Frequently Asked
Questions

A standard piano tuning is $200. If your piano has gone more than two years without tuning, a pitch raise will likely be required first — that adds $125, bringing the total to $325. Davis will assess this during the visit and let you know before any additional work begins.

The standard recommendation is twice a year — typically in spring and fall, when South Carolina's seasonal humidity shifts put the most stress on tuning stability. This applies to most home pianos.

There are exceptions:

• New pianos — three to four tunings in the first year as strings stretch and settle
• Teaching studios — three to four per year minimum, sometimes more
• Church pianos — at least twice a year; more if used heavily
• Rarely played pianos — still need tuning twice a year; wood still moves with humidity

A pitch raise is a preliminary tuning pass performed when a piano has drifted significantly below A440 — the standard concert pitch. When a piano is that far out of tune, a single fine tuning can't hold because raising individual strings changes the tension across the whole instrument, throwing other strings off as you go.

A pitch raise brings the entire piano up to the correct pitch range first. Then a standard fine tuning is performed. If your piano hasn't been tuned in two or more years, there's a good chance one is needed. Davis will determine this when he arrives.

Yes — but not immediately. Moving a piano disrupts its tuning, but the instrument needs time to settle into its new environment before a tuning will hold well. A good rule of thumb is to wait two to four weeks after a move before scheduling a tuning. This gives the wood time to adjust to the new humidity and temperature levels in its new location.

The most common cause is humidity fluctuation. South Carolina's climate swings between high summer humidity and dry winter air. The piano's soundboard and bridges swell and contract with these changes, which directly affects string tension and pitch. This is why pianos in SC need tuning at least twice a year, and why a Dampp-Chaser humidity control system makes such a significant difference in tuning stability.

Other causes include: loose tuning pins (especially in older pianos), new strings that haven't fully stretched, or a piano that was severely out of tune and needed time to stabilize after a pitch raise.

If your piano goes noticeably out of tune within weeks of being tuned, contact us — that's worth investigating.

A standard tuning typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. If a pitch raise is needed, add another 30 to 45 minutes. Davis also does a brief inspection of the instrument during every visit, so plan for up to two hours if it's been a while since the piano was last serviced.

Almost certainly not. Even pianos that have gone ten or twenty years without tuning can usually be brought back to playable condition, though it may take more than one visit. A pitch raise (or two, in severe cases) will be needed first, followed by a standard fine tuning.

The risk with long-neglected pianos is that structural damage — loose pins, cracked bridges, or soundboard issues — may also be present. Davis will inspect and give you an honest assessment of what the piano needs and whether the investment makes sense given the instrument's value.

Regulation is the adjustment of the mechanical action — the system of levers, hammers, springs, and dampers that connect the keys to the strings. These components are set to precise specifications at the factory, but they drift over years of use and humidity cycling.

Signs you may need regulation:

• Keys feel uneven — some heavier or lighter than others
• Notes don't repeat quickly when you play fast passages
• Difficulty playing softly or controlling dynamics
• Keys that stick or return slowly
• The piano just "doesn't feel right" even after a fresh tuning

Most pianos benefit from at least basic regulation every five to ten years. Basic in-home regulation starts at $300–$600. A full shop regulation is $900–$2,200.

Voicing adjusts the tone of the piano by treating the hammer felt. Hammers that have been played heavily develop deep grooves where they strike the strings, making them denser and harder at the contact point. This produces a harsh, bright, or "tinny" tone.

Voicing can soften an overly bright tone by needling the hammer felt to restore resilience, or harden a dull tone by applying a hardening compound. It's one of the most cost-effective improvements for a piano that sounds harsh despite being in tune. Voicing starts at $120–$200.

A deep cleaning covers the interior of the piano — removing accumulated dust, debris, and buildup from the strings, soundboard, action components, and case interior. It also includes cleaning the keys (tops and sides) and polishing the cabinet if requested.

This is different from the light cleaning included with every standard tuning visit. A deep cleaning is particularly valuable for pianos that have gone years without service, inherited instruments, or pianos in homes with pets or significant dust exposure. Deep cleaning is $125.

The New Owner's Package is a comprehensive first-service bundle designed for people who have recently acquired a piano — whether new, used, or inherited. It includes tuning, pitch raise (if needed), basic regulation assessment and adjustments, deep cleaning, humidity evaluation, and a written summary of the instrument's current condition and recommended next steps.

Starting at $1,000, it bundles services that would cost up to $500 more if scheduled separately. It's the recommended starting point for any piano that hasn't had professional service in the past year.

Yes. Common repairs Davis handles include:

• Sticky or broken keys
• Broken or worn hammer heads
• Damper and pedal repairs
• Broken strings (string replacement)
• Loose or worn key bushings
• Squeaking pedals and pedal mechanism adjustments
• Minor cabinet and fallboard repairs

Major repairs requiring shop equipment — such as complete action rebuilds, pin block replacement, or soundboard repair — are assessed on-site and quoted before any work is arranged.

Yes. A piano appraisal is $125 and provides a written assessment of the instrument's current condition, estimated fair market value, and recommended service priorities. The $125 appraisal fee is credited toward any service work booked within two weeks of the appraisal.

Appraisals are useful for: selling or buying a used piano, insurance purposes, estate settlements, and deciding whether a piano is worth restoring.

Davis comes to you for all standard services — tuning, pitch raise, regulation, voicing, cleaning, damper work, pedal repairs, and Dampp-Chaser installation. There is no need to move your piano.

Certain major repairs requiring specialized shop equipment may need to be done off-site. Davis will clearly advise you if that's the case and arrange logistics before any piano is moved.

South Carolina's climate creates some of the most challenging conditions for piano wood in the country. Summer relative humidity regularly exceeds 80% in many Upstate homes. Winter heating can drop that below 25%. That's a swing of 55 points or more — repeated every year.

Piano wood responds to every change in humidity by expanding and contracting. The soundboard swells and flattens. Bridges shift. Tuning pins loosen in their holes. Glue joints stress and crack. Over years, this leads to:

• Tuning instability — pianos that won't stay in tune
• Loose tuning pins and a deteriorating pin block
• Cracked soundboards and bridge failures
• Action components that stick, swell, or lose their precise fit
• Shortened instrument lifespan

A Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver system eliminates this problem entirely by maintaining stable humidity inside the piano year-round.

The Piano Life Saver system by Dampp-Chaser is installed inside the piano itself — not in the room. It consists of three components that work together to maintain approximately 45% relative humidity at the instrument regardless of what the room's humidity is doing:

• Humidistat — monitors the internal humidity level
• Humidifier — adds moisture when the piano gets too dry
• Dehumidifier — removes moisture when it gets too humid

Because it works at the instrument level rather than the room level, it's far more effective than a whole-room humidifier or dehumidifier alone. Davis is a Certified Piano Life Saver Installer and can assess and install the right system in a single visit.

A whole-room humidifier helps and is better than nothing, but it has significant limitations compared to an in-piano system:

• Room humidity fluctuates constantly as doors open, weather changes, and people move through the space
• A room humidifier addresses the ambient air but not the specific environment inside the piano's cabinet
• It does nothing for the dehumidification side of the problem in summer months
• Maintenance is inconsistent — people forget to refill or clean them

The Piano Life Saver system targets the piano's internal environment directly and runs automatically. For pianos in South Carolina, there is no better investment in the instrument's long-term health.

The Piano Technicians Guild and Dampp-Chaser both recommend a target of 45–70% relative humidity, with 45–50% being the ideal. At this level, piano wood is stable, tuning holds well, and mechanical components function correctly.

A basic digital hygrometer ($15–$25 at any hardware store) will show you the current humidity level in your piano room. If you're consistently above 70% or below 30%, it's time to act.

The main ongoing maintenance is adding distilled water to the humidifier tank — typically every one to two weeks during dry months, less during humid months. Davis will show you exactly how to do this during installation.

Humidifier pads should be replaced periodically (usually annually), and pad treatment solution helps keep the system clean and functioning well. All supplies are available in our shop. Davis also checks and services the system during regular tuning visits.

Yes — without exception. Used pianos can look and even sound acceptable while hiding expensive problems that are invisible to an untrained eye. A pre-purchase inspection ($125) evaluates:

• Pin block condition — can the piano hold a tuning?
• Soundboard integrity — any cracks or separation?
• String condition — rust, false beats, broken strings
• Action condition — worn hammers, broken parts, sticky keys
• Frame and case — cracks, structural damage
• Tuning stability — can it reach and hold A440?

The cost of a $125 inspection is trivial compared to the cost of discovering significant problems after you've already moved a piano into your home.

Brand matters significantly in the used piano market. As a general guide:

• Worth buying and restoring: Steinway, Baldwin, Yamaha, Kawai, Mason & Hamlin, Sohmer, Knabe (pre-1960s), Young Chang (1990s–2000s Japanese-built)
• Solid value if well-maintained: Chickering, Story & Clark, Wurlitzer (upright), Samick
• Buy with caution: Unknown off-brand imports, unbranded "student" models from big-box stores
• Almost never worth restoring: Spinet pianos (any brand) — their drop-action design limits what can be done mechanically

Age matters as much as brand. A well-maintained 40-year-old Yamaha is a better buy than a neglected 10-year-old premium instrument. A pre-purchase inspection tells you which situation you're in.

Moore Piano Services offers a consignment program where we handle the entire selling process on your behalf — listing, marketing, buyer coordination, and payment. Your piano stays at your location until sold. Commission ranges from 20–35% depending on the sale price.

If your piano is at the end of its useful life and not worth selling, the Retired Piano Program accepts instruments at no cost to you — we come to you, assess the instrument, and handle pickup and receipt.

The standard heuristic is the 50% rule: if the cost of needed repairs exceeds 50% of the piano's current fair market value in good condition, replacement is usually the more rational choice.

Brand plays a major role here. A $3,000 repair on a Steinway worth $15,000 in good condition is a clear investment. The same $3,000 repair on a mid-range instrument worth $1,500 in good condition doesn't make sense.

A piano appraisal ($125) gives you the honest number to make this decision. Davis will also give you his frank assessment of whether restoration is practical for your specific instrument.

Moore Piano Services serves a 60-mile radius from Greenwood, SC — covering all of Upstate South Carolina and the Georgia CSRA. This includes:

• Greenwood, Abbeville, McCormick, Saluda, Edgefield, Newberry counties
• Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Laurens, Union counties
• Augusta, Evans, North Augusta GA and surrounding CSRA

Not sure if you're in the service area? Ask us — if you're within a reasonable distance, we'll come to you.

Three ways:

• Online: Use the scheduling link at moorepianoservices.com/contact
• Phone or text: (864) 340-5916
• Email: info@moorepianoservices.com

Davis will confirm availability, provide an estimated arrival window, and confirm the appointment 24 hours in advance. Appointments are available Monday through Friday.

For most of the service area, travel is included in the service price. Locations at the outer edge of the service radius (particularly Augusta GA and the far reaches of Spartanburg County) may incur a small travel supplement. This will always be communicated clearly when you book.

Very little is required. A few things that help:

• Make sure the piano is accessible — nothing blocking access to the keyboard and top panel
• The room should be at its normal temperature (don't heat or cool it unusually for the visit)
• Note any specific concerns — sticky keys, buzzing notes, pedal issues — so Davis can address them
• Pets don't need to be put away, but a quiet room helps during the fine tuning

We ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling whenever possible. Last-minute cancellations (same day, less than 2 hours notice) may be subject to a $50 cancellation fee for travel already in progress. We understand that life happens — just communicate as early as you can.

Cash, check, and all major credit cards are accepted. Payment is due at the time of service. For institutional clients on annual contracts, invoicing with net-30 terms is available.

Yes. Moore Piano Services offers annual institutional service agreements for churches, schools, colleges, and organizations with four or more pianos. The contract rate is $360 per instrument per year (billed annually), which includes two scheduled tuning visits and priority scheduling throughout the year.

Organizations with additional instruments beyond the four-piano minimum receive a 10% discount on all additional services beyond the contract scope.

At minimum, twice a year — once in spring and once in fall. Churches with pianos used weekly for services, rehearsals, and events benefit from three or four tunings annually. A sanctuary piano that sounds out of tune during worship reflects poorly on the service regardless of how strong the music program is.

Many churches also benefit from a Dampp-Chaser installation, as sanctuary environments (high ceilings, inconsistent HVAC, seasonal use patterns) are particularly hard on piano stability.

Yes. Davis serves college and university music departments throughout the Upstate on institutional contracts. Campus instruments require more frequent service than home pianos due to heavy use by multiple students, and institutional contracts ensure they stay in consistent playing condition throughout the academic year.

Priority scheduling is included in all institutional contracts, ensuring that instruments are serviced before major performances, auditions, and recitals.

• Certified Piano Technician (CPT) — Piano Technician Academy, 2024
• Certified Piano Life Saver Installer — Dampp-Chaser Corporation, 2026
• Active Member — Piano Technicians Guild (PTG)
• Fully insured — General liability coverage up to $1,000,000 per occurrence
• Organ training — including work on the Wanamaker Grand Court Organ in Philadelphia, the largest fully functional pipe organ in the world
• Music Director Assistant — Greenwood ARP Church
• Performing background — Carolina Youth Symphony, the Peace Center (Greenville), Carnegie Hall (New York)

Yes. Moore Piano Services carries general liability insurance with coverage up to $1,000,000 per occurrence. This means that in the unlikely event of accidental damage or injury during a service visit, you are protected.

This is something many independent technicians do not carry. It is one of the reasons working with a professional, insured technician matters — especially when someone is entering your home and working on a valuable instrument.

Proof of insurance is available upon request for institutional clients, churches, schools, or property managers who require it before authorizing service.

Yes. Davis is an active member of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG), the leading professional organization for piano technicians in the United States. PTG membership reflects a commitment to professional standards and ongoing education in the field.

His CPT certification was earned through the Piano Technician Academy — a separate credentialing program — rather than through PTG's own certification process. Both credentials are legitimate and recognized in the industry.

Davis earned his Certified Piano Technician designation in 2024 and founded Moore Piano Services (operating as Petra Moore LLC) shortly thereafter. His background as a lifelong musician — performing since age 8 with the Carolina Youth Symphony — gives him a performer's understanding of how a piano should feel and sound, not just the technical knowledge of how it works.

Moore Piano Services stands behind every visit with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the quality of service performed, contact us within 48 hours and we will return to address any concerns at no additional charge. If the issue cannot be resolved, a full refund will be provided.

This guarantee reflects what our clients have come to expect — Davis handles every instrument as if it were his own.

Call or text Davis directly at (864) 340-5916, email info@moorepianoservices.com, or use the contact form. Questions about a specific piano, a specific situation, or anything not covered above are always welcome — and usually answered the same day.