – Safe start for a new pianist.

If you’re purchasing this piano for a new player, a new piano can ensure a positive new experience. If a student begins playing on a used piano, and the piano is out of tune, it can be discouraging and could result in a student blaming themselves for the unpleasant sounds or giving up due to frustration. Either way, we’d love to take a look at the piano and make sure it is properly tuned!

Con – The cost of a new piano.

We like to believe that most piano manufacturers are doing right by their customers and providing a quality product. In this case, you get what you pay for. New pianos can bring a hefty price tag, starting at around $3,000 for an upright. Grand pianos can range from $15,000 to $30,000. Don’t be dissuaded by this con of buying a new piano right away. Do your research and keep your eyes peeled.

Con – The character of a used piano.

There’s a certain charm and character that comes with a used piano that you won’t experience if you buy a new piano. There’s a reason we gravitate toward antiques and vintage style; pre-owned items hold history and stories that newer versions don’t have, and may never have. If you enjoy vintage, or the smell of old wood, an older piano is an option. However, be careful and know what you’re buying. Make sure the price tag matches the quality. If the character isn’t a big deal to you, this may not be a true con to buying a new piano.

Overall, either route to your piano acquisition will bring with pros and cons. Buying a new piano comes with some of the pros and cons listed here, and you should take these into consideration when determining where to begin your piano buying journey.

Caleb CrockettPros and Cons of Buying a New Piano
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Do I need my Chicago piano inspected before purchasing?

Purchasing a piano isn’t an impulse buy or a snap decision. It requires research and thorough consideration. When you’ve made the decision to invest, you want to know the quality of the piano you are taking home. In this blog post, we take a look at whether you need your Chicago piano inspected before purchasing. 

Small cost now eliminates larger repair costs later.

Investing a little extra in your piano initially can save you extravagant repair and upkeep costs down the road. A piano inspection could cost you $150 up front, but it could also save you upwards of $1000 down the road, should you find that the piano is not equal in value to the money you invested. A tech will be able to tell you if the cost is appropriate for the quality of the piano, and pinpoint any major or minor issues.

You aren’t the Chicago piano expert.

While you might be an expert pianist, you may not be able to properly assess the quality of a piano simply by looking at or playing it. Fortunately, there are experts trained just for this role ready to assist in this situation.

Enrolling a trained piano tech to conduct a proper piano inspection in addition to the assessment given to you by the salesperson, is a wise choice. No one holds all the information, so the more eyes and hands on your piano, the better.

Be picky about your piano dealer.

The best case scenario would be purchasing your piano from a pre-owned certified dealer who offers a piano warranty. There is no route safer than this, and it is the option that will leave you with the most peace of mind when making this large purchase.

Research in your area and ask any friends you may know with a piano where they made their purchases, and if they are happy with the outcome. There is a community of piano owners in the Chicago area they are always happy to provide valuable insight.

At Chicago Piano Tuners, we want every piano experience you have to be a positive one.  Because of this, we hope you will consider investing in a piano inspection for your next piano purchase. As always, we will be here continually providing you with knowledge, know-how, and insight for your piano related ponderings.

Caleb CrockettDo I need my Chicago piano inspected before purchasing?
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What Does a New Piano Warranty Cover and Why You Might Need One

Similar to buying a car or a home, buying a new piano should include research before making the investment. At Chicago Piano Tuners, we believe this is one of the best investments you can make and it’s worth exploring if you need a new piano warranty. Let’s discuss the benefits of a new piano warranty, what is covered, and why you might need one.

What Does a New Piano Warranty Cover?

A new piano warranty most often covers the cost of parts and repair for wear and tear that may occur naturally over time. Warranties differ in specifics depending on the distributor or manufacturer, which is why we recommend reviewing the warranty before purchasing the piano.

When reviewing, note anything that stands out to you as unclear, and ask questions. This is your new piano and you deserve to have all the details to make an informed and confident purchase.

Is the Warranty Backed by the Distributor or the Manufacturer?

This is an important detail to consider when deciding whether to invest in a new piano warranty. It is most desirable that your warranty be backed by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers have substantial history and capital ensuring that they will not come on hard times and have to close their doors in the time your piano is covered, which is typically between five to fifteen years.

If however, your warranty is covered by the distributor, you will want to be more cautious. Consider that this piano distributor is new to the business and may not have an established successful history. It is hard to determine if they will be financially secure or still in business, should the time come you need to cash in on the warranty.

Full versus Limited Piano Warranty

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act mandates that a new piano warranty be either full or limited. A limited warranty will only cover the original purchaser, as where a full warranty will cover the piano for its entire warranty term, no matter the owner. Should you choose to sell the piano before the warranty has expired, being able to inform potential buyers that the piano is covered by warranty, ideally backed by the manufacturer, this will ultimately increase the value of the piano.

At Chicago Piano Tuners want your piano-buying experience to be as stress free as possible, and hope this information equips you with the knowledge necessary to make a confident new piano purchase! Should you have questions, we are happy to assist the piano loving community in any way we can. Remember when you have brought that magnificent new piano home, we are here for all your piano tuning needs!

Caleb CrockettWhat Does a New Piano Warranty Cover and Why You Might Need One
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How do you know if your Chicago piano needs tuning?

Nothing puts a damper on a beautiful piece of music quite like a note out of tune. You would think it would be audibly noticeable when you piano needs tuning, but that’s not always the case. How do you know when your piano is due for maintenance? Here are our tips for understanding if your Chicago piano needs tuning.

How does the piano sound?

If the piano sounds off, it probably is. As a piano player, you more than likely enjoy the instrument because of the clean and pure sounds of the notes. When a piano falls out of tune, the notes will sound, what many piano experts describe as tinny or twangy. If you find yourself playing all the notes right, and your ears aren’t pleased, it’s worth looking into a tuning.

In addition to the quality of the notes themselves, if you hear any out of place sounds such as squeaks, tuning may be in order. In order for us to properly diagnose, it’s a great benefit to be able to play or recreate the sound for us. Use your phone to record a video and make sure the suspicious sound is audible.

Has there been a change in environment?

Changes in environment, whether it be temperature or humidity level, are likely to cause your piano to go out of tune. There are 220 strings in a piano, and when you are moving a piano around a lot, there’s a good chance some of those strings will go slack, which is what leads to an out of tune piano. As with weather, temperature may cause strings to expand and retract leading to loose strings. And of course anytime you move a piano from one location to another, there is risk that the structure has changed and it’s a good idea to call us.

When was the last time the piano was tuned?

When all else fails, even if your piano sounds great, the weather’s been stable, and it hasn’t moved an inch, pianos should be tuned regularly. You will find that the average recommendation is at least once a year, if not twice, depending on the age and use.

While a tuning isn’t cheap, it’s a worthy investment and the cost of regular maintenance will ultimately be less than the cost of tuning a piano that has not been tuned in years.

At Chicago Piano Tuners, we know and appreciate the joy of hearing a beautiful piece played on a newly tuned piano, and we want to share that joy with you. Reach out today and we will help as best we can, to determine if your Chicago piano needs tuning.

Caleb CrockettHow do you know if your Chicago piano needs tuning?
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Famous Composers: How They Use Music to Express Feelings Beyond Words

Composers are merely authors who use music to express feelings beyond words. We call it the language of music. Notes, like words, can be strung together in such a way to convey a feeling or message, to tell a story. Your words, a composer’s notes, tell a story.

At Chicago Piano Tuners, we know the value of a well-tuned piano. We know as a pianist that you can hit all the right keys, but your message will only ring true, if the notes come out as planned, and that piano is perfectly in tune. We are here to help you tell your story, like many world renowned composers of yesteryear. Let’s revisit some now.

Frederic Chopin

Frederic Chopin is among the best piano composers of all time. A French-Polish pianist born in 1810 during the romantic period, he truly was a romantic, at least when it came to his piano. Chopin’s relationship with his piano was intimate and sacred.

He is remembered for having said, “I tell my piano the things I used to tell you.”

For a composer, a piano is a trusted confidante. Chopin was no stranger to this and valued his companionship with his piano. 

Ludwig Van Beethoven

A German piano composer, Ludwig Van Beethoven was born in 1770. He explored the styles during the transition between the classical and romantic period and was afforded the opportunity to write powerful pieces influenced by the political and stylistic changing of the times.

Composing through the French Revolution, Brittanica writers Julian Medforth Budden and Raymond L. Knapp put it so beautifully in saying that “He revealed more vividly than any of his predecessors the power of music to convey a philosophy of life without the aid of a spoken text; and in certain of his compositions is to be found the strongest assertion of the human will in all music, if not in all art.”

Beethoven had a lot of powerful feelings, and his piano was the way he would use music to express feelings beyond words.

Franz Liszt

Hungarian composer Franz Liszt was born in 1811. He began composing at eight years of age and was publicly performing as a concert pianist by age nine. Like many famous artists, Liszt endured his share of tragedy from illness to heartbreak. These common tortures led him to be a deep, and insightful man. Liszt channeled these feelings through his piano and said “music embodies feeling without forcing it to contend and combine with thought, as it is forced in most arts and especially the art of words.”

Music, the pieces we remember, the pieces that go down in history, are products of strong emotions that cannot be easily conveyed with simple words.

We know you have a story to tell or feelings to share as a musician. We know that music is more than sounds. Music is stories. Music is feelings. It is movements.

At Chicago Piano Tuners, we are prepared to tune your piano, your most trusted confidante, so you can use music to express feelings beyond words.

Caleb CrockettFamous Composers: How They Use Music to Express Feelings Beyond Words
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Piano sales are heating up in the Chicago area. Consider these before you buy a piano…

It’s not hard to tell that the team here at Chicago Piano Tuners loves pianos! Whether we’re tuning or playing, we can’t get enough of pianos of all ages and styles. If you’re thinking you’ve got a piano in your future, consider these before you buy a piano. It’s a big investment so you want to make sure it’s the right one for you!

Why are you looking to buy a piano? 

Pianos are beautiful instruments that provide a lifetime of musical goodness for you and your family. Or they can become the best, biggest, and most expensive laundry folding table you will ever buy. Before making the decision to buy a piano, think about your reasons.

  • Is someone in your family a promising or established pianist?
  • Are you tired of driving to and from piano lessons at a studio?
  • Does your piano student need extra practice time?

Answering yes to any or all of these questions may mean that you’re ready to buy a piano…but where to start?

Do you want a new or used piano?

A new piano means not worrying about much more than regular maintenance and having a warranty while enjoying perfect or nearly perfect pitch but it comes at a higher cost than buying used. However, even new pianos, if they are of lower quality, can change their pitch over time making them quite different than perhaps what you wanted; you may be better off spending the same on a well-kept, higher quality used piano. Your best bet is to take your pianist with you to try new and used pianos.

Play a variety of them, paying attention to the touch of the keyboard and responsiveness of the keys. While some issues can be resolved with piano tuning, you don’t want to be stuck with a lemon of a piano. We recommend visiting a dealer that has both new and used pianos so that you can get a feel for each.

What is your budget to buy a piano?

Addressing why you’re purchasing the piano is a big step toward determining how much you’re willing to spend. If you’ve got a budding pianist on your hands, you likely want a higher quality new or used piano. If you’re not sure of the level of interest or are just looking to re-engage an old hobby, then you might consider a lesser quality. Also consider the space where the piano will be showcased and the cost to move it to your home or studio. The last thing you’d want to happen is that you purchase an expensive, huge piano that won’t fit in your space!

At Chicago Piano Tuners, we are excited that you’re considering buying a piano! Whether new or used, your piano needs regular tuning and we’re happy to help. Schedule yours today.

Caleb CrockettPiano sales are heating up in the Chicago area. Consider these before you buy a piano…
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String Theory – Why You Need a Piano Tuner

When it comes to string theory, we think your best action is to hire a Chicago piano tuner!

If you’re thinking the term string theory is one you’ve heard in science class or on The Big Bang Theory, you’d be correct! We’re using it as a play on words. Forgive us for our dad joke; we’re feeling punny today.

With more than 12,000 parts, including 10,000 that are moving, a piano requires keys, pedals, hammers and 230 strings to be working together in order to get the proper sound from it.

How the Piano Works 

Each string is made out of steel and produces sound when struck by tiny hammers inside the piano. Each of the strings holds approximately 170 pounds of tension. Adjusting the strings and hammers takes the precise work of a trained piano tuner.

Interesting fact about pianos is that while it is often considered a strong instrument, it can also be considered percussion because the strings only make sound when hit by a hammer.

Piano pedals are used to change the sound.

The left or damper pedal moves the hammer closer to the string to create a softer sound. The middle or sostenuto pedal sustains the sound of the notes that are pressed while at the same time allowing other notes to be played without the sustain. The right or sustain pedal is the most commonly used and allows all strings to vibrate freely.

Why You Need a Piano Tuner

With 230 strings that are naturally elastic, it is recommended that a piano be tuned two to four times of year during the first year and annually thereafter. This is due to the fact that the strings and tension can change which alters the sound. Perfect pitch is considered to be A440 which means the strings above middle C need to be tight enough to vibrate 440 times per second or 440 Hz. Tuning helps the strings vibrate as close to perfect as possible.

Another reason a piano tuner is needed is that pianos are made of wood and depending on the weather, the tension and sound will change. In a more humid climate, like Chicago in the summer, the wood expands while in the cold winter the wood contracts. The changes to the wood impact the tension of the strings and thus the sound.

At Chicago Piano Tuners, we are dedicated to making your piano sound as good as the day it was made. Schedule a piano tuning today!

Caleb CrockettString Theory – Why You Need a Piano Tuner
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Reasons for Piano Tuning

What’s the difference between a fish and a piano? You can tune a piano but you can’t tune a fish! All kidding aside, including our bad attempt at humor, piano tuning is as important to your performance as practice. Think of it like the oil change you get for your car or the annual physical you get for your body. Everything runs better with a bit of TLC.

How often should your piano be tuned?

For the last 15 years, Caleb Crockett of Chicago Piano Tuners has been tuning for professional pianists, schools, and individuals. His mission is to make your piano sound as good as they day it was made. The frequency of tuning depends somewhat on how often you’re playing but more on weather conditions. You’re likely not playing outside but the temperature where you store your instrument matters. That’s because pianos are made of wood.

Ideally a piano will perform best at 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 42% relative humidity.

Most of us, especially through a humid Chicago summer and blustery winter, do not have the ability to keep a piano in museum-like conditions. As a result, when the humidity rises, the wood expands and when temperatures drop, wood contracts both of which change the string tension resulting in the need for piano tuning up to four times a year.

Strings of a Piano                                              

Every piano has approximately 230 strings with each tightened or pulled to an average of 150 to 200 pounds of pressure against a cast iron plate. The variance is due to the length and thickness of the strings. Piano tuning is done to keep the string tension at an optimal A440 and equalized against the soundboard and plate. A440 or 440 Hz is the pitch of the musical note of A above middle C and is the standard for perfect pitch.

That’s why piano tuning should be part of your maintenance plan. We want you to sound your best! Call us today to schedule a tuning!

Caleb CrockettReasons for Piano Tuning
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