Proven Success – Sam Haasenritter
1) Tuning is the process of adjusting string tension so that each note is at the proper frequency.
- Almost all piano makers agree that a piano should be tuned 3-4 times the first year (to compensate for how fast new piano strings stretch) and then a minimum of 2 times per year afterwards
- In the ballpark of 3 to 5 years between tunings, the pitch of most pianos will drift too far for the tuning to compensate for. When that is the case, a pitch correction will be necessary.
- A useful analogy is to compare this to golfing. In much the same way that putting the ball is only performed when the hole is so close that it can be tapped in, the tuning itself is only capable of micro changes of the pitch. And, it doesn’t matter if the ball is 25 yards or 250 yards off the green, extra effort will be needed to drive the ball close enough to be able putt it into the hole. Similarly, a pitch correction (or more when necessary) is needed when the pitch is beyond the limits that a tuning is capable of.
2) Touch calibration (aka regulation)
Touch calibration (aka regulation) is the mechanical adjustment of all moving parts to give the pianist optimal control. Unlike the tuning, touch calibration does not have an industry recognized time interval. As such, a competent technician will be able to assess when the piano is far enough out of spec to recommend this procedure. Often only a partial regulation is necessary but there are times when every component will need adjustment.
3) Tone optimization (aka voicing)
Tone optimization (aka voicing) Is the singular procedure that has the greatest ability to enhance the tonal beauty of a piano. Few technicians are qualified to do this and even fewer have mastered it. But in the hands of a master voicer, tone quality is enhanced, sustain and power are increased, clarity is refined, color is clarified and full access to the dynamic range from pianissimo to fortissimo is unlocked for the pianist to explore. In short, voicing is what makes a piano stunningly amazing and I am one of the few masters of this art! Call me to make your piano sound phenomenal!
Humidity Control
Most pianists are aware that playing the piano, especially heavy playing, affects the tuning. However, few are aware that fluctuations in humidity between seasons can alter the tuning even more so. And most people are surprised to find out that the piano can go out of tune even if it has not been played! Just like any other stringed instrument, such as a guitar or a violin, the expansion and contraction of the soundboard due to humidity changes alters string tensions and therefore changes the tuning. Additionally, the long-term effects of this expansion and contraction degrade the structural integrity of the piano. Without a doubt, quality piano maintenance and controlling the humidity are the two very best things one could ever do for the piano. The former guarantees that the piano sounds and plays marvelously, while the latter ensures both improved tuning stability as well as the long-term durability of the instrument. Let me know if you have a quality piano as this investment is so worth it!
Purchase Consultation
It may be surprising to find out that most pianists, even those with performance and pedagogy degrees, do not have the necessary skills to inspect a piano and verify the condition it is in. And, due to the fact that it is very often one of the most expensive purchases a family will ever make, behind a house and a car, it is smart to get the input of a quality piano technician first. A piano technician can be a wealth of knowledge to help you determine what kind of piano is best for you. With over a quarter century of experience, let me share with you insider wisdom even before you start shopping for your next piano. Call me and I will be happy to assist you in this process – whether it is a no charge discussion over the phone of the pros and cons of new versus used, grand versus upright OR to schedule an inspection of something you have your eye on.
Player Piano Installation
Did you know that player piano systems can be retrofitted to almost any grand piano? And that one of the leaders in the industry back in the early 1900s is still at the forefront today? Call me to discuss the incredible technology that can be available from your phone to play your piano as if you hired one of your favorite artists to give you a private concert . . . as often as you want!
