Richard W. Bushey - Piano Tuner/Technician
1694 N. State Hwy 125, Strafford, Mo. 65757

(417) 294-3377 - mobile     or     (417) 831-0749
Associate Member of the
Piano Technician's Guild

"make a joyful noise..."

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(Non-Smoker!)
Locally Licensed
   and Insured

Mulitiple piano discount (same location only)
Action Reconditioning
Piano Regulation
Piano Repairs
Piano Tuning
Quality, Friendly Service
What I Offer
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should my piano be serviced?
A: Piano strings are under a tremendous amount of tension which
     needs to remain constant. If the tension fluctuates too greatly,
     the stresses become unequal throughout the piano and can
     cause costly damage. Also, a piano that falls below standard
     pitch of A-440 will not have as bright of tone as one where the
     strings are at the proper tension.  To minimize damage to the
     piano and to maximize the piano's tone quality, remember
     to have your piano tuned twice each year for moderate use
     and more frequently for heavy or professional use. If your
     piano is used for performance or recording purposes, it is
     common to have it tuned before each event.

- Return to FAQs list


Q: What time of year is best to have my piano tuned?
A: When choosing a time of year to have your piano tuned, some
     believe that fall and spring are the best times, being
     right after major seasonal changes. True, that is when the
     Relative Humidity is most ideal for a piano, at 43% or so.
     However, January and July are the best times if you want the
     longest period of time without major fluctuations, even though
     the humidity during those times are not always ideal. If your
     home or establishment maintains it's temperature and humidity
     rather well, or if your piano has a Dampp Chaser or similar
     humidity control system installed and functioning regularly, then
     this is not as much of an issue. While there is never a "perfect"
     time, it is always better to have it tuned than it is to wait and risk
     forgetting. Pitch adjustments are costly and hard on the piano! I
     would suggest that whatever time(s) you decide, that you stick
     with it.

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Q: Why does my piano need a pitch-raise/lowering
     (sometimes called a pre-tensioning, pre-tuning, or pitch
      adjustment)?
A: Pianos were built to function at a certain tension and
    altering that can cause damage. Also, if you try to play any
    other instrument with the piano, you may not be able to
    tune the instrument to the piano, or you may have to transpose
    the instrumental music to be able to play in tune with the
    piano. Ex: trumpet, clarinet, etc.












    Pitch-Raising: If your piano has not been tuned for 2-5 years
    or more, then there is a good chance that it has gone flat and will
    likely take more than one tuning before it will hold a proper tune.
    Over time, the tension on the piano causes much of the piano, if
    not all, to go flat as the tension slowly loosens with each seasonal
    change in humidity. It is not difficult to bring back up to proper
    pitch, but the trick is getting it to stay.
    Pitch-lowering: The opposite of pitch-raising.  This is needed
    when the pitch of the piano is too high. This can happen when
    there is very high humidity, usually in the summer months in some
    locations. 
   
    With both procedures, by dramatically increasing the tension in a
    short amount of time, the strings' tendency is to "fight" the new
    tension. In doing so, they will go flat a fraction of what they were
    just raised, or go sharp a fraction of what they were just lowered.
    It also makes the piano quite unstable.  Therefore, it can take
    several tunings before the piano re-adjusts to the correct tension
    enough to stay. Usually, this can be done in one extended
    session, but it often takes several more tunings before the
    piano will remain stable. 
   
Here's my policy on pitch-raises:
    - 8 cents flat/sharp (or less) overall - no pitch-adj. required
               (tune only
$125(allow 1.5 - 2 hrs.)
    - 8-25 cents flat/sharp -
               charged 1 pitch adj. ($40) + tune ($125) =
$165
               (25 cents = 1/4 semi-tone...or 1/4 the distance between
                two adjoining keys on the keyboard, C and C# for ex.)
                (allow 2.5 hrs. to pitch raise and tune)
     - 25-75 cents flat/sharp -
                charged 2 pitch adj. ($80) + tune ($125) =
$205
               (75 cents =  3/4 semi-tone...or 3/4 the distance between
                two adjoining keys on the keyboard, C and C# for ex.)
               (allow 3 hrs. to pitch raise and tune)
     - 75-125 cents flat
                charged 3 pitch adj. ($120) + tune ($125) =
$245
               (125 cents = 1 1/4 semi-tone...or 1 1/4 the distance between
               two adjoining keys on the keyboard, C and C# for ex.)
               (allow 3.5 - 4 hrs. to pitch raise and tune)
     - Over 125 cents flat
               charged 4 pitch adj. ($160) + tune ($125) = $285
           
   I will always notify you (and show you) when a pitch-adjustment  
   is necessary.
 

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Q: What is Action Regulation and does my piano need it?
A: "Action Regulation" simply refers to the adjustments that a
    piano needs to make all the moving parts move the right way
    and create the best musical tone possible.  The piano is a very
    simple, yet very technical instrument.  From the key to the
    hammer that strikes the strings, there are levers and such that
    move in a very precise way to make the note play correctly. Each
    note on a vertical upright has 25 or more adjustments that can be
    made, and a grand has nearly 35.  If any of these are incorrect, it
    will affect how the instrument performs.  See grand piano action
    in motion here. Note all the knobs, felt, wires, screws, etc. that
    can be adjusted. There are also adjustments that can be made that
    cannot be seen, such as under and inside the key, etc.

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Q: How often does my piano need regulation?
A: To maintain the right touch and prolong the life of the piano
    action, it is recommended to have the piano action
    regulated approximately every two years unless you have a
    humidity control system installed on your piano. As the
    piano is played and subjected to humidity changes, it
    becomes necessary to adjust its many moving parts in
    order for it to respond correctly. If you notice…

        -  notes that seem to double bounce when you play them;
        -  sloppy keys that are extra loose and wiggle from side to
           side, or are extra sluggish;
        -  notes that continue to ring when they should be quiet

    ...these are signs that your piano needs adjustment.

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Q: Will I always know when my piano needs repairs?
A: Sometimes, but not always. The good news is that if you have
    regular tunings, I can inspect the piano to be sure that
    everything is working as it should be.  This could prevent
    costly repairs in the future.
 
    Pianos are made from a variety of materials: wood, metal, felt,
    plastic, and such. Although pianos are built to last, there will
    come a time when these materials will break down, leaving you
    with a sticky note, a broken string, broken pedal, broken
    hammer, and the list goes on. It is inevitable that repairs will
    need to be made. It is very important to have the repair made
    as soon as possible.
   
Continuing to use an instrument that has a broken part, or is
    not "acting" just right, can lead to further damage if not
    taken care of.
Don't make things worse, get it repaired.
    You (and your pocket book) will be glad you did.

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Q: Where can I purchase piano covers, piano lights, and
    other accessories for my piano?
A: I can provide many accessory items for your piano,
    including such items as: piano covers, key cover locks,
    humidity control systems, piano lights, piano benches, and
    piano dollies for easy moving on stage or down school
    hallways.  Visit my accessories page and/or browse my
    amazon.com store.  I also have a limited selection in my piano
    supply catalog that I can show you when I visit.

    OR, the following website has a wide selection of piano
    accessories as well as musically printed cups, napkins, etc.
    Visit now at www.pianoworld.com.

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Q: Do you tune by ear or with an electronic tuning aid?
A: Yes. Both actually.  I use a SAT III (Sanderson Accutuner III) as
    a reference in setting the temperment, to calculate a customized
    stretch tuning for each piano's scale based on it's own
    inharmonicity, and during pitch raising.  I tune all unisons by ear
    (which is roughly 2/3 of the piano), and on those notes tuned to
    the SAT III, I still make all of the necessary "checks" or musical
    "tests" that one would make when tuning aurally since what is
    heard always "trumps" what is seen on a machine.  Electronic
    tuners nowdays are lightyears ahead of those of yester-year and 
    can make the tuner's job much easier, so long as they don't have
    the final word, so to speak.


- Return to FAQs list


Q: What is my piano worth?
A: Good question.  Basically, your piano is worth what the
    market will bear.  Here is a website that might be helpful.
   
http://www.pianoworld.com/value.htm
    While it doesn't give prices, it does give you an idea of what
    might be involved in setting a price.  It's always a good idea to
    to have your tuner/technician inspect your piano and let you
    know the general condition of your piano as well as if there are
    any concerns that need to be addressed before you sell, (or
    what the new owner would need to address after purchase).
    This will help both parties feel good about the sale.  It's not a
    good situation when a piano is purchased based on looks
    and owner opinion, only to find that the piano is going to
    need a substantial amount of work. 
One lady I know was
    given an old upright piano, only to find after all the hassle of
    moving it that it had a severely cracked pinblock and could not
    be tuned.  Her only consolation was that it was a gift and she
    fortunately hadn't paid anything for it.
   
    In my opinion, it would be very wise, and well worth the service
    call, to have myself, or another qualified piano technician in your
    area, inspect any used piano that you were planning on
    purchasing....(or even receiving free of charge for that
    matter)....so you know what you're getting
    yourself into, including possible costs down the road. That
    "free" piano could wind up costing you hundreds more than you
    expected if you're not careful.     

    You can also get a written estimate for insurance, sale, buy, etc.
    for only $20 at: www.bluebookofpianos.com/whats_it_worth.htm


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Q. How old is my piano and who made it?
A. First look for the brand name, sometimes on the key cover, or
     most likely inside the piano printed either on the upper lid
     (that you set all your pictures and knick-knacks on), or
     somewhere on the plate near the tuning pins.  Secondly, while
     you have the piano open, look for a serial number (typically a
     5 or 6 digit number unless it's really, really, old).  I've found
     several pianos that don't have one that I could find, but
     usually there will be one printed in plain view.  You may need
     a flashlight to read it though.  Write this down and close up
     the piano. Visit www.bluebookofpianos.com/ages/
, find
     your brand name, and then find the year in which your serial
     number was made.  There will also be a brief description
     about the manufacturer. I can also give you most of this type
     information free of charge when I come tune your piano if you
     remind me.

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Q. What is the cost to have a piano tuned?
A. Costs vary greatly from one part of the country to another, and
     from city to rural areas.  Generally you will find that on the East and
     West coasts, rates may average from $150-$225 per tuning.  In the
     midwest, however, with a lower cost of living, the rates may average
     somewhere around $75-$150. Something to consider, though, when
     comparing rates is the tuner's level of experience, professional training
     (or lack thereof), and how much time they give you for that price. Are
     they full-time tuner/technicians, or is it one of several things they do
     for extra income? More often than not, you get what you pay for.
     Also, consider the distance a tuner must travel and what they may have
     to charge for mileage. That can add considerably to your cost, so be
     sure to ask before being caught off guard at the end of a tuning with a
     larger bill than expected!  You can view my rates here

- Return to FAQs list


Q. What do I need to do to get ready for the tuner's visit?
A. There are several things that you can do to prepare for my visit
     that will be most helpful.
1)
Remember to be home at the appointed time - If you are
    unable to keep your tuning appointment for any reason, please
    call me as soon as possible. I will do the same for you.
2)
Please remove all items from off the top of the piano,
    ie: knicknacks, pictures, piano books, etc.
I would rather you
    handle them than me risk breaking them.
3) On vertical pianos,
it is usually not necessary to move the piano
    out away from the wall. 
Tuning, and most inspections, are
    performed from the front of the piano. If I need to move it, I will.
4)
Provide a quiet, distraction free environment.  TV, radios,
    electric mixers, washing dishes, or kids playing in the front
    room, can all be very distracting when I am concentrating on
    listening to the slight changes in the piano's pitch and tone.
5)
Please allow adequate time for me to do the job correctly.
    Some tunings take longer than others, and I always want to do
    the best job for you, so it would be helpful to avoid planning  
    somewhere to be immediately after the tuning in case we go
    longer than expected.  I usually estimate 2 hrs. for a regular
    tuning. If the piano needs a pitch raise (pre-tensioning),
    then allow another hour or more for that.  Don't forget that if we
    find a repair or adjustment that needs to be made, that can add
    time too.  So...bottom line, do allow enough time for me to leave
    your instrument in great shape without feeling rushed!
6)
A piano bench would be nice! I say that in fun, but I have
    showed up at homes only to find that there was no piano
    bench.  If you don't have a piano bench, an armless chair of
    about 18"-19" will work.

- Return to FAQs list  

To get an idea if your piano will need a pitch adjustment, click on the link and compare this tone to your A49 (49th key from the bottom of the piano-including black notes).

Listen to
A-440 Now!
(10 sec.)
(Standard Pitch)

Visit my
Amazon.com store:

---------
Hundreds of items!
---------
- Piano/Keyboard Accessories
- Keyboards/Pianos
- Piano Music (Classical)
- Trumpet Music
Listen to
A-440 Now!
(Standard Pitch)


Listen to
A-425 Now!
(approx. 49.5 cents flat)
(same as 1/2 note flat)


Listen to
A-412.5 Now!
(approx. 100 cents flat)
(same as 1 full note flat)


Call (417) 294-3377 or email for a tuning appointment....today!
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