Expert Piano Tuning, Voicing & Repair in Pasadena and Los Angeles

Most home pianos benefit from tuning every six months. Concert and recording instruments are tuned more frequently — often before each performance. The longer a piano sits out of tune, the more time and effort it takes to bring it back to proper pitch. Los Angeles's mild but variable humidity means pianos here drift gradually rather than dramatically, but two tunings a year is the standard recommendation.

Pricing depends on the condition of the piano and how long it has been since the last service. A piano that has been tuned regularly is straightforward; one that has been neglected for years may need a pitch raise first. Call or text (323) 309-3309 for a quote based on your specific instrument.

Tuning adjusts the pitch of the strings so the piano plays in tune with itself and concert pitch. Voicing adjusts the felt hammers to change the tone color — making a piano brighter or mellower without changing its pitch. Regulation adjusts the mechanical action so each key has consistent, responsive touch. They are three separate services and a piano can need any combination depending on its history and use.

A standard tuning appointment runs approximately 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the piano's starting condition. Tuning by ear is methodical work — each note in the middle and upper range is tuned across multiple strings and the relationships between notes have to be set carefully.

Yes. A piano that has been silent for a decade or more usually needs a pitch raise first — a coarse tuning to bring it close to standard pitch — followed by a fine tuning. This typically requires a longer appointment, or two visits a few weeks apart. Pianos older than about 80 years should be assessed for tuning-pin tightness and structural soundness before scheduling.

[REVIEW] Robert is a member of the Piano Technicians Guild and holds the Registered Piano Technician (RPT) designation, the trade's gold standard certification.

Robert Price serves greater Los Angeles, with primary coverage of Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Altadena, Glendale, Burbank, the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Eagle Rock, and Downtown LA. See the full service area list, or call (323) 309-3309 if your address isn't shown — the list is a guideline, not a hard limit.

Yes. Player pianos still require traditional tuning of the strings; the player mechanism is independent. Digital and hybrid instruments (Yamaha Disklavier, etc.) have an acoustic piano underneath that needs the same regular tuning as any other piano.

Clear a path to the piano and try not to play it for an hour or so before the appointment so the strings and action have settled. Pets and children should be kept clear of the work area for safety and so the technician can hear the instrument properly. The room should be at its normal everyday temperature and humidity — not freshly aired-out or overheated.