Tuning & Repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read this section carefully before contacting us.
What type of pianos do you tune?
We service acoustic pianos: uprights and grands. We cannot help you to repair an electric piano or keyboard.
How often does a piano need tuning?
This depends on the age and condition of your piano, but if it is in good condition and being played regularly then it is good to tune it every six months (twice a year). If it is not being played regularly then it might be okay to tune it once a year. If your piano has just arrived in the country or has recently been moved to a new location, it will probably need tuning.
How much does it cost to tune a piano?
A regular tuning costs FRW 65,000 for residential homes and FRW 85,000 for hotels, churches and venues. The price is the same for grand pianos and uprights. However, if your piano is very out of tune, it may require an overpull. This requires two tunings (one to bring it up to pitch, one to fine tune it). An overpull costs FRW 100,000. If your piano requires an overpull, the tuner will tell you before going ahead with this. The tuner's transport is included in the fee within Kigali. If you live outside Kigali, transport and accommodation can be discussed.
How long does it take to tune a piano?
We generally advise allowing three hours to complete tuning. This allows the tuner to assess the condition of the piano. Many of the pianos we see are quite old or have travelled a long way, and the condition of the instrument can affect how long it takes to tune. If the tuning is interrupted by rain, this may take longer as heavy rain can make it difficult to hear the piano properly.
Do I need to be in the house during the tuning?
Tuning a piano involves several hours of someone hitting piano keys over and over again. For this reason, many people prefer to go out whilst their piano is being tuned. If you do stay home, you might want to wear headphones.
How do I prepare for a tuning?
There are a few things that help to make the tuning easier:
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Choose a day and time when the house will be quiet. Loud music, televisions, radios, kids shouting and loud conversation can interfere with tuning and cause it to take longer. The quieter the house, the better.
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Please remove everything from the top of the piano before the tuner arrives, as they will need to open it to reach the tuning pins.
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You don't have to - but a cup of tea and a biscuit are always welcome :)
What happens if a string breaks?
Whenever a piano is tuned, there is always the risk that a string might break. If a string breaks, we will order a new one and fit it for you. If your piano is less than 50 years old and shows no sign of rust, we will cover the cost of this. If your piano is more than 50 years old and/or shows signs of rust on the strings, we will advise you of the risk before we start to tune. If you go ahead with the tuning and a string breaks due to the age and condition of the strings (rather than obvious tuner error), you will be liable for the cost. We can usually replace steel strings (mid-section and treble) within a fortnight in Kigali. Bass strings need to be sent to our supplier in Germany and an exact replica made for your piano. This usually isn't very expensive but can take several months for parts to arrive. We will advise you on the day if we think your instrument is at higher risk of breakage. It is then up to you if you wish to go ahead with the tuning.
What happens if there is something wrong with my piano?
Part of the tuning process involves a thorough examination of your instrument. If we find something wrong with it, we will tell you. If the damage means that the tuning cannot take place, such as a broken hammer or missing strings, we will give you a quote for repairs. Most problems with a piano happen to the action (the part with the hammers). The action can be lifted out of the piano and usually fits easily into a car. This means that many problems can be fixed at the workshop without having to bring the entire piano in. If the problems are more severe, such as a cracked soundboard or severe rust, we will clearly explain what those problems are and how much it is likely to cost for parts and labour. Many problems are inexpensive and easy to repaired, but severe issues can cost more than the piano is worth. Pianos are rare in Rwanda and therefore precious. They were built to make music, and we try to do everything in our power to keep them singing.
If you still have questions, please get in contact.