Piano Tuning & Service by Rich Smith



	Piano Maintenance Tips by Rich Smith

Rich recommends that most pianos be tuned twice a year, or more if the piano:
• is used for recording, performance, or teaching
• is noticeably out of tune
• gets frequent use
• is moved
• is subject to climate changes
• is subject to extreme changes in humidity
• is subject to extreme temperature changes (be sure to keep your piano
away from heating and cooling vents, direct sunlight, windows and doors).

For more detailed information on how often to tune your piano, and about pitch raising,
please visit these pages presented by the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) :

• How often should my piano be serviced?

• Pitch Raising

Here is an "All About Your Piano" PDF presented by the PTG:

• All About Your Piano

Even a piano being used very little should be tuned at least once a year to
maintain an even balance of tension and pitch. After a year's time, most pianos
need pitch raising before a fine tuning can take place, because the
pitch is likely to be 10 or more cents flat. Some pianos reach this
point by six months time or earlier, depending on their condition and climate.

Every piano's situation is unique, and requires varying areas of attention
from the owner and the technician to achieve your desired performance level.

Rich Smith recommends Dampp-Chaser climate control systems for pianos.
If you are interested in prolonging the life of your piano,
or finding out how climate affects your piano and its tuning,
visit these pages presented by Dampp-Chaser Corporation:

• Major piano manufacturers recommendations

• How humidity affects your piano

• Client References:

'I have been very fortunate to have found Rich Smith, a wonderful
piano technician who has been taking care of my Yamaha DC7 piano for the past
2 years. I probably don't tune as often as I should, but Rich is a perfectionist
and takes whatever time is needed to make my piano sound great.

My DC7 is equipped with the Disklavier system (the main reason I
purchased it) and Rich took it upon himself to get the necessary service
manuals which would enable him to service and maintain my instrument.
Throughout the years, I have used the top piano technicians in the
L. A. area and I consider Rich Smith to be one of the best.'

~ Ron Feuer

'Rich Smith has an impeccable ear: after he prepares a piano,
it always sings with a round, crystal clear tone.'

~ Tamir Hendelman

'Rich is the best piano tuner we've every had at our studio, just ask our clients.

Rich puts in that extra little detail of perfectionism in everything he does.
My piano has never sounded better than after he's tuned and voiced it perfectly.'

~ Paul Tavenner, Big City Recording Studios

'A more thorough, exacting, patient and knowledgeable technician you will
have a hard time finding. Also, his honesty and willingness to solve
problems are extra ordinary and beyond the call - just ask me.'

~ Rick Cullen

'We have found Rich Smith to be outstanding to work with.
He is professional, prompt, thorough, and fair. I cannot extol Rich enough.'

~ Father Joshua Peter Lee, Pastor, Saint Hilary Church

'Rich takes great care in the process of tuning a piano.
After his tuning, my Kawai sang out as never before!'

~ Emerson Pirot

'Rich Smith is extremely thorough with his piano tuning; he is a true
professional, and spends the time not only to tune the piano, but to
diagnose its problems the same way a doctor would diagnose a patient.

Like a good doctor, he keeps an electronic history of my instrument (such
as strings that are rusted, humidity of the room, etc), each time he visits.
This way, he can tell me what I can do to continue improving the
maintanence of my instrument.

As a piano teacher, I do not hesitate to refer Rich Smith to every single one
of my clients. If my student's piano is so badly out of tune, he will make a
follow up visit to ensure that the piano stays in tune.

Through his careful notes, he knows what to expect each time he visits,
making the tuning not just another mere exercise, but more like a good
relationship with the piano. I am extremely happy with his services.'

~ Anthony Aviguetero

'His amazingly sensitive ear is able to correct the slightest errors.
No matter if it is light tuning or if a part needs repair, with his masterful skills,
Rich will treat the piano from the source with thorough attention of expertise.
I know that my piano will always be in good hands, thanks to Rich.'

~ Christine Katzenmaier