Double Tuning (Pitch Raise)

NYC's Expert at Bringing Very Out of Tune Piano's Back to Life!

Master Piano Technician - Expert Piano Servicing - Your Piano Doctor

Haven't had your piano tuned in a long time? A double tuning, also known as a pitch raise, will bring your piano back to life!

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Double Tuning, also known as Pitch Raising, is a special tuning process used on very out-of-tune pianos. Because they’re so far out of tune, they require a little more work than usual in order to make them sound their best.

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Pianos typically go flat over time, and a major adjustment to the piano's pitch could be adding several hundred (or even thousands) of pounds of tension and makes for an unstable tuning.

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The solution to this problem is to first start by bringing all the strings on the piano up to (and a little above) their target pitch. (The pitch-adjustment passes are basically just ballpark tunings) Once this is process is finished, the strings are much closer to their target pitch, and then I can start working on the fine-tuning.

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My tuning appointments include:

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- Pitch Raising (Double Tuning)

- Fine-tuning

- Cleaning and polishing of the piano

- Free minor repairs and adjustments (up to 20 minutes)

- Condition assessment

- Complimentary performance optimization (Minor voicing and regulation adjustments)

 

As a Certified Piano Technician, I am more qualified than an average piano tuner and am an expert in bringing pianos back to life throughout New York City, as well as parts of Jersey. I have a 5-Star rating with over 100 reviews and am rated a Thumbtack Top Pro.

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If your piano hasn’t been tuned in a while and also has some other issues such as sticking keys, dead keys, squeaky pedals, consider one of my Complete Service Packages that include piano tuning, along with additional repair, regulation, cleaning, and voicing services.

What Clients Say

"Excellent piano tuner! I had him over to take care of my recently purchased grand piano, and he made it sound amazing! It was all tuned up, plus he also went ahead and regulated the action so it would play more smoothly, and also voiced it as well. The piano sounds amazing now! Very satisfied :)"

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-Paul M.

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Tuning FAQs

What is a Double Tuning and why does my piano need one if its been more than two years since it was last tuned?

Pianos go out of tune naturally over time. Once the pitch of a piano is more than 20c under (this usually takes about 2 years), it can't just be tuned normally. When strings are very out of tune, they don't stay put when tuned. (similar to what happens with new strings on a guitar.) If I were to start tuning, by the time I had gone through all the strings, they would have moved so much that the whole piano would need to be retuned all over again. Your piano has 200+ strings, and each of those strings is under 150-200 lbs of tension. That's roughly 20 TONS of tension. When one string is adjusted, it affects the surrounding strings as well. Pianos typically go flat over time, and so a major adjustment to the piano's pitch could be adding several hundred (or even thousands) of pounds of tension. The solution to this problem is to first start by bringing all the strings on the piano up to (and a little above) their target pitch. (The pitch-adjustment passes are basically just ballpark tunings) Once this is process is finished, the strings are much closer to their target pitch, and then I can start working on the fine tuning.



The piano isn't played often, so it stays in tune longer, right?

Not really, no. The biggest thing that makes pianos go out of tune is humidity and temperature changes. Although regularly playing the piano will have an effect on the tuning, it is normally a very small amount in comparison.



My piano hasn't been tuned in a while. Is it tunable?

In most cases your piano should be tunable, but it will require some extra work. Since it has been a while since your piano was last tuned, it will likely have fallen significantly under pitch. Because they are significantly out of tune, these pianos require multiple tuning passes during the same appointment in order to stay in tune.

Be sure to check out my Double Tuning appointments, as well as Complete Service Packages to see what’s the best fit for your piano.



My piano has regulation issues (uneven touch, poor dynamic range, etc.) Can I combine a regulation appointmetn with my tuning for a discount?

Of course! If it's been less than a decade since your piano was last regulated, it should just need a regulation touch-up. (Usually a 2-hour process and a flat rate of $250). If the last regulation was more than a decade ago, it likely needs a complete regulation (Usually 4-6 hours and a flat rate of $650) However, when combined with a tuning appointment, I offer a $50 discount with a regulation touch-up, and a $95 discount on a complete regulation! Book online for the discounted rates! Standard Tuning + Regulation Touch Up ( book online) Standard Tuning + Complete Action Regulation ( book online) Double Tuning (tuned 2+ years ago) + Regulation Touch Up ( book online) Double Tuning + Complete Action Regulation ( book online)



How much does a piano tuning cost?

If your piano has been tuned less than 12 months ago, the standard tuning is a flat rate $145. If it has been longer than a year, or if your piano has gone significantly sharp or flat (usually from having your piano moved, garaged, or from large temprature and humidity fluctuations in your home) your piano will require a Double Tuning which is a flat rate of $195. The tuning appointments also include minor repairs and adjustments such as fixing a sticking key or adjusting the pedals, as well as complimentary cleaning and dusting of the piano. Of course, If I come across additional issue that will take longer than 20 minutes, I will consult with you before proceding. Scheule an appointment easily online here



Can I schedule an appointment online?

Of course! You can schedule online here



How long is your arrival window? Is it like the cable company that says somewhere between 7am - 9pm?

Heavens no! I aim to start all of my appointments exactly on time (if not a few minutes early!) and I am highly rated by my past clients for my punctuality. I schedule a buffer between each appointments to help account for unexpected delays. (such as heavy traffic, appointments running long, etc.) If anything is delaying my schedule (such as another client's appointment running long), I will let you know ASAP as well as let you know when I'm on my way and my new ETA