It is appreciated if you read all the information below before contacting me. Thanks!
What do you charge to tune a piano? My flat rate for tuning (from uprights to concert grands) is $125. This does not include pitch raising, major repairs, or regulation. Small repairs--like fixing a few sticky keys or evening out a bit of regulation--are included without extra charge. However if it has been over a year since the piano was tuned last, it will almost certainly require a pitch raise:
What do you charge to pitch raise? Pitch raising is like a rough tuning, adjusting the overall tension of the instrument's strings to be close to correct pitch so that a normal tuning can be done. My flat rate for this service is $50. Accordingly, once a pitch raise has been completed the normal tuning can be done (pitch raise + tuning = $175). Occasionally two or more pitch raises are required in a visit when the piano is approximately a half step flat, incurring twice the rate. Please be aware that pitch raising affects tuning stability and it is recommended that you schedule to have your piano re-tuned no later than three months after the initial pitch raising and tuning to ensure that your instrument stays at pitch. If this is not done there is the possibility that the piano may require a pitch raise again on the next service call! To avoid extra charges, it is recommended that you tune your piano at least twice per year. For a more in depth explanation of pitch raising, please visit this page on the Piano Technicians Guild website: Pitch Raising
Are there any pianos that you do NOT tune? Yes: My business is focused on providing high-end service to high quality instruments. I'm afraid that I no longer service spinet pianos (very short pianos), "old uprights" (the very tall uprights from the turn of the 19th century), or pneumatic player pianos.
What is your repair/regulation rate? I do not charge for small repairs that take less than 5-10 minutes. For all other work--repair, regulation, cleaning, voicing, etc, I charge $85/hr. Please take a look at this page on the Piano Technicians Guild website that describes the other services that are occasionally necessary to keep a piano in good condition: How Should I Take Care of My Piano?
What is your availability? I service pianos during normal business hours during the week. I usually set my first appointments beginning around 8:30am and my last appointments no later than 4pm (since appointments can easily take two hours). Most clientele are able to accommodate this by planning ahead or having a friend or relative let me in to access their piano. With exception to concerts, I do not work evenings or weekends. Under strenuous circumstances when I do, I bill the work at time and a half (tuning $187.50, pitch raise $75, repairs $127.50/hr).
My availability depends on when I'm going to be servicing pianos in your area. Generally I'm booked about a month-and-a-half in advance, sometimes more. If you need your piano tuned by a specific date, please plan ahead! Occasionally I am able to fit in clients last minute, but I'm afraid I cannot make guarantees.
What is your cancellation policy? When appointments are cancelled last minute, I cannot fill the time slot on such short notice and I lose income. Therefore, any cancellation less than 24 hours from the appointment is subject to my full tuning fee of $125. Exceptions are made for personal or family illness, injury, or similarly severe situations. Your consideration is appreciated.
What kinds of payment do you accept? I accept cash and checks. Sorry, my small business is not set up to take credit cards.
How do I schedule an appointment? Please call 630-291-5654 or email me at Ben@BensPianoTuning.com. I look forward to giving you and your piano service that is unequalled throughout Chicagoland!