1. How do I KNOW if this is the best piano for the money I have to invest?
3. Requires a Java Enabled Browser.

    

4. Drum roll please...  We at Atlanta Piano Tuner may have just the answer for you.  We have invested a lifetime analyzing the various piano manufacturer's pianos (new and old/used), inspecting pianos for condition/playability/functionality, consulting on repair issues relating to pianos, tuning pianos, repairing/ moving/ refinishing... pianos.  We know the vintage brands of pianos and have intimate knowledge of what is available in the new piano market.
6. We offer a three tier program for piano buyers that we hope will take away the frustration from the process of placing an instrument in your home.  We want you to enjoy all that music has to offer from an acoustic piano:
    

7. Option #1 -      Checklist-in-the-mail

   $45

           An expert opinion backed with a printed checklist for your safety/security in the buying process.
           A must have checklist for any piano shopper that covers types, sizes and typical price ranges.
           (our most affordable package certain to put you 'way ahead of the game' in piano purchasing)

Contact us

1. 
    

   Option #2 -       On- site inspection

   $150

   An on-site inspection/ evaluation of a piano you have personally selected by an expert.
   (in the Atlanta and metro area.  Outside 50 mile radius carries a mileage surcharge)

   Schedule service

    

2. Retaining a Master piano tuner/technician to make your lifetime piano purchase for you.
        a. Visual inspection by a master tech.
        b. Listing of all repair items, present and future maintenance items/status.
3.      c. Written Certification/Appraisal of Condition/Valuation for insurance, etc.
4.      d.  We "front" all dealings with seller.  Red carpet treatment for purchaser.

1. Used / Pre-owned piano certification of condition:
2. 1. Aesthetic/Appearance – Finish, veneer, and core wood condition is appraised for any scratches, dents or damage.
   • Condition of finish on case, lid (front and back), lid prop, fall-board, cheek blocks, key slip, legs, lyre, music shelf and song rack is inspected (grand piano) for scratches, dents or any other damage.
   • Veneer that is missing, split, cracked, separated or damaged is noted.
   • Typing of finish – Color (clear or painted), finish type (glossy, satin or flat) and rating of overall aesthetic is appraised
   • Core wood damage is detected and noted.
   • Serial number is located. Piano manufacturing date is verified.
3. 2. Pin-block/tuning pins/wires – Checked thoroughly for adequate functionality (torque, etc.).  Tuning stability and current pitch (frequency) are recorded. Condition of the felts and “friction points” of the piano wires are noted for wear.
   • Typing of pin-block as to whether solid or laminate; whether hard rock maple or beech (if possible). 
   • Tuning pins (and bushings if present) are checked for condition and size.
   • Piano wires – checked for elasticity, rust, assessment as to whether they are original or replacements and visual inspection of all “friction points” (capo d’astro bar, bridge pins, pressure bar, hitch pins, aliquot bar and agraffes).  Related felts are inspected for moth damage, tears, separations from plate and other related general wear items.
4. 3. Sound-board – Spruce planks, ribs and bridges are inspected.  Cracks, separations from ribs (with locations), down-bearing (regulation) and condition of bridge crown are all documented.
   • Main plank – Detection and location of cracks; severity noted with affect to sound of instrument; down-bearing; condition of sound-board’s finish.
   • Ribs – numbered and checked for separations from cracks (if present)
   • Bridges – checked for adhesion to sound-board; bridge crown checked for cracks/separations at bridge pins and assessment as to whether minor or major (diminished tone and tuning stability).
5. 4. Structure – Keybed, support beams, rim and legs are thoroughly inspected for water damage and structural damage from stress.
   • Keybed checked for any signs of water damage and/or separations from structure.
   • Support beams – all connections checked for consequential separations, water damage and/or stress/wear.
   • Legs – Checked for stress cracks/wear or damage.
   • Rim – Checked for damage with particular interest given to area of lid hinges, at point of contact with sound-board and laminations (if laminate) checked for stress induced separations.

        5. Mechanical/moving parts – Action, keys, damper mechanism, and pedal trap-work

·        Grand Action – Inspection of action frame (main beam, masts w/ fastenings, let-off rail, and hammer rail and “bounce” rail) for “stripped” fastenings/tightness of screws and water damage.  Whippens, jacks, springs, schwander cords, repetition lever, hammer shanks, flanges, hammers, glue joints, felts, buckskins, buttons and other related parts are checked for adhesion, tightness, ease of movement, condition and wear, water damage, moth damage, regulation and stress.

·        Keys – Type of key top (ivory or plastic) and condition is noted.  Key alignment noted w/ attention to ease of movement; key frame (front, balance, back rail and attaching rails) is checked for tightness of screws and water damage.  Felts checked for moth damage, impaction and regulation. Front and balance rail pins checked for condition and functionality. Back check regulation and buckskin condition are noted for functionality.  Key “core” wood checked for water damage and regulation.

·        Damper mechanism – Blocks, felts, rods, lift rail, guide rail and damper lift blocks checked for condition and functionality

·        Pedal trap-work – Pedals, rods, trap-work, felts, hinges, springs and dowels are checked for condition and functionality.

6. Bench – checked for aesthetic appearance, tightness of glue joints and mechanical condition.

Want to know more?  Contact us