Customers who have their piano tuned at the recommended interval (which varies from one piano to the next) pay between $75 and $99, with the average being $86 (tuning only).

When I work on a piano for the first time, the job may take up to 1.5 hours as most of such pianos have been neglected for a while, causing the piano to need more work than if it had been serviced regularly. Many such pianos also need repairs in addition to the tuning. Sometimes additional work must be scheduled for a future date. The average time for such pianos without repairs is 1.3 hours. The average time for such pianos with repairs is 1.7 hours.

Here are some time estimates for additional work.

Vertical pianos:

• Softening of hard hammers - 45 minutes to 2 hours
  
• Re-shaping hammers, filing out deep grooves - 2 to 3 hours
  
• Removal of keys and vacuuming out key bed - 30 to 45 minutes
  
• Moderate regulation - capstans, jack-trips, backchecks - 1 to 2 hours
  

Grand pianos:

• Softening of hard hammers - 30 minutes to 2 hours
  
• General cleaning of action and keybed - 30 to 45 minutes
  
• General cleaning of soundboard - 20 to 40 minutes
  
• Polishing of accessible treble strings when rusty - 20 to 40 minutes
  
• Major regulation of action - 2 to 4 hours

APPRIAISALS - $150

EXTRA MILEAGE - per mile (one way) after 20 miles - $2.00
Note: Extra mileage charge will be reduced proportionally when there are several pianos being serviced in the same area.

REPLACEMENT STRINGS - Treble, plain wire stings generally cost between $1 and $4 each. Smaller copper wound strings generally cost about $15 each. Large bass strings, double copper wound (special order) start at about $30 each. Installation time is about 20 minutes to 40 minutes per tuning pin.

HUMIDITY CONTROL SYSTEMS - Pianos in south Florida which are in a stable air-conditioned environment, generally do not need any humidity control devices. Pianos which are in environments in which the air conditioning is turned off and on, such as some churches and schools, would benefit from a complete humidity control system. Please discuss this with me.

PARTIAL HUMIDITY CONTROL SYSTEM - If the piano is less than 20 years old and has a de-humidifier installed, which is a low wattage heater bar, normally a Dampp-Chaser or a Moisture King, it most definitely needs to have a humidistat installed as well. This device will turn the heater bar off in low humidity to prevent excessive drying out of the wood, a condition that may cause loose tuning pins and other serious problems. The humidistat costs $79 plus installation and tax. (Older pianos should have the heater bar removed or disconnected to prevent damage.)

100% WOOL STRING COVERS FOR GRANDS - These beautiful, 100% wool covers completely cover the inside of the grand piano, protecting the strings from unsightly dust and debris which may fall inside and interfere with the operation of the action. They also help protect the strings and tuning pins from rust. Prices start at $329 plus tax.

ACCESSORY ITEMS - Piano covers, 70% wool string covers, piano polish, lamb's wool polishing mitts, benches, bench pads, metronomes, caster cups, floor protectors, and other accessories are also available. Please ask!