| Johnston Piano Service Tuning & Repair Tuning and repairing pianos since 1978 |
Gerald (Gerry) Johnston Haverhill, MA
Piano Tuner/Technician (978) 372-2250
CONTACT
Piano Tuner/Technician (978) 372-2250
CONTACT
| Massachusetts piano tuning service area: Andover, Amesbury, Billerica, Boxford, Byfield, Chelmsford, Dracut, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lawrence, Lowell, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, North Reading, Rowley, Salisbury, Tewksbury, Topsfield, West Newbury, Wilmington |
| New Hampshire piano tuning service area: Atkinson, Brentwood, Chester, Danville, Derry, Exeter, Hampstead, Hampton, Hudson, Kensington, Kingston, Newton, North Hampton, Pelham, Plaistow, Salem, Sandown, Seabrook, Stratham, Windham |
Piano Tuner Technician
For over thirty years I have made my living as a piano tuner/technician; tuning and repairing
pianos in the Merrimack Valley area, Northeastern Massachusetts and Southeastern New
Hampshire. (See below for a complete list of towns in my service area). The Internet is a great
way to find a piano tuner. However, you may be reluctant to call just any piano tuner you find
online - that is perfectly understandable. My advise is to ask someone you trust for a referral.
Piano teachers, music stores, piano dealers, musicians and neighbors with pianos are the best
sources for a referral to find a piano tuner. 'Word of mouth' has always been the way in which
most new piano tuning customers find me.
Piano Tuning
What exactly is piano tuning? The best definition of piano tuning that I have seen comes from
the book Piano Tuning and Allied Arts by Dr. William Braid White. First published in 1917,
Piano Tuning and Allied Arts remains one of the leading reference texts on the subject of
piano tuning and repair. Dr. White defined piano tuning as follows; "Piano Tuning,or simply
"Tuning", is the name commonly given to the process of adjusting the tension of the strings of
a piano, so that these severally, when excited, shall give out the correct sounds of the musical
scale, as required by the art of music. This "Musical Scale" comprises the totality of these
sounds in their proper order, and the object of the process known as "Tuning" is to cause a
piano to emit them in the utmost possible exactitude". Although the language used in Piano
Tuning and Allied Arts may appear to be somewhat archaic, this fundamental definition of
piano tuning still applies today.
When the soundboard absorbs humidity it swells, increasing the tension on the strings. As the
soundboard becomes drier it shrinks and the string tension drops. I don’t need to remind
anyone of what the weather is like in New England. It is the constant changing of temperature
and humidity which causes continuous changes in the soundboard. Over time, these changes
result in uneven changes to the string tension and the piano becomes “out of tune“.
Piano tuning is the one service that is performed on virtually every piano I encounter. It is the
only routine annual or semi-annual service that pianos need. A piano that has not been tuned
in many years may require additional work before it can be properly tuned - this can only be
determined upon evaluation. Even a relatively small adjustment of the tension can result in a
change of several thousand pounds over the entire piano scale. This is basically why a piano
that has not been tuned in many years may require two or more tunings to bring it back to
proper (standard) pitch. The current cost for a routine piano tuning is $140.
Piano Repair
There are in excess of ten thousand parts in a piano and it is not possible to list every possible
repair that a piano may need. Nonetheless, it may be helpful to discuss general types of piano
repair.
Most piano repairs involve the piano action. When the piano key is depressed a series of parts
are set in motion resulting in the felt hammer striking the string. All of the parts from the key to
the hammer are part of the pianos action. Action repairs can include a minor adjustment for a
sticking key, replacing broken, worn out parts or major overhaul and reconditioning.
Other areas of the piano which may require repair or replacement include strings, key covers,
pedals, pinblocks and bridges. Soundboards occasionally require repair, but are seldom
replaced unless it is a very valuable piano.
Action Regulation
Action Regulation is not, strictly speaking, a repair. If you look at the piano action diagram
you will notice that it is a complex contraption. In each instance where one piece of wood
contacts another there is a piece of felt and/or buckskin to create a cushion and prevent
excess mechanical noise. Over time, the felt and buckskin wear and, at some point, the
relationships between the various parts is compromised. When this happens the action is said
to be 'out of regulation'. Piano makers know that this is inevitable and so, rather than planning
to replace all the felt and buckskin, a series of adjustments known as action regulation can be
performed.
Voicing
The process known as voicing is closely related to action regulation. As the felt hammers strike
the strings they become more and more compacted. Over many years this can result in the
tone becoming harsh and/or uneven. Hammers can be filed and voiced to improve the tone. In
extreme cases the hammers may need to be replaced. Even fairly new pianos may
occasionally need some voicing. The acoustic of the room in your home can have a profound
effect on the 'voice' of your piano. If you feel that your piano is too soft or too bright it can
usually be changed.
One very common symptom of a piano needing regulation or voicing is when the player feels
the piano is just not as responsive as it should be. The player may complain that the action
feels "hard", the touch is "heavy", or that it is very difficult to control and vary the dynamics.
String Repair
Repairing or replacing of broken strings is another frequent repair. Unlike a guitar or violin,
piano strings are not routinely replaced with any frequency. There are two reasons for this.
First of all, the strings are not touched by the players hands so there is no damage caused by
perspiration oils, etc. The second reason is that complete restringing of a piano is very
expensive. In most cases piano strings are replaced because they have broken. While this is
more common of older pianos it can happen to new pianos as well.
The bass strings of a piano may, occasionally, need to be replaced. These strings are
generally made of a steel core which is wrapped with copper. These 'wound' strings are more
subject to deterioration of sound than the plain steel wire which makes up the bulk of a piano's
strings. Individual broken bass strings are, preferably, repaired using a splice. Repairing the
original string usually results in a more consistent tone that replacing with a new string which
can tend to sound a bit 'brassy' compared to it's neighbors.
Humidity Control
Many piano technicians advocate installing a humidity control system in every piano they
service. My own approach is more along the lines of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Although any
piano can benefit from a humidity control system the cost is significant. Therefore, I only
recommend such systems when there is a clear need. For example, if a piano is structurally
sound, but does not hold a tuning fairly well, or if keys stick or rattle only during certain
seasons there may be a need for humidity control. If you heat with wood or some other
extreme condition exists in your home you should seriously consider humidity control for your
piano. Additional information about humidity control systems can be found at the Dampp-
Chaser Electronics website.
Please call or email if you wish to set an appointment or inquire about my piano tuning and
services. If your town is not listed below, but you are near the border of a listed service area, it
may be possible to schedule a service appointment when I am in the area.
For over thirty years I have made my living as a piano tuner/technician; tuning and repairing
pianos in the Merrimack Valley area, Northeastern Massachusetts and Southeastern New
Hampshire. (See below for a complete list of towns in my service area). The Internet is a great
way to find a piano tuner. However, you may be reluctant to call just any piano tuner you find
online - that is perfectly understandable. My advise is to ask someone you trust for a referral.
Piano teachers, music stores, piano dealers, musicians and neighbors with pianos are the best
sources for a referral to find a piano tuner. 'Word of mouth' has always been the way in which
most new piano tuning customers find me.
Piano Tuning
What exactly is piano tuning? The best definition of piano tuning that I have seen comes from
the book Piano Tuning and Allied Arts by Dr. William Braid White. First published in 1917,
Piano Tuning and Allied Arts remains one of the leading reference texts on the subject of
piano tuning and repair. Dr. White defined piano tuning as follows; "Piano Tuning,or simply
"Tuning", is the name commonly given to the process of adjusting the tension of the strings of
a piano, so that these severally, when excited, shall give out the correct sounds of the musical
scale, as required by the art of music. This "Musical Scale" comprises the totality of these
sounds in their proper order, and the object of the process known as "Tuning" is to cause a
piano to emit them in the utmost possible exactitude". Although the language used in Piano
Tuning and Allied Arts may appear to be somewhat archaic, this fundamental definition of
piano tuning still applies today.
- "Why does a piano go out of tune? A piano has 230-240 strings, more or less, with a
total tension of between eighteen and twenty tons. Much of this tension is displaced onto
the plate which is made of cast iron and prevents the piano from imploding. However, a
significant amount of tension (about 800-1000 pounds) presses directly onto the
soundboard. The piano soundboard is arched or “crowned” (very similar to a violin top).
The wood in the soundboard averages about 3/8 of an inch thick. The vibrations from a
string are transmitted through the bridge into the soundboard which responds like a
highly elastic spring. The more elastic the soundboard, the better the tone."
When the soundboard absorbs humidity it swells, increasing the tension on the strings. As the
soundboard becomes drier it shrinks and the string tension drops. I don’t need to remind
anyone of what the weather is like in New England. It is the constant changing of temperature
and humidity which causes continuous changes in the soundboard. Over time, these changes
result in uneven changes to the string tension and the piano becomes “out of tune“.
Piano tuning is the one service that is performed on virtually every piano I encounter. It is the
only routine annual or semi-annual service that pianos need. A piano that has not been tuned
in many years may require additional work before it can be properly tuned - this can only be
determined upon evaluation. Even a relatively small adjustment of the tension can result in a
change of several thousand pounds over the entire piano scale. This is basically why a piano
that has not been tuned in many years may require two or more tunings to bring it back to
proper (standard) pitch. The current cost for a routine piano tuning is $140.
Piano Repair
There are in excess of ten thousand parts in a piano and it is not possible to list every possible
repair that a piano may need. Nonetheless, it may be helpful to discuss general types of piano
repair.
Most piano repairs involve the piano action. When the piano key is depressed a series of parts
are set in motion resulting in the felt hammer striking the string. All of the parts from the key to
the hammer are part of the pianos action. Action repairs can include a minor adjustment for a
sticking key, replacing broken, worn out parts or major overhaul and reconditioning.
Other areas of the piano which may require repair or replacement include strings, key covers,
pedals, pinblocks and bridges. Soundboards occasionally require repair, but are seldom
replaced unless it is a very valuable piano.
Action Regulation
Action Regulation is not, strictly speaking, a repair. If you look at the piano action diagram
you will notice that it is a complex contraption. In each instance where one piece of wood
contacts another there is a piece of felt and/or buckskin to create a cushion and prevent
excess mechanical noise. Over time, the felt and buckskin wear and, at some point, the
relationships between the various parts is compromised. When this happens the action is said
to be 'out of regulation'. Piano makers know that this is inevitable and so, rather than planning
to replace all the felt and buckskin, a series of adjustments known as action regulation can be
performed.
Voicing
The process known as voicing is closely related to action regulation. As the felt hammers strike
the strings they become more and more compacted. Over many years this can result in the
tone becoming harsh and/or uneven. Hammers can be filed and voiced to improve the tone. In
extreme cases the hammers may need to be replaced. Even fairly new pianos may
occasionally need some voicing. The acoustic of the room in your home can have a profound
effect on the 'voice' of your piano. If you feel that your piano is too soft or too bright it can
usually be changed.
One very common symptom of a piano needing regulation or voicing is when the player feels
the piano is just not as responsive as it should be. The player may complain that the action
feels "hard", the touch is "heavy", or that it is very difficult to control and vary the dynamics.
String Repair
Repairing or replacing of broken strings is another frequent repair. Unlike a guitar or violin,
piano strings are not routinely replaced with any frequency. There are two reasons for this.
First of all, the strings are not touched by the players hands so there is no damage caused by
perspiration oils, etc. The second reason is that complete restringing of a piano is very
expensive. In most cases piano strings are replaced because they have broken. While this is
more common of older pianos it can happen to new pianos as well.
The bass strings of a piano may, occasionally, need to be replaced. These strings are
generally made of a steel core which is wrapped with copper. These 'wound' strings are more
subject to deterioration of sound than the plain steel wire which makes up the bulk of a piano's
strings. Individual broken bass strings are, preferably, repaired using a splice. Repairing the
original string usually results in a more consistent tone that replacing with a new string which
can tend to sound a bit 'brassy' compared to it's neighbors.
Humidity Control
Many piano technicians advocate installing a humidity control system in every piano they
service. My own approach is more along the lines of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Although any
piano can benefit from a humidity control system the cost is significant. Therefore, I only
recommend such systems when there is a clear need. For example, if a piano is structurally
sound, but does not hold a tuning fairly well, or if keys stick or rattle only during certain
seasons there may be a need for humidity control. If you heat with wood or some other
extreme condition exists in your home you should seriously consider humidity control for your
piano. Additional information about humidity control systems can be found at the Dampp-
Chaser Electronics website.
Please call or email if you wish to set an appointment or inquire about my piano tuning and
services. If your town is not listed below, but you are near the border of a listed service area, it
may be possible to schedule a service appointment when I am in the area.
Piano Service: Tuning Repairing Action Regulation Voicing Humidity Control |
