Answers to Your Questions

Get answers to common questions about pianos.

antique piano

Restoring Your Piano: Worth the Cost?

Here at Clare’s Player Pianos, we understand that the decision to restore a piano goes beyond mere aesthetics—it’s about preserving a piece of history, reigniting memories, and perhaps even investing in the future of music in your home. But the burning question remains: Is restoring your piano worth the cost? The Emotional Value First and…

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piano tuning

Signs Your Piano Needs Tuning

The rich tones and smooth action of a well-tuned piano are a joy for both players and listeners. However, over time, pianos inevitably lose their perfect pitch, resulting in a less enjoyable playing experience. But how do you know when it’s time to call a professional piano tuner like Clare’s Player Pianos? Here are some…

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Steinway piano

PianoDisc Systems: Innovation and the Potential for Sticky Keys

Music lovers and pianists appreciate the nuances of the acoustic piano’s action—the mechanical way that keys connect with hammers and ultimately produce sound. While these instruments are wonders of engineering, they are also sensitive to environmental conditions and sometimes require careful calibration or attention from a technician. One modern addition to acoustic pianos is the…

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Piano tuner's tools

A Piano Tuner’s Tools of the Trade

In the world of piano tuning, where precision meets artistry, one method stands out for its ability to create a unique and vibrant sound: stretch tuning. This specialized technique involves stretching the piano’s strings to produce a rich and expressive tone. To achieve this intricate tuning method, professional piano tuners rely on a specific set…

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piano restoration

All About Our Piano Restoration Service

Piano restoration is a labor of love that involves skilled craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for preserving musical heritage. Antique pianos hold a special place in the world of music. They are like musical time capsules, carrying history and stories within their keys.  In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the process…

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antique piano tuning

Tuning an Antique Piano

Here at Clare’s, we get a lot of requests to tune antique pianos. We employ a special technique known as “stretch tuning” to bring out the unique character and rich tones of antique pianos. In this article, we’ll take you through our stretch tuning process. Step 1: Understanding Stretch Tuning Stretch tuning is more than…

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popular piano brands

A Guide to Popular Piano Brands

Pianos are more than just instruments; they’re windows into emotions and melodies. Finding the right piano involves a balance of craftsmanship, sound quality, and budget. In this guide, we’ll delve into well-known acoustic piano brands, dissect their unique traits, and compare prices. Additionally, we’ll introduce you to Story & Clark, a brand that brings its…

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sticky keys

What Causes Sticky Keys?

Pianos are incredible musical instruments that can touch our hearts and souls. However, even the best pianos can run into problems, and one of the most common issues is sticky keys. Today we’ll help you understand why this happens and how to make your piano play smoothly again. Why Keys Get Sticky Sticky keys can…

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Black Friday Player Installation Deal

Available in November 2023 only: 20% off our player piano conversion + bonus library with 7000 songs If you’ve wanted to turn your regular piano into a player piano, there’s no better time than now! During the month of November, we are offering a 20% discount on our installation of the Certified QRS PNOmation system. …

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