houston piano tuning by Bartlett Piano Service

houston piano tuning by tuning expert Les Bartlett

I played quite a bit last night and the piano feels like a completely different (and much better) instrument. I am working on a duet with Ronnie and the sound was so different (and much better) that I wasn't sure I was playing the right notes. My pianissimo is much better now that the action actually responds to my touch. I was starting to think there as something wrong with me.

Mr. Bartlett has some kind of magic when it comes to tuning. He was very professional when he arrived and wore a guild shirt, so I knew it was safe to let him into my home. He was quick and efficient, and even took the time to explain things to my curious little three-year-old. He also showed me how to fix a problem I was having with my "soft pedal" FOR FREE! I would give him my highest recommendations as a piano tuner. My piano played beautifully and has really retained it's tuning.

Thanks for spending time on Betsy Ross – she's an old flag, but I am happy to have her. It's been a pleasure to play a piano again, something I have not done now for 20 years.: Kielly YatesPiano owner

"I have worked with Les Bartlett many times. I have yet to meet a more dedicated and conscientious piano technician. He is highly-skilled at his craft and takes great pains to work up to the most exacting standards in the piano industry. Whenever I have called on Les to fill in for me, concert after concert, he has performed outstandingly to the satisfaction of many well-known pianists. I cannot reccommend Les Bartlett highly enough.": James KozakResident Piano Technician, Houston, Symphony

Les Bartlett is the piano tuner of choice for all the pianos at Houston Community College's Central Campus. We are so glad to have this talented tuner on board at our campus. He has somehow managed to take our collection of pianos of all ages and stages of disrepair and put them into shape so that we have several much-used and much-appreciated practice rooms. His advice is always helpful, and his work is exceptional. Besides all the technical expertise that he has at his command, he is a genuinely nice person. Many guest artists who perform on the pianos that Les Bartlett has tuned and voiced have commented favorably on his work.: Dr. Mary Carol WarwickAssistant Music Dept. Head
Houston Community College

With the passion of an artist and the precision of a surgeon, Les transformed my marvelous old Kawai grand into an instrument of inspiring beauty. I am deeply grateful for the work of Les Bartlett. Barbara Jones: Barbara JonesProfessional Accompanist

Nov 1, 2005 I recently judged the Youth Piano Competition for the Chopin Society of Houston. Les was there - 24/7 almost! - to take care of the piano for everyone. The students could play their little hearts out and never had to worry about an out-of-tune piano. It was wonderful! Thank you Les - you will never know how much you contributed to the weekend's success. Keep up the good work!: Petronel MalanGrammy nominated pianist

LES ! ! ! ! ! The minute you left I went in and played my piano. I had to run upstairs immediately to the computer to tell you how wonderful it sounds........................and feels ! ! ! I LOVE IT ! ! ! ! I'm more pleased with the way it sounds after your voicing than I've ever been. Thank you again for your interest in my piano and your willingness to drive all the way up here to service my piano. BIG THANKS ! ! ! ! Chris: Chris Strausspiano owner

Thanks for coming to tune our piano yesterday. As soon as you left my daughter and I raced to the piano to see who could get there first to be the first to try it out. I was very impressed with the sound. What a huge improvement. I'm surprised at how much better I sound now!!!: Becky Martinpiano owner

As a touring artist it is always important for me to sound good not only for the audience but for my own ear. Les has always delivered a rich and consistent tone and I will continue to use him even if the average listen can't hear what I can. I would recommend him to any who asks. Best, Matt: Matt BachrachRecording Artist

Les has kept the pianos going at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Houston for several years. As is often the case, our pianos range from "very fine" all the way down to "kindling." I am impressed with Les's ability to care for the entire lot. Good work from a very knowledgeable and friendly technician.: Keith RossOrganist, Memorial Drive UMC

When I moved to Houston, I sought a good piano tuner. I tried two or three, but I wanted a really good one. Les Bartlett was recommended by a collegue, and I asked him to tune. I listened and observed as he worked, and when he was finished, I knew I had found the one to take care of my piano. I own a beautiful Yamaha grand, and it sometimes receives better treatment than my family (sorry, kids. I love you too). I am "persnickety" about how my piano is tuned. The work Les does is consistently exceptional, and my appreciation for him is very great. I could not help but become his friend, for he has musicianship, personality, and knowledge beside his tuning skills. His ability is well known, yet he treats each customer with care, giving more than expected. There is no better tuner in Houston. Thanks, Les, for your extraordinary work.: Vicki DoomanProfessional Accompanist

Les tuned my piano everyday while I recorded two CDs in the recording studio. His dedication to perfection is unmatched and his quality of workmanship is unequaled in the Houston area. If you need the best technician to work on your piano. He should be your guy. Jason James www.jasonjames.net: Jason JamesPianist, composer, singer

Having spent the early portion of my career as a pianist and then working in orchestra management, I knew the aural subtleties of piano tuning and demanded this skill set when hiring specialists to tune my personal piano. Mr. Bartlett has maintained my piano at concert standards for many years and I, along with my professional friends, couldn't be happier. Thank you Les.: Victor KendallDirector of Outreach at KUHF, classical radio

During the Second Chopin Youth Competition in 2001 in Houston, the piano technician on standby was Mr. Les Bartlett. He was present and active during the two day event (which hosted 101 pianists), servicing the 9-foot Steinway piano in the most professional way. All the contestants and the audience present during the competition were highly impressed with the fact that Mr. Bartlett and the organizing committee cared so much about the prefect condition of the instrument during the young pianists’ performances. A lot of people never saw a technician who would on the spot adjust any piano problems like a tight pedal or out of tune notes. Les Bartlett added so much to our competition and helped to create an image of a world class event. Thank you Les! We hope to see you at the 2005 International Chopin Youth Competition to help keep our piano in world class shape!: Anna GolkaPresident, Chopin Society of Houston
HMTA Piano Teacher of the Year 2003

I want you to know that I continue to call you to care for my four grand pianos for a most important reason - I like the way that they sound when you are finished. Of course, I must add that I tried several others before calling you and they were unable to cope with my brand new American made Charles Walter grand piano. Also, one of them caused harm to one of the Kawaii grands, harm that you were able to reverse. Thank you again for your work.: Catherine TetreaultTeacher of piano, flute, and theory, Katy, TX