houston piano tuning by Bartlett Piano Service

Tipsand answers to frequently asked questions

1What about electronic tuning devices?

A fool with a tool is still a fool. However, the PTG has pitted their best aural tuner against their best ETD tuner, and in two events, each tuning the same make and model of piano, each of the tuners won once, and in each instance the vote was 3-2. The truth of the matter is that what makes a tuner good is that s/he is a good tuner. Electronics is not perfect, but neither is the human ear. My bias is that few totally aural tuners can beat the electronic's accuracy.

2What are the best brands of pianos?

This a trick question, sort of. The piano industry is changing at a pace that it is virtually impossible to keep up with all the goings on. Much of the piano market now comes from Asia, especially China, Korea, and Indonesia. Many old, recognized names have been purchased by very new companies far removed from connection to the original companies..... Persons purchasing pianos these days need to do careful research. Larry Fine's book, "The Piano Book" is excellent, but often changes occur faster than his book can be changed. Magazines like "Music Trades" also help. The consumer needs to carefully research the market, and piano manufacturers before purchasing a piano. His or her own playing and hearing of particular brands of instruments. The one which is best is the one which best meets the needs and expectations of the user.

3Can a piano be tuned in 30 minutes?

It has been done, but it is unusual. I have done it a few times on school pianos which I tuned each semester, and which had remained so close to being in tune they needed only a touch-up. . Some of the answer depends on one's standard for tuning. "Not likely" is the correct answer if one wants an excellent and stable tuning.

4Tips on moving pianos and other stuff

Here's a site worth checking out. They have a lot of good info on piano moving, which can help you recognize someone who knows what they are doing, and also some valuable information if you wish to attempt to move your own piano. They also are informative about the "wheels" on pianos, which are sometimes accidents waiting to happen.

Learn to Move

5How do I go about getting my piano moved?

Protect your investment by having professionals move your piano!. Furniture and pians movers are two vastly different areas of expertise, and capability of one does not necessarily mean capability in the other. I highly recommend Careful Piano Movers first. I have worked with George Golka an many occasions, and have found him always careful, capable of the most difficult moves, and conscientious. In the northern areas of town, check out Dad and Brad Piano Movers. He's been moving pianos for something like 50 years, and likewise uses best equipment and methods. I have seen him work, and he is excellent.

6Best Advice

Become educated about your pianos and pianos in general!!! The Piano Technicians Guild has a marvelous web site with loads of information- see link on the home page. There is at the PTG site also reference to the Piano Book, by Larry Fine. The PTG site has an "ask an expert" area as well. The moving company "Dadandbrad.com" site also has much useful information. Your valuable investment is best utilized when you are informed about what you have and need..

7What is the Piano Technicians Guild

The PTG is an organization dedicated to educating technicians and the public. PTG qualifies technicians through a series of examinations, insuring that a modicum of quality work will be done on a client's piano. Registered Piano Technician is the designation for a technician who has passed all required examinations. The PTG attempts to hold high standards for workmanship and ethics. The local PTG site, www.houstuner.org lists all local PTG members, RPT's and their contact information.

Many PTG members take great advantage of continuing education opportunities within the Guild, and spend thousands of their own dollars to become better equipped to serve the pianos of their clients. There are also numerous e-mail lists which technicians use frequently when need of virtually immediate help with a challenging problem.