Tuning
I was trained as an aural tuner. Over the past several years I have been enjoying the assistance of the Sanderson Accutuner. The SAT is a marvelous computer designed to work well on pianos. It can set an excellent temperament. The temperament is a combination of intervals set in the middle range of the keyboard which the rest of the tuning is based on. My tuning technique is to set the notes with the Accutuner and then use various aural tuning checks to make sure the notes are correct. Tuners that combine the best of both aural and electronic tuning are sometimes referred to as hybrid tuners.
With whatever method is used a pleasing tuning is a combination of clear octaves and unisons. And the chords sound great when all the intervals such as 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, and 6ths are tuned properly.
Tuning for Marian McPartland and Dave Brubeck at SC ETV studios for their TV broadcast of “Piano Jazz.
My basic charge in the Columbia area is $150. A little more out of town.
If the piano is very out of tune or needs a pitch change there is a charge for the additional tuning starting at $50.
I usually tune at A-440. Pitch does float up and down with the seasons and the changes in humidity.
If the pitch is low and the strings are old and brittle I’ll sometimes tune to a lower relative pitch to avoid breaking strings. Piano wire loses elasticity over time. I take all precautions. The customer is responsible for any string breakage.