Tag Archives: Bloomfield piano technician

Restoring Functionality: Music Desk Repair for a Cable Nelson Spinet Piano in Bloomfield, NJ

At 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 and usability of vintage pianos.

The Challenge: Stripped Screw Holes and Worn Veneer

The music desk of this Cable Nelson spinet piano had become unstable due to stripped screw holes and wood wear between the veneer layers. These issues not only made the desk unusable but also compromised the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the piano. Restoring this component required a creative and durable solution to ensure lasting results.

The Solution: Custom Wooden Plug with Rock Maple

To address the problem, J. Austin King, a certified Piano Technician Guild member, crafted a custom solution:

Custom Plug Creation
- Using a band saw, we created a precision wooden plug from durable rock maple. This hardwood was chosen for its strength and ability to securely hold new screw threads.
Inserting the Plug
- The custom plug was carefully inserted between the veneer layers, restoring the structural integrity of the wood and creating a solid base for the new screw hole.
Reattaching the Music Desk
- With the plug in place, a new screw hole was drilled, and the music desk was securely reattached to the piano. The repair not only restored functionality but also preserved the piano’s aesthetic appeal.

Why Professional Repairs Matter

Even small issues like stripped screw holes can significantly impact a piano’s usability and longevity. Professional repairs ensure that problems are addressed with precision and care, preserving the instrument’s structural integrity and functionality.

Trust Austin’s Piano Service for Expert Piano Repairs

At Austin’s Piano Service, we combine craftsmanship with technical expertise to provide high-quality piano repairs and maintenance. Whether you need tuning, regulation, or custom repairs like this music desk restoration, we’re here to help.

If your piano needs attention, contact Austin King today. As a proud member of the Piano Technicians Guild, I’m dedicated to ensuring every piano I service brings music and joy to its owner for years to come.

Bringing Harmony Home: Austin’s Piano Service in Maplewood, NJ

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 many homes, and this one was restored to peak performance through expert care and attention.

The Wurlitzer Console: Timeless Quality in a Compact Design

Wurlitzer console pianos are beloved for their practicality and tonal depth, making them a popular choice for families and music enthusiasts. Over time, environmental factors and regular use can cause any piano to go out of tune, impacting its sound quality. Fine tuning is essential to restore and maintain the Wurlitzer’s rich, harmonious tone.

Fine Tuning for Optimal Sound

Austin’s Piano Service approached this fine-tuning with precision, carefully adjusting the tension of each string to ensure accurate pitch and tonal balance. This process brought the Wurlitzer console back to life, enhancing its ability to deliver vibrant, resonant music for its owners and set the stage for a harmonious and memorable holiday season.

Why Regular Piano Tuning Matters

Pianos are sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and regular playing, all of which can affect their tuning stability. Fine tuning not only improves the piano’s sound but also protects it from long-term wear by ensuring its components remain properly aligned. For this Wurlitzer console in Maplewood, NJ, regular care will help it continue to bring joy to its owners for years to come.

Professional Piano Care in Maplewood, NJ

Austin’s Piano Service provides expert tuning and maintenance for pianos of all makes and models, from grand pianos to compact consoles like the Wurlitzer. Our goal is to help every piano perform at its best, whether it’s in a concert hall or a private home.

If your piano needs fine tuning or maintenance, trust the professionals at Austin’s Piano Service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us help your piano fill your home with beautiful music.

Monthly Maintenance for Peak Performance: Austin’s Piano Service at Oakeside Mansion, Bloomfield, NJ

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 consistent maintenance on this piano allows concertgoers to enjoy its full sonic potential and helps protect the venue’s investment.

The Importance of Monthly Tuning for Concert Pianos

Pianos used in regular performances experience changes in tone and tuning more quickly than those kept in private homes. Environmental factors, frequent playing, and the piano’s natural settling process can all affect its sound. Monthly fine-tuning is essential for maintaining pitch accuracy and tonal quality, especially in concert settings where listeners expect a rich, refined sound. For the Steinway M at Oakeside Mansion, Austin’s Piano Service provided an expert tuning, ensuring the piano was concert-ready for another month of performances.

A Delicate Process for a Delicate Instrument

Fine-tuning a piano of this caliber requires precision, skill, and an understanding of the piano’s unique tonal qualities. Austin’s Piano Service technicians carefully adjusted each string, ensuring harmony across every octave. This level of attention guarantees that the Steinway M performs at its peak for each concert, allowing performers to showcase their best work and giving audiences the pure, resonant sound they expect from such a prestigious instrument.

tools setup for tuning baby grand in bloomfield

Why Consistent Tuning Matters

Routine tuning not only maintains sound quality but also helps extend the life of the instrument by keeping it in proper alignment. Regular maintenance prevents more costly repairs down the line, preserving both the piano’s functionality and its value. For Oakeside Mansion, this ongoing care of their Steinway M enhances the quality of each performance, making every concert a memorable experience for patrons.

monthly tuning baby grand piano concert series NJ

Trust Austin’s Piano Service for Concert-Quality Care in Bloomfield, NJ

For venues like Oakeside Mansion in Bloomfield, NJ, Austin’s Piano Service provides expert tuning and maintenance, allowing pianos to perform at their best. Whether for a Steinway M or any other fine piano, our team brings dedication and expertise to every project. If you’re a concert venue or music enthusiast seeking top-notch piano care, contact Austin’s Piano Service today. Let us help your piano shine for every performance.

How to Evaluate a Used Piano (Novice Edition)

Evaluating 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 that can aid even the novice in making the most appropriate selection.

So let’s evaluate a piano right now. Are you ready? Here are the first steps I would take.

STEP #1

GATHER YOUR INFORMATION

What is the brand name of the piano?

Is it a known brand? Refer to piano brand guide (SEE NEXT POST FOR PIANO BRAND GUIDE). If it’s not on this list that’s a RED FLAG, but not necessarily an indictment against the piano. BUT, safe to say it warrants further investigation.

How old is the piano?

This is always an important consideration for obvious reasons. The lifespan of the average piano is about 50 years, after which point the piano can start to structurally fail. If the piano is older than 50 years, find out if any reconditioning or rebuilding work has been done on the piano. If not then this is another RED FLAG.

How do you know the age of the piano? Get the serial number and brand name. Call any reputable piano technician and they should be able to tell you the year of the piano. Pierce Piano Atlas is a great resource for those who would want to make a personal investment.

Where can I find the serial # on the piano?

Usually the serial number is found stamped on the cast Iron plate by the tuning pins. If it is a grand piano the serial number can also be found stamped on the cast iron plate struts. Serial number can be engraved on the soundboard. You may even have to blow the dust off to see! In rare instances I have found the serial number underneath the keybed by the pedal lyre assembly. On some uprights the serial number can also be found on the backframe of the piano either on a metal placard or engraved into the wood itself.

STEP #2

HOW DOES IT SOUND?

Assess the pitch of the piano

Carry a metronome with the A440 tone with you. Most newer style metronomes, not the old school pendulum, but the newer ones usually have the A-440 tone. Play A4 (A above middle C) along with the A-440 tone. Does it match? Sound the same? Or is it wildly different? If so that is a RED FLAG and means the piano has been neglected in terms of its service and maintenance.

DOES THE PIANO PLAY A SCALE???

Are there any notes on the piano that sound like two or three notes at once. These two or three strings are supposed to be tuned to the same pitch for an individual note and if they are wildly off (think honky tonk) then the piano is structurally compromised. If you play a C on the piano and the next white note D is also a C or another note and if you can’t even play a scale then likely the piano has a bad pinblock and can never be tuned in its current condition. MAJOR RED FLAG

STEP #3

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

A picture says a thousand words and so it follows that a lot can be gleaned about the piano’s condition just by looking at the piano. Is the piano scuffed up? Scratched? Dinged? This can hint that further underlying problems may exist. What are the condition of the key tops? Are they chipped? Missing? Yellowed? Cracked? Are they ivory? If so this can indicate an older instrument with potential problems. What are the condition of the hammers? If it’s a grand slide the music desk forward to see or if it’s an upright simply open the lid. Are the hammers deeply grooved? This will cause the tone to suffer. Are the hammers flat-topped? It may be time for a new set of hammers. Is there any evidence of prior string breakage? A giveaway would be older, rusty strings and a few newer, shiny bass strings. This can be a RED FLAG. Rusty strings in general can affect tone and pianos with excessively rusty strings should be avoided.

I mentioned several red flags to look for when evaluating a piano and there are certainly more red flags that could be discussed. However, I think I have covered the most basic and important red flags when evaluating a piano. If you have one or any more of the red flags listed above it is time to seriously consider a used piano alternative. Again, it is best to stick to pianos on the piano brand guide and not stray from the list. Ideally it is recommended to hire a piano technician to evaluate any used piano you may be interested in for purchase. But also it is good to arm the piano consumer with as much information as possible so they can make the best, most intelligent choice possible.

There are MORE than enough used pianos in circulation to choose from. In fact there is a glut of used pianos on the market. Many piano dealers sell used pianos in addition to new retail pianos. Used pianos can also be found on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. I always caution my customers to not purchase any piano below the $800 price point as you can enter some pretty dicey territory. If you are in the market for a used piano, I wish you the best of luck in your search. And as always feel free to reach out to me at any time with all your piano questions and piano needs.

Piano Repair: Craftsmanship Matters

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 DOES matter. A piano is a work of art and should be treated as such.

In addition to getting the piano to work it is important that the repairs are neat, tidy and aesthetically pleasing to the eye so they match the original working parts. It is a true sign of professionalism. Not to mention your reputation with other technicians. I’ve seen some real hack jobs, “butchers” as I like to call them, during my tenure of working on the various pianos I see from day to day.

Here is a photo (above) I like to give the title of “The Stringing Job From Hell”. I apologize in advance for the poor quality of the photo, but regardless, the point is evident. This particular piano was strung differently than most in that each string is individually strung to its own hitch pin, a single hitch pin loop knot, as opposed to wrapping around the hitch pin between two tuning pins. Apparently this technician did not know the single hitch pin loop and was trying to work around it… with laughable results.

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The next photo is a bass string I replaced on a 1960’s Wurlitzer spinet piano. At first it is hard to see which string I replaced (photo above), but upon closer inspection (photo below) you can tell by the shiny wire next to the duller-toned wires that it is the string on the tuning pin in the bottom center row. Notice it is the same number of coils as its neighbors and that the coils are nice and tight… like its neighbors. Also note that the tuning pin protrudes at the same length as its neighbors. Not only does this serve a pleasing aesthetic function, but it simultaneously serves a practical function.

I won’t bother to go into details of the practicality as that is not the focus of this blog post. But I will say it again once more…