Piano tuner needed (Greater Manchester)

[MusicGal]

Hi I wonder if anyone here can help?
I work for a charity organisation in Bolton, and we have just had a piano donated.
I have been asking for a piano for a while as I feel it's important for young people to experience the commraderie that can come from gathering round a piano, either to play it or sing along to it.

So, the reason for my post is that it is now in need of being tuned.
I've thought about attempting it myself, but I am aware that it isn't like tuning any other instrument, and requires training and skill. Which means that I'm desperately looking for someone willing to donate their skills, I'm not sure what we can offer in return, but I can try and see if there is anything we can do.

I understand its quite a big ask as we all need to pay our bills, but if someone is willing to donate their time to tuning it, then we will be forever grateful.

[Colin Nicholson]

Hi MusicGal...... welcome to the forum.

I may be able to offer some friendly advice here, and give you some general information about the "piano tuning" world.... but just advice at this stage - but what 'we' see as a "charity piano tuning"......

Many requests like this (and I get emails similar to this) - are simply ignored, and not replied. It's a bit like a complete stranger asking another complete stranger to do something for nothing! Sometimes using the word "charity" can be a get-out clause for getting a free service.... and in some cases is works.

I used to do the occasional "discount tuning" for a local community centre and they had an old clapped out piano that needed to be tuned. I also from time to time accompanied on that actual piano to help out.... however, what alot of people don't realise it that this is my actual "day job" and that my only income is tuning, repairing, playing & teaching piano. There were several organisers who gave up their free time to help out - this is great, however, at the end of the day, each and everyone of them had a full-time teaching job in a school or college!!!.... so although they did this extra work for free, (and me still playing the piano for an appitance) - in 2 weeks time, I would hear.... "I'm going to Tenerife in 2 weeks time on my holidays" .... OR, they would pull up outside the community centre in their "13 plate" new car.... and so on. So I think you know where this is going?

I dont like to step onto anyone's "turf" when it comes to offering my services - but I would suggest that if your piano is in need of a tuning, some tuners may offer a reduced price.... but not for absolutely nothing! You'll get what you pay for - a quick skim over the piano, extreme octaves not tuned - 30 mins work.... thats it!

Piano tuning is a specialised job, and all tuners here have trained hard at college to get good results and good custom. Giving away a free tuning - word would get around quickly, and its not worth the hassle.

It may be a suggestion that everyone had a "whip round" and made a collection for a piano tuner to call.... this means that you will always be able to rely on this tuner coming back to you - and save any embarrassing pleas - which can often offend. Many pianos tuners are very competitive, and offer good rates.... and a tuning normally costs in the region of £45 - £55 for about 60 - 80 minutes work.... so that's not bad compared to some companies that may charge that amount JUST for a call-out!

Yes.... everyone has to pay bills - and of course car tax, insurance, fuel costs, etc etc.. and not even a plumber would attend a leaky tap in a "charity organised" village hall.... at the end of the day, its a job that needs to be done - and everyone will reap the benefits. Your piano will also sound wonderful afterwards, and attract even more people around it for your sing-song.

There is an old saying........

"Whilst friendship & companions are very important, financial support is a necessity..

..... May we enjoy both"I

hope that helps....

Colin

[MusicGal]

Hi Colin,

Thank you for the welcome, and for your words of advice.

I am aware that when someone uses the word 'charity' it conjures up an instant barrier, one that comes from the impression of a scrounger. I have also witnessed people say things like "Please can you donate to our charity" and then drive off in a big car to their big house. It is understandable that people ignore such requests.

In the same vein, I often stay on at work voluntarily after my shift ends, doing an extra hour or two. And whilst I appreciate that it's different because I'm already employed by the organisation, I do think that there are people out there who are willing to donate their time to a cause, whether they're strangers or not. I know those people exist because Im lucky enough to meet them on a daily basis.
I didn't expect a single reply to my post, but I had to ask anyway. I had to ask on the off-chance that someone is willing to do that, and if not, maybe willing to take on the job at a lower rate.

Also, as degree holding musician I definitely know the work involved with tuning a piano, as well as the training required. it's definitely not a request I make lightly, and I apologise if anyone feels offended.

If there are any local tuners willing to discuss it further, then please contact me. I am happy to discuss anything.

Thanks again Colin for responding to my post, I have taken what you say onboard and will definitely look at alternative options.

Thank you,

MusicGal

[Barrie Heaton]

If there are any local tuners willing to discuss it further, then please contact me. I am happy to discuss anything.

You have spoken to me on the phone the other day and you know my Standard fee is
However, you could call Phill woods or Steve Holiday both live in Bolton and are members of the PTA who's Standard fee is about Half what mine is

The problem with the free piano like you have it will not just be tuning it never is

Barrie

[MusicGal]

Hi Barrie,

I remember speaking to you yesterday. With regards to that, I have yet to speak to the person who can make a decisions on the dates etc. Also, I do recall you discussing the possibility of working at a lower rate, which I greatly appreciate.

The piano has been donated by a piano tutor who had it tuned twice a year. It's also been looked over by two people who play, and one who move pianos. Thankfully the verdict is that it is in extremely good condition, and that it is rather a prize donation.

Thank you for giving me the names of those tuners.

MusicGal

[Barrie Heaton]

Hi Barrie,

I remember speaking to you yesterday. With regards to that, I have yet to speak to the person who can make a decisions on the dates etc. Also, I do recall you discussing the possibility of working at a lower rate, which I greatly appreciate.
MusicGal

Well Not quite what I said, I will tune to it to A440 I would charge you my normal fee but not charge you extra if the piano is down in pitch and it it will come up to A440 But It will be end of April before I can slot you in if you ask me to do it

Barrie

[MusicGal]

Just letting you know that the piano tuning issue is now under control, so it is okay for this topic to be deleted from the forum.

Thanks again Barrie and Colin. Your comments and advice have been helpful and insightful.

MusicGal