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SHOCK: A piano question!; ...tuning
Topic Started: May 7 2006, 11:19 AM (352 Views)
The 89th Key
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I live in a large apartment complex. Many times I'll be playing the piano and neighbors will sometimes yell things like "You suck!" or "Next!" or "If you play one more note, I swear I'll jump from my window!".

But I'm convinced it's just because my piano is out of tune.

(Serious part) How much should I expect to pay to get my 1985? Wurlitzer Console/Upright piano tuned? It's in OK shape, but you can tell certain notes are definitely out of tune, and I just need to get it fixed.

I know it really depends on each piano, but generally...

How much $$?

How long does it take?

What about other maitenance needs like action evaluation or other stuff like that?

Thanks for the input in advance...
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Klotz
Middle Aged Carp
The 89th Key
May 7 2006, 10:19 PM
(Serious part) How much should I expect to pay to get my 1985? Wurlitzer Console/Upright piano tuned? It's in OK shape, but you can tell certain notes are definitely out of tune, and I just need to get it fixed.

I know it really depends on each piano, but generally...

How much $$?

How long does it take?

What about other maitenance needs like action evaluation or other stuff like that?

Why don't you go to Larry's place and ask those questions ?

The wise guys of the piano :yesgrin: :trumpet: :phone:
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***musical princess***
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HOLY CARP!!!
When was the last time it was tuned?

x
x Caroline x
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The 89th Key
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Hasn't been tuned in a couple years. I also just moved it, so that might have affected it a bit as well...

Thanks Klotz, I'll check it out.
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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
In a big city tuning may range from $100 to $160.
Less in smaller cities.

Yes, please tune your piano - I curious if you suck.
As to additional work set a budget and ask tech what work will give you the most bang for the buck.

Being a Wurlitzer console I wouldn't spend thousands to make it as perfect as it can be.
Put that towards your next piano.
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jazzyd
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Junior Carp
What Kenny said.

Also, when you find a good piano tech, nail him/her to the floor!
One has a stronger hand when there's more people playing your same cards.
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***musical princess***
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HOLY CARP!!!
If it hasn't been tuned in a couple of years then it is likely you will need other things done as well. Might be a bit pricey. If unsure, just askfor a quote first, that way, it wont be such a shock if you do decide to get it done.

:smile:

x
x Caroline x
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The 89th Key
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Thanks Kenny!

It's been the only piano I've played on since I started back in the mid 80's. So I plan to keep it forever, although I do plan on getting a grand when I have my own house in 20 years or so...
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sue
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HOLY CARP!!!
I pay about $75 for a basic tuning, easily double that if it's been awhile between tunings.
Oops, like now. :redface:

:phone:
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The 89th Key
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:lol:

Thanks everyone...I'll look into it this week.

How long does it take to learn how to tune it yourself? :whome:
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***musical princess***
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HOLY CARP!!!
Don't even attempt it! You'll propbably over tighten one of the strings and kill yourself when it snaps and whips your head off!!

x
x Caroline x
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The 89th Key
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I'm sure my neighbors wouldn't mind that result! :lol:

Maybe I'll go play "In the Hall of the Mountain King" as loud as I can... :devil:
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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
The 89th Key
May 7 2006, 12:19 PM
Thanks Kenny!

It's been the only piano I've played on since I started back in the mid 80's. So I plan to keep it forever, although I do plan on getting a grand when I have my own house in 20 years or so...

If you are sure you will be keeping it for 20 years I'd put a LOT of effort into finding the best tech possible.
Tune it twice a year.
Up that budget and get the piano more optimized.

Good techs:
Are essential
Are expensive
Can do wonders
Are WAY worth it!

Voicing and regulation can make your piano a zillion times easier to control and improve the sound drastically.
I'd guess only 1% of pianos in America are performing even 20% as well as they could, owners are ignorant of the importance of maintenance from a good tech.
I expect your piano could be improved several fold.

Also just keeping it tuned it can improve the tone a lot.
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The 89th Key
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Yeah, I wish I could, but I can't afford multiple tunings or major work on it right now. I figured keeping it tuned is about all I can afford right now. I would love to get it into optimal shape...
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sue
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HOLY CARP!!!
Don't assume one tuning will get it back in tune if it's been awhile, 89th. Put aside some extra $ to get it back in tune this time. Then make sure you get it done twice a year, so it won't get any worse.
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DivaDeb
HOLY CARP!!!
just curious, 89th...did it hold tune well before the last time it was tuned? How often did your parents have it tuned before you moved it?
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The 89th Key
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Honestly? At best every 5 years. :(

It's still in great shape, but could get so much better.

...kinda like me, actually! :P
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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
If it is very flat it may take more work (extra pitch raises) to get it back up to pitch.

Keeping it tuned keeps the correct stress consistently on the wood and all the glue joints.
This keeps the piano healthier.

If I couldn't afford to tune and correctly maintain an acoustic piano I had I'd consider selling it and using the money to get a good electronic keyboard. Honestly.

Children, puppies and pianos deserve good care.
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George K
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Finally
(obligatory piano tuner joke)

"Hey, Lady, I'm here to tune your piano."

"But I didn't call for a piano tuner!"

"I know. Your neighbors did."
:rimshot:
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Lindy
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Middle Aged Carp
The 89th Key
May 7 2006, 04:19 PM
...I do plan on getting a grand when I have my own house in 20 years or so...

That was my plan too, and it eventually came to pass. But now that I have my own house, there's also a wife and 3 kids to deal with. So the problem is now that I have the piano I've always wanted, I don't have the time to play it. Before the problem was exactly the opposite -- all the time in the world, but no piano or house. :shrug:

Can't win.
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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
Yes 89.
Definitely get your dream piano *before* your dream woman (or man). :P
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