Manchester Based Piano Tuner/Technician
TIM LAUDER
Services
Piano Tuning
"The tuner alone preserves the tone" (Anonymous)
Pianos go out of tune mainly because of variations in temperature and humidity through the year. Other factors such as the condition of soundboard and tuning pins will also have an effect on tuning stability.
Tuning should be carried out by a skilled and qualified tuner every 6 months or at least once per year. This is extremely important to achieve and maintain pitch and the quality of tone on your piano throughout the year which will, in turn, ensure your full enjoyment of the instrument. A well tuned piano beckons you to play, encourages practice and gives great pleasure to both player and listener.
Even when a piano is slightly out of tune the instrument has lost its complete sparkle and clarity. My customers notice the difference immediately their piano has been freshly tuned and can’t wait to play it again. This applies whether your piano is new, secondhand or a much loved family heirloom. Tuning makes all the difference.
Please call me to discuss your requirements.
Voicing
This is a procedure which involves piercing the felt near (but not on) the nose of the hammer head to achieve a softer, more mellow tone. Some pianos are very bright in certain areas of the treble. This could be because the hammers were not voiced sufficiently in the factory or they have over the years become hardened due to compression. I offer voicing as a service to customers who simply wish to reduce those shrill, bright regions of their instruments. Sometimes it might be only one or two notes that need such attention Voicing takes about one hour and is generally carried out immediately after tuning for best results.
Pleace call me to discuss your requirements.
Repairs and Regulating
The ‘action’ of the piano consists of all the moving parts which cause the instrument to sound. This comprises the hammers, levers, dampers, keys and pedals, all of which are made up of different woods and materials such a felts, leathers and springs. These components are subject to wear and compression over time and also to atmospheric changes. These can cause problems such as sticking keys and unevenness of touch. I specialise in on-the-road repairs to uprights and grands and can regulate piano ‘actions’ to achieve optimum performance across the full compass of the keyboard. This is done by adjustments made within the ‘action’ to restore a smooth touch. Advice on all the above is readily available.
Please call me to discuss your requirements.
Advice and Consultation
Please call me for any advice needed on pianos be it transport, position of piano in the home, tuning, restoration, repairs, buying new or secondhand pianos I will be happy to help.