All too frequently I am called to tune a piano that someone recently bought and then must report to them that the piano is in need of repairs and, in some cases, is not even able to hold a tuning. This can be avoided by having the piano thoroughly inpected prior to purchase. You will get a tour of the workings of the piano (if you meet me there) and a written report of the condition of every aspect of the instrument and can feel more confident in your purchase. If you are unable to meet me at the inspection I will also email you photos, inside and out with my inspection report.

The conversation between buyer and seller often goes something like this:

Seller: "It just needs tuning and a little dusting."

Buyer: "Yes, it sounds out of tune. I will have it tuned after I buy it."

(Later, after the BARGAIN piano is lugged home by the proud new owner)

Piano tuner to Buyer: "I hate be the bearer of bad news, but this piano is untunable in its present condition.It has loose tuning pins, a cracked bass bridge, the bridle straps are dry rotted, moths have eaten the key bushings, a mouse chewed a key in half and there are broken action parts. Here are some Kleenex. Please don't cry, ma'am."

Nobody is trying to take advantage of anyone (in most cases). They simply do not understand how to evaluate the condition of the instrument. The seller often can tell by listening that the piano is out of tune, but do they know why? And do they know IF IT CAN BE TUNED?

If the piano is an old upright with loose tuning pins the cost to repair can turn a yard sale bargain of the decade into a trip to the junkyard to get rid of a useless piano shaped object. Avoid this whole scenario and have any piano you are thinking of buying properly inspected. You will learn a lot in the process and can better evaluate an instrument on your own after I explain things.

Don't be fooled by a nice looking case. The truth about a piano is buried deep inside. There are many beautiful old pianos around that are not worth the cost of moving them or repairing them. Not all, but some. There ARE some pianos for $300 that are actually worth making repairs to them. Can you tell which is which? Incidentally, don't go by the name brand. Many well-known brands of piano WERE good pianos but companies changed hands, brand names were sold, and now that old, respected name might appear on a junky piano built in China and made of particle board. That decal will tell you little or nothing about the condition inside the piano. Even Steinways get old, decay and die.

Call for pricing on inspections and to make an appointment and save yourself some grief.