The approximate 220 strings in your piano exert about 40,000 pounds of tension when tuned at A-440. Seasonal humidity changes, the quality and condition of your piano, and how much the piano is played all affect the amount of tuning your piano will need. Most pianos will need one to two tunings per year to keep them sounding their best. If your piano has not been tuned for many years, the pitch will usually drop below A-440. This will result in a pitch raise plus the final tuning to get the piano back up to A-440 and to stay there. The piano is designed to be at A-440, so it is detrimental to the condition of the piano when it is allowed to drop below this pitch.
During each service call we will check and tighten all accessible plate and pinblock screws, check and adjust the pedals, tighten bench bolts, and inspect the piano for repairs and/or adjustments that may be needed. We will also clean the keyboard and vacuum the interior if necessary. Then we do the fine tuning. If a pitch raise is necessary, there will be an extra charge.
The piano is a mechanical instrument made up of 9,000 to 14,000 parts, mostly of wood and felt. These parts will wear and loosen over time and even break, resulting in necessary repairs. Inspecting the piano with every tuning and making the necessary repairs and adjustments will minimize any major problems developing. Adjustment of all these parts in the action so the piano will respond properly to the performer is called regulating. There are approximately 20 adjustments per key that will affect the performance of your piano.
Pearce Piano Service repairs any make or model of piano. From sticking keys to complete rebuilding, we can bring your piano to perfect playing condition.
Voicing is the final part of regulating and although it involves many aspects, it is the adjustment of the piano hammers that achieves a full, smooth and pleasing tone.
We have a fully equipped shop to provide you with complete rebuilding and refinishing. This would include: case repair and refinishing, rescaling, restringing, action rebuilding, hammer and keytop replacement and more.
Pianos are designed to be at 42% relative humidity. Installing a humidity system in your piano insures it will stay at this humidity all year. This will keep your piano's tuning and regulation very stable. In our dry climate the piano can dry out resulting in cracked wood, loose parts and unstable tunings.
We are Certified Dampp-Chaser Humidity System installers.
After we service your piano, we can recommend the services your piano requires to put it in the condition that meets your needs, wants and desires. We also will do estimates for a small fee, which will be included in the price of any work done, if you do not want your piano tuned at that time.
We are available to assist you in buying a piano, whether new or use, either from a store or from a private party. We can advise you on a piano you may be considering, or help you find the right piano that fits your needs and budget.
Pearce Piano Service does pipe organ tuning and repair. We do rebuilding, digital voice additions, and pipe additions. We currently serve many of the churches in Southern Alberta.