Brookdale Community

I noticed while playing and tuning that there is a great deal of inconsistency in the feel of the keyboard across the range. I also noticed particular keys that were noisy either upon attack or release (or both). This is usually and often because after years of playing and use, screws loosen, pivot points become gummed up, etc.

The “corrective regulation” process involves going through each key and tightening all the screws, lubricating all the pivot points, revitalizing the felts and making any adjustments needed to make each note playable and as consistently as possible. If parts are needed, additional costs may be, but initial inspection does not indicated any broken parts (but I do not anticipate needing any parts - it’s in good condition, just needs some TLC!). Once done, as long as I am tuning your piano, all I will make any further needed adjustments without charge during the next scheduled tuning (unless it involved replacing broken parts).

Initially, I would only need access to the piano for about 30 minutes to remove and load the primary action.

The tone of the piano also has become quite bright and almost piercing. This is not uncommon after years of playing, especially one in a public space! The hammers, rather than soft and smooth as at the time of manufacture, become compacted and show grooves where the constant blows to the strings make permanent indentations. This is usually what makes a piano sound “old”. Thus, I recommend the voicing process to be done.

While the action is removed for service, the hammers will also be attended to. Each hammer will be individually serviced with a meticulous multistep process. First, the grooves are sanded down and the surface of the hammers made smooth again. Then, as determined, the felt will be revitalized with abrasives and aeration so the hammers are not only smooth, but soft as well. This results in a significant improvement in the overall tone of the instrument, and much more pleasing to play and listen to. It does not significantly affect the overall character of the piano, but takes the harsh edge off!

Each key will be removed, cleaned, and the interior of the instrument vacuumed out while the keys and action are removed, and each key returned and lubricated. After years of use, it is often surprising what will be found under the keybed of any piano that may be currently, or will eventually, affect the function of the piano! This happens when the action is returned for reinstallation and is a perfect time to do this while the piano is already disassembled.

Finally, the action will be replaced, and each note checked for functionality and final practical adjustments made.