Category Archives: Piano advice

Buying a Piano: New vs Old?

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Considering buying a piano and wondering whether to buy a newer vs an older one given the options? Buying a newer piano versus a Victorian-era piano (built roughly 1837–1901, so about 120–190 years old) in the UK involves weighing factors like condition, sound, maintenance, cost, and suitability, with UK-specific considerations such as climate, market dynamics, and regulations. Below is a concise comparison tailored to the UK context.

Newer Piano (Built in the Last 20–30 Years)
Pros:
1. Condition: Made with modern materials and precision manufacturing, ensuring durability, stable tuning, and minimal wear.
2. Sound and Playability: Bright, clear tone and responsive action suit contemporary music. Consistent key feel benefits beginners and professionals.
3. Low Maintenance: Needs tuning 1–2 times/year and minimal repairs. Parts are easily sourced from UK suppliers.
4.  Warranty and Support: Typically includes 5–10-year warranties. UK dealers (e.g., Steinway & Sons, Jaques Samuel Pianos) offer delivery, tuning, and aftercare.
5. Technology: Some models include digital features (e.g., silent practice, MIDI), ideal for noise-sensitive UK urban homes.

Cons:
1. Cost: High upfront cost (£2,500 for entry-level uprights to £40,000+ for premium grands, based on 2025 UK estimates).
2. Depreciation: Loses value quickly, reducing resale potential.
3. Tone: May lack the warmth of aged pianos, as wood and strings are still maturing.
4. Mass Production: Budget models may compromise on craftsmanship.

UK-Specific Considerations:
– Climate: The UK’s humid climate (50–70% humidity) is piano-friendly, and newer pianos handle fluctuations well.
– Market: Abundant availability via dealers like Forsyth in Manchester or Besbrode Pianos in Leeds. Popular brands include Yamaha, Kawai, and Bösendorfer.
– Regulations: Comply with EU/UK environmental standards (e.g., sustainable wood), which may raise prices.

Victorian Piano (Built 1837–1901)
Pros:
1. Historical and Aesthetic Value: Ornate designs, rare woods, and craftsmanship (e.g., rosewood cases) make these pianos decorative or collectible. UK brands like Broadwood or Collard & Collard, and European ones like Bechstein, are highly valued.
2. Unique Sound: Aged wood can produce a warm, rich tone, ideal for Romantic-era music or vintage aesthetics.
3. Investment Potential: Restored, high-quality Victorian pianos may retain or appreciate in value in the UK’s antique market.
4. Lower Initial Cost (Sometimes): Unrestored pianos can be found for £500–£5,000, though restoration is costly.

Cons:
1. Condition and Restoration: Significant wear (cracked soundboards, loose tuning pins, worn actions) is common. Full restoration costs £8,000–£25,000+ in the UK.
2. Maintenance: Frequent tuning and repairs due to aged components. Custom parts are expensive and hard to source.
3. Playability: Worn actions or non-standard keyboards can feel uneven, limiting suitability for modern repertoire.
4. Risks: Hidden structural damage (e.g., cracked frames) may make restoration uneconomical. Requires expert inspection by your Leeds Piano Tuner.
5. Climate Sensitivity: Susceptible to the UK’s damp climate, needing humidity control (40–60%).

UK-Specific Considerations:
– Climate: The UK’s humidity and temperature swings can damage antique pianos, requiring dehumidifiers or climate control.
– Market: Victorian pianos are plentiful due to the UK’s piano-making heritage. Available via auction houses (e.g., Bonhams) or restorers like Shackleford Pianos.
– Regulations: Ivory keys (common in Victorian pianos) are regulated under the UK’s Ivory Act 2018 and CITES. Legal sale requires certification, impacting cost and paperwork.
– Restoration Expertise: The UK has skilled restorers (e.g., in London, Oxford), but labor and material costs are high.

Key Decision Factors
1. Budget: Newer pianos have high upfront costs but lower maintenance. Victorian pianos may be cheaper initially but require significant restoration and upkeep.
2. Purpose and Skill Level: Newer pianos suit beginners, students, or professionals needing reliability. Victorian pianos appeal to advanced players or collectors valuing vintage sound.
3. Sound Preference: Newer pianos offer bright, versatile tones; restored Victorian pianos provide warm, unique character.
4. Maintenance Commitment: Newer pianos need minimal care; Victorian pianos demand regular, specialized maintenance, especially in the UK’s climate.
5. Space and Environment: Victorian pianos need humidity control, critical in the UK. Newer pianos are less sensitive.

Practical Steps
– Newer Piano:
– Test models at UK dealers (e.g., Chappell of Bond Street, Roberts Pianos) from brands like Yamaha or Steinway.
– Compare uprights vs. grands (uprights are popular in UK homes due to space constraints).
– Confirm warranty, delivery, and included services (e.g., free tuning).
– Victorian Piano:
– Hire your Leeds Piano Tuner to inspect soundboard, pinblock, and action.
– Verify ivory key compliance with CITES/Ivory Act documentation.
– Check provenance and restoration history, especially for brands like Broadwood or Bechstein.
– Budget for restoration (consult UK restorers like Piano Workshop) and ongoing care.

Conclusion
– Choose a newer piano for reliability, modern sound, and minimal upkeep, ideal for UK urban or educational settings with a higher budget.
– Choose a Victorian piano for historical value, unique tone, or collectible appeal, if you’re prepared for restoration costs, maintenance, and regulatory compliance (e.g., Ivory Act).
– Test or have your Leeds Piano Tuner assess the piano, and align your choice with your musical goals, budget, and ability to manage the UK’s climate and regulations.

If you’re considering a specific piano in the UK or need local resources, please give me a call or an email!

What to Do After a Piano Pitch Raise

Piano advice, Piano Tuner Leeds, Piano Tuning in Leeds

A pitch raise is a significant tuning procedure where a piano’s overall pitch is adjusted, often because it has fallen substantially flat. After this process, your piano requires specific care to maintain its stability and sound quality. Here’s a concise guide for piano owners on what to do next.

1. Schedule a Follow-Up Tuning

A pitch raise often involves considerable tension changes across the piano’s strings, which can take time to settle. Schedule a follow-up tuning within 2–4 weeks to fine-tune the instrument. This helps stabilize the pitch and ensures the piano stays in tune longer.

2. Maintain Stable Environmental Conditions

Temperature and humidity fluctuations can affect the piano’s tuning stability. Keep your piano in a room with consistent conditions:

  • Humidity: Aim for 40–60% relative humidity. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier if needed.

  • Temperature: Maintain a steady 68–72°F (20–22°C).

  • Avoid placing the piano near windows, vents, or direct sunlight.

3. Play the Piano Regularly

Playing the piano helps the strings and other components adjust to the new tension. Regular use can also reveal any minor issues early, allowing your piano tuner to address them during the follow-up tuning.

4. Avoid Immediate Heavy Use

While playing is beneficial, avoid overly vigorous or extended playing right after a pitch raise. The strings are still settling, and excessive force could cause them to drift out of tune faster.

5. Monitor for Unusual Sounds

Listen for buzzing, rattling, or other odd noises, which could indicate loose parts or stress from the tension adjustment. If you notice anything unusual, contact your piano technician promptly.

6. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

A pitch raise is often a sign that your piano hasn’t been tuned regularly. To prevent future drastic adjustments:

  • Tune your piano at least twice a year.

  • Address minor repairs, like sticky keys or pedals, promptly.

  • Clean the piano gently with a soft, dry cloth to avoid dust buildup.

Conclusion

A pitch raise is a critical step to restore your piano’s pitch, but it’s not the end of the process. By scheduling a follow-up tuning, controlling the environment, and maintaining regular care, you can keep your piano sounding its best. Consult the Leeds piano tuner for personalised advice tailored to your instrument.

Pennies from heaven for the Leeds Piano Tuner

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It’s that time of year again – industrious piano students are preparing for their grades and their Christmas concerts and their keen ears require their pianos be tuned to A440. Concert halls, venues, clubs, pubs and restaurants in Leeds and Bradford are busier and require their pianos to be tuned as more and more customers mention it to them. I hope I don’t sound ungracious as I appreciate the increased interest, but a weekend booking might be more favourable right now (assuming you can manage it), as my week day West Yorkshire and Leeds piano tuning slots are being snapped up by the second. Please keep a keen eye on my availability page if you’re looking for a Leeds piano tuner, I’m updating it on a daily basis and it’ll give you a general idea of my schedule at the very least. My number is 07542667040 if you’d find it easier to make an appointment verbally.

I don’t know what it’s like for other piano tuners working in Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield etc, but December appears to be the busiest month for anything musical. I’m being sensible with my bookings and not squeezing too much in – I leave sufficient time to do a thorough job on every Yorkshire and Leeds piano tuning.

Worried about Covid-19? I’m double vaccinated, have caught and defeated the virus in the past (thus have built up the antibodies), am testing regularly (last tested today: negative. Previously tested on Saturday: negative). I will wear a mask upon request and naturally keep two metres distance throughout each visit. I don’t think there’s a safer time to book than now – but the decision is yours!

Venturing into the world of piano sales

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While not a natural salesman, I’ve been inclined to help a few clients with piano sales in the past as a quid pro quo, hoping they recommend me for Leeds and West Yorkshire piano tuning business. If you have anything you’d like to sell, please call me on 07542667040 or drop me an email to discuss (photographs are always appreciated). I can use my contacts in the piano trade to help with the sale, but I would charge a commission fee (usually 20%).

When it comes to piano selling, I normally class a piano into one of three categories:

  • Budget pianos: pianos worth £0 – £500. Pianos without the best components or craftmanship, but which are in satisfactory condition and could be suitable for a beginner or someone wishing to renew their piano playing after years. Piano tuning and light voicing can help improve the tone immeasurably as many of them have been neglected for years. Most spinets and console pianos fall into this category, as do all straight-strung and pretty much all overdamped pianos in 2021.
  • Intermediate pianos: pianos worth £500 – £2000: the majority of people would do well to invest in a piano in this category. A modern piano that is in excellent condition, well-regulated (or capable of being well-regulated) with good tone and no serious flaws. A second hand Challen, Fazer, medium-quality Yamaha (usually smaller-sized), or higher-end Bentley would be an example of this. After their first piano tuning most people are delighted with how good they sound.
  • Professional-level pianos: pianos worth at least £2000: very high order pianos that could easily take a player to grade 8, diploma and beyond. Top quality components help these pianos stay in tune for a long time and they usually need little in the way of repairs or regulation once in your home. The quality of the mechanism is one of the biggest advantages, as you’ll be able to play more dynamically (there’ll be a bigger difference between loud and soft playing, rather than “note on, note off”). Schimmels, Bluthners, Faziolis, higher-end Yamahas and Kawais would be examples of this.

There’ll certainly be some overlap in these categories, but as a general rule I’ve found they hold true. For example, some pianos being sold for £2500 might be considered intermediate by concert pianists, yet something in that price range will be incredibly sturdy and durable, will have a pleasing tone with good dynamic range and responsiveness. Many pianos in the budget price range aren’t worth buying, yet some are very respectable and could be appreciated and well-loved by an accomplished musician for their charm and vintage character. Each has to be looked at on a case to case basis, but as a general rule I have no problem categorising pianos this way when giving advice on what to buy. I usually suggest setting yourself a budget and considering what you want from a piano – after that it’s all a matter of personal preference: some prefer bright-sounding pianos for example, others like a warm tone; some prefer high gloss finish while others like the look of natural wood.

I’m happy to help with piano evaluation and inspection, but keep in mind I charge £25 for such a service (I have travel time and fuel costs to consider). For such a small price it would be worth having a piano looked at. Otherwise, I can give a rough idea from photographs sent over if something is worth pursuing (avoid all straight-strung pianos like the plague, they are usually untune-able!)

There’s never been a better time to get your piano tuned!

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If you’re looking for a piano tuning you’ve never had it so good! Not only do I have more working hours available than ever but my prices are extremely reasonable at £50 a tuning. Please consider calling me for a booking at 07542667040 or email richard@pianotunersheffield.co.uk if you are so inclined. Don’t let your beloved piano go to waste, keep it playing and performing at its best – get it tuned and serviced NOW!

Roadmap out of lockdown and piano tuning (a topical posting)

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It would seem the lifting of the lockdown has not increased the number of enquiries just yet. I have clients who are waiting until after the lockdown before looking for a Leeds piano tuning. If you get in touch this week you can rest assured that you won’t be on a waiting list and you’ll have plenty of choice for the day of your piano tuning. Some piano tuners are slightly better with advertising and have probably fared better over the last thirteen months (I had time off work also). I eagerly await your enquiries!

Piano Tuning Dip

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It seems like next week will be very slow. It’s a good time to get in touch with me about a piano tuning in Leeds, Bradford or Wakefield (I work in all West Yorkshire). I’m piano tuning in Sheffield on March the 8th all day (regular customers), but other days I’ll be ready and willing.

My current rate is £50 for a piano tuning. If the piano is flat of concert pitch (more than 7 cents on average) an optional piano raising service is offered for another £20. It’s entirely dependent on what the pianist needs from the piano and the piano tuning. Concert pitch (A440) is the pitch standard at which modern music is played to, but there are lower, historical pitch standards that work better for pre-1930s pianos (A432, A435). I’m open and transparent about the options before each piano tuning is carried out.

Minor repairs and regulation can be performed on the day for no extra charge. More extensive repairs/restoration depends on the price of the parts and the amount of labour it entails. I didn’t become a piano tuner to make the maximum profit, I like to give people an excellent deal and to help people.

At present I do not have the workspace for restoration jobs involving the cabinet, such as polishing/refinishing and have not performed such tasks since my training (2011 – 2014). My forte is in the piano tuning and in repairing and regulating the mechanism and the keys, much more than the aesthetics (although I do have a complete piano cleaning kit). If you’re looking for a refinishing service, many of my customers have an stellar experiences with this company.

 

Many happy returns from Piano Tuner Leeds

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A happy new year to my cherished and valued customers (that’s all of you). A sincerest thank you to everyone who was kind enough to book my piano tuning services during the turbulent and rather frightening 2020. While I received some financial assistance via the self-employed grant, I only managed to keep above water due to people occasionally needing my piano tuning skills in Leeds and Bradford. One would think with people having more “leisure time”, pianos would be popular again, but that hasn’t been the case from what I’ve seen. Many children begin on digital pianos, which is no substitute for the real thing as far as I’m concerned. Call me old-fashioned, but if you are serious musician, nothing can compare to the touch of a well-regulated and finely tuned Schimmel or a Kawa acoustic piano. Digital pianos and keyboards have their uses (headphone practice and live performance), but an acoustic piano should be the mainstay of your piano playing.

Now I’m just sounding old and cranky. Enough of that. Let’s keep positive and hope 2021 is a much better year for all of us.

Pianos for sale?

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In a desperate attempt to garner traffic to this moribund page (an overhaul is imminent), I’ve decided to start posting advertisements herein. If you have a piano for sale in Yorkshire and can prove it’s an overstrung or under-damped piano (pictures of the mechanism and the strings would be sufficient), in reasonable condition and built after 1950* I would consider making a post for you. Sending me an email at richard@pianotunersheffield.co.uk is your best bet.

If you’d like me to evaluate your piano, I charge £25. Evaluation involves me looking over the case, the mechanism, the strings, the soundboard and the bridges to assess their condition. I also check the relative pitch of the piano to see what sort of future piano tuning would be required, and whether it is capable of a pitch raise. Finally, I give you a price that is both reasonable and competitive.

 

* Pianos made before that may be considered, although it would have to be a reputable brand (Steinway, Bechstein, Bluthner), in good condition and being offered at a sensible price. My inclination is to dissuade clients from purchasing older pianos even if they’re a high-end model, as the tone and feel is not worth paying £500+ for. Some piano tuners disagree with me, and if you have a Bechstein from 1880 that plays well and you enjoy, more power to you.

– Richard, Piano Tuner Leeds.

Further Covid-19 Precautions

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The Leeds Piano Tuner is having face masks made to carry in his Piano Tuner’s case. If you would like him to wear one, please ask him during  the booking process. His other precautions include rigorously washing his hands and using anti-bacterial hand-wash after before and after each piano tuning and following social distancing guidelines. It would seem many of the general public have gotten used to the pandemic and forgetting its dangers, but the Leeds Piano Tuner will not. If you could wipe down your pianos keys before the piano tuning visit, that would also be appreciated.

– Piano Tuner Leeds