Piano Tuning and Technical Services

Image to the left: Replica of Baker Harris bentside spinet harpsichord built by Mike Reiter.

On November 10, 2007, a program called "Cristofori to Steinway, The Piano's Tale" was presented. Nine instruments were on display representing 450 years of keyboard technology.

I support living history whenever possible. We rarely have the opportunity to see, hear, or play on these marvelous instruments. Historic instruments are fascinating. The level of technology, while empirical in nature, is often very high in these instruments. One must re-learn old techniques to successfully render instruments that play well. Respect for the original design of the builder is maintained.

Our varied program featured excellent players and a lecture demonstration. Attendees were given the opportunity to play an unusual Broadwood square piano dated 1789. Other instruments were a JB Streicher piano dated 1846 and the only copy of the 1722 Cristofori.

Tuning, the process of evening of the pitch, is done both electronically and by ear.

*More details to come.

For more information about this service email Mike Reiter at: mdreiter440@mediacombb.net

Regulation, the process of evening the touch of the action, is accomplished to assure the consistent playability of the piano.

*More details to come.

For more information about this service email Mike Reiter at: mdreiter440@mediacombb.net

Voicing, adjusting for evenness of tone, is an art that requires piano structure as well as knowledge of hammer characteristics.

I have many years experience in building harpsichords as well as servicing the early pianos, forte pianos and square instruments.

*More details to come.

Voicing is, of course the most subjective of all the piano service elements. The process involves the manipulation of the hammers as well as maintaining a solid structure and string seating to gain the most efficient transfer of sound from the string to the soundboard. When your piano is being serviced be sure to let me know of your concerns about voicing and we may then make the appropriate changes to suite your style and taste.

*More details to come.

These elder instruments require special care and treatment to be successful musical instruments. This includes using older techniques to install parts, tuning to alternate pitches and temperaments and sometimes making special parts to fit. The shop is equipped to handle these special requirements for your antique instrument.

Key Recovering

Restoration of keyboards with new plastic keytops is one of my specialties. The beauty of uniformity from a properly covered set of keys is beyond compare. They should look as if they are one unit. We use the current standard of molded keytops matched to the original key sticks. Miscellaneous ivory keytops are available as well.

New Action Parts

This is where I really live! I very much enjoy the restoration of instruments through the use of new parts or even rebuilding the old ones in the case of antique instruments. With the availability of modern replacement parts from quality manufacturers, we are able to restore the touch and tone that the instrument originally had.