String Sound Studios - Piano Tuning

Welcome to our Piano Tuning and Repair service we offer

All facets of Piano work including Tunings, Repairs, Appraisals, and Restorations.
Discounts on multiple tunings.
Special lesson introductory rates for new clients who use our tuning and repair service.
Advice and guidance on the purchase of new and used pianos.
Service areas include all of long Island, New York City and vicinity.

Please call our office at 631-476-8946 for more details
about tunings or repairs

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FAQ's

What are some factors that may Cause a Piano to go out of Tune?

The most likely culprit would be changes in the weather or seasons. Variations from hot to cold or wet to dry cause materials to swell and contract. In the cooler months, dryness will tend to lower the pitch (go flat). The opposite is true of warmer months when we have humidity and moisture. This tends to raise the pitch of a piano or make it go sharp. For this reason, it is very important to have your piano tuned at least twice a year.

What does the Piano Tuning process involve? Why is this a difficult task?

With enough pressure to lift a house (more than 200 strings and 18,000-25,000lbs of tension), tuning a piano is no simple task. The strings are stretched across a cast-iron harp and attached to a hitch pin at one end, while the other end is coiled around a tuning pin. The tuning process involves adjusting each pin by use of a special wrench. This ensures that the acoustic and harmonic properties of music are tuned according to what we know will be aesthetically pleasing to the ear. Attention and sensitivity to detail is absolutely necessary and requires a good amount of time and patience.

Are there ways to enhance the environment in which a piano exists?

Pianos function best under conditions that are not too wet, dry, hot or cold. A temperature ranging from about 65 to 75 F and a relative humidity that ranges from 35% to 55% are generally good conditions for a piano. Keeping your piano away from windows, heating systems, ducts, and baseboards will create a more positive environment for your piano. Using an air conditioner in summer months and adding a humidifier to your heating system will also prove beneficial for your piano.

Besides a tuning are there any other somewhat frequent adjustments or maintenance procedures a Piano may need?

Regulation is the process of adjusting certain internal parts of the piano so it remains responsive to every nuance of a pianist touch.

Because tone changes as felt hammers wear, maintenance is required in order for the piano to produce the widest dynamic range. This procedure is called Voicing the hammers and similar to Regulation it may be repeated many times throughout the life of a piano.

What do I use to clean or polish my Piano?

We recommend using a damp cotton cloth on the case. You may also consult the manufacturer as to what type of polish they recommend. Avoid aerosol sprays and any polish that contains silicone.

Into jammin? Got performin in your soul? We do!
Learn to play in a live band situation for a variety of instruments. We offer Rock, Jazz and Blues Ensembles at our Setauket studio. Learn the styles of B.B. King, Led Zeppelin, and Django Reinhardt. Or, if you like, just become part of a guitar and string ensemble. Apply those skills you learn at home by playing in shows and concerts.

Take advantage of our special pay-as-you-go plan or a 1-time payment of 40% off our regular rates.

Visit our Guitar Fretboard to the left for some more information or give us a call at 631-476-8946.

Now is the time of year to start thinking about NYSSMA.
NYSSMA stands for New York State School Music Association, which runs a statewide solo and small ensemble festival every year. The festival occurs between March and June. The specific date or dates depend on the region you reside in and/or the school district your child attends.

Starting in first grade, students may prepare one (or more, depending on level requirements) pieces to perform in front of a judge, and receive a score either out of 28 (levels I through IV) or 100 (levels V and VI). As you can see, there are six levels, and your String Sounds instructor can assess which level is appropriate. Regardless of level, pieces must be chosen from a list presented in the NYSSMA manual (current edition: XXIX). Your child’s school music program should own a copy of this manual, and we also have a copy here at the studio. Students must also prepare scales for each level, and must perform sightreading in the judging. Your instructor should be aware of these requirements, and can prepare their students accordingly.

Participation is not mandatory, but we recommend it as it helps assess students’ skill levels, gives them experience playing for others, and encourages good musicianship. In order to participate, students MUST get forms from their school. Ask your child’s school music teacher or check the school’s website.

If you have any questions regarding NYSSMA, please ask your instructor, call the office 631-476-8946, or visit the official website, nyssma.org for more information.

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