At Austin’s Piano Service, we know that regular maintenance is the secret to keeping a piano in excellent condition. Recently, I had the pleasure of fine-tuning a 1972 Wurlitzer console piano in Maplewood, NJ—a familiar friend that I service every six months. Thanks to its consistent care, this older piano has reached a state of […]
Read moreA piano is more than an instrument—it’s often a centerpiece of a home, steeped in history and sentiment. Recently, Austin’s Piano Service had the privilege of repairing a piano bench for a customer in Summit, NJ. The bench belonged to a turn-of-the-century Steinway upright piano, and ensuring that the bench matched the elegance and functionality […]
Read moreAt Austin’s Piano Service, we often come across pianos with components that reflect the materials and craftsmanship of their time. Recently, I worked on a 1958 Kohler & Campbell spinet piano in Teaneck, NJ. This charming instrument, literally found on the street by its current owner, had plastic elbow connectors that needed replacement to restore […]
Read moreVintage pianos hold a special charm, combining decades of history with beautiful craftsmanship. Recently, Austin’s Piano Service had the privilege of working on a 1968 Kohler & Campbell upright piano in Montclair, NJ. While this piano was in relatively good shape for its age, it presented some structural issues that needed attention. The Problem: Bass […]
Read morePianos are not only delicate instruments but also heavy and challenging to move. A damaged piano dolly can create serious safety concerns and lead to unintended damage to floors. Recently, Austin’s Piano Service addressed such an issue for the Irvington High School Baldwin baby grand piano. One of the wheels on their piano dolly had […]
Read moreAt Austin’s Piano Service, we specialize in bringing pianos back to life through expert repairs and meticulous craftsmanship. Recently, we had the opportunity to repair the music desk of a Cable Nelson spinet piano for a customer in Bloomfield, NJ. This project showcased the importance of precise woodworking and technical skill in maintaining the integrity […]
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At Austin’s Piano Service, we know that every detail matters when it comes to piano performance. Recently, we worked on a Nordiska console ISO 9001 (2000 model) at a private residence in Kearny, NJ. Our team performed fine tuning and regulation on the piano, enhancing its responsiveness, touch, and sound quality. The result is an […]
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Austin’s Piano Service recently had the privilege of working on a 1980 Baldwin Hatchback studio piano (serial number 240955) at a private residence in Bloomfield, NJ. This well-loved instrument underwent fine tuning, pitch correction, and a series of targeted repairs to restore its rich tone and smooth playability. The Baldwin Hatchback Studio Piano: Compact Powerhouse […]
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The sound of a well-tuned piano can fill a home with warmth and joy. Recently, Austin’s Piano Service performed a fine tuning on a Wurlitzer console piano at a private residence in Maplewood, NJ to get ready for the holidays. Known for their compact size and rich sound, Wurlitzer console pianos are a staple in […]
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At Austin’s Piano Service, we take pride in breathing new life into vintage pianos. Recently, we worked on a 1955 George Steck compact console (serial number 161427) at a private residence in Montclair, NJ. We performed several repairs and adjustments to ensure this cherished instrument could continue delivering beautiful music for years to come. The […]
Read moreA well-maintained piano is the heart of any home that values music. Recently, Austin’s Piano Service had the pleasure of working on a Hamilton H391 baby grand piano at a private residence in New Milford, NJ. This comprehensive service included fine piano tuning, lubricating jack flanges for two notes, cleaning the cast iron plate and […]
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The Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, NJ, is a hub of culture and creativity, often hosting events that pair stunning visuals with exceptional music. Recently, Austin’s Piano Service had the privilege of fine-tuning a Steinway B piano for a special event at the museum. Known for its powerful, expressive sound, this iconic piano was prepared […]
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A finely tuned piano is a gateway to timeless melodies and cherished memories. Recently, Austin’s Piano Service had the honor of performing a fine tuning on a Sohmer 34-96 upright piano at a private residence in Bergenfield, NJ. This classic 1972 instrument, identified by its serial number 188644, reflects the rich craftsmanship Sohmer pianos are […]
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A well-tuned piano is essential for creating an uplifting and harmonious worship experience. Recently, Austin’s Piano Service had the pleasure of restoring the Kimball Viennese Classic baby grand piano at the 7th Day Adventist Church of the Oranges in Orange, NJ. This involved replacing three piano wires and performing a fine tuning to ensure the […]
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The Steinway M piano is renowned for its balanced tone and elegant design, making it the perfect choice for performance venues like the historic Oakeside Mansion in Bloomfield, NJ. Recently, Austin’s Piano Service had the privilege of performing a fine tuning on this exquisite instrument to prepare it for Oakeside Mansion’s monthly concert series. Ensuring […]
Read moreEvaluating a piano can be a daunting task. When acquiring a piano there are many factors to consider. PIanos are mysterious creatures and even the most seasoned of musicians can lack a true understanding of the mechanics that lie beneath. Nonetheless, there are some basic guidelines one can follow along with identifying several red flags […]
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Pianos are more than musical instruments; they are treasured investments that require expert care to maintain their optimal performance. Recently, Austin’s Piano Service had the pleasure of working on a Baldwin baby grand piano at Irvington High School in Irvington, NJ. The school, known for its dedication to the arts, relies on this piano for […]
Read moreTier 1 Pianos: Bechstein Bluthner Bosendorfer Erard Fazioli Forster August Grotrian Hoffman (Made by Bechstein) Mason & Hamllin Sauter Schimmel Steingraeber Steinway & Sons Tier 2 Pianos: Baldwin –Acrosonic Baldwin Baldwin Hamilton (not as good) Boston Brentwood & Sons Essex Estonia Kawai Knabe Mathushek Petrof Schultze Pollman Seiler Sohmer Charles Walter Weber & Co (American) […]
Read moreI see pianos of all types, sizes, shapes, colors, old, new, pristine, beat-up, you name it. Some hold their tuning freakishly well between visits. I am always amazed by this. While other pianos can’t seem to stay in tune even during the course of my tuning visit. Why the vast discrepancy in tuning stability from […]
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Doing some philanthropy by tuning and repairing the pianos at my son’s elementary school. Music is the gift that lasts a lifetime.
Read morePiano lessons are a rite of passage for children from all walks of life. But a large majority of students just don’t stick with the lessons long term. Why is this? The number one reason I have heard over the years is, “He/she is not practicing enough so we don’t think it is justified to […]
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There are some technicians who just care about one thing: getting the piano to work with the bare minimal amount of time investment. This attitude sacrifices craftsmanship. Some think that with piano repair, craftsmanship doesn’t matter. Who cares, right? Most of these repairs are inside the piano and you can’t even see them. WRONG! Craftsmanship […]
Read moreTo quote Aristotle: “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” This is a statement that certainly rings true in the field of piano service and maintenance. To put it simply, the little things matter. The following is a list of some of the little things I do when servicing a piano for […]
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It is of the utmost importance that a piano technician give the piano a pre-tuning inspection before starting any work. Many beginning or inexperienced tuners will just go right to work without giving the piano a thorough inspection. A GRAVE mistake which could translate into disastrous results. Check the age of the piano and identify […]
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Has your piano broken a bass string? You have two options – you can ask your piano tuner to either replace the string entirely, or to splice it back together. The picture above shows how Austin’s Piano Service has used a special knot to splice a broken bass string together. What are the benefits of piano string splicing? […]
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Solutions for pianos that are subject to inconsistent humidity The piano pictured is a 5′ Baldwin baby grand from 1925. The piano is located in a New Jersey church and was not holding its tuning well. Many churches in the New York / New Jersey area have difficulty with pianos maintaining their tuning because of drastic changes […]
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Regulating the piano for Duke’s Southern Table of Newark, NJ. Duke’s is a neo-soul food restaurant with healthier versions of the standard soul food fare. They also have live music on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays for brunch. We are banishing the gremlins from this piano. Arrghh!! This problem causes a hindrance in urinating or in […]
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It takes a piano tuning specialist to tune and repair the Mason and Hamlin Screw Stringer piano. This particular beast is from 1894. What makes the Mason & Hamlin piano different from other pianos? Unlike most other pianos, which have tuning pins coming out perpendicular from the plate, the Mason & Hamlin piano strings are […]
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