Services

Tuning | Repairs | Rebuilding | Moving | Brokering | Appraisals
Climate control | Consultation | Regulating | Piano Finder

Repairs: Major and minor. From cosmetic touch-up, sticky notes or broken strings, to replacement of a complete set of action parts and restringing. Most repairs can be done with the piano on site, although the action might have to make a trip to our workshop.

Rebuilding and reconditioning: Flynn Pianos functions as a general contractor in this area. Terry Flynn will examine the piano, assess its condition, discuss the pros and cons of resuscitation, and provide an estimate of costs.

If the customer decides to proceed with the work, the piano is moved to the rebuilding facilities of Joe Hanerfeld at Craftsman Piano, Co. in Yonkers, NY. There it can be dismantled, refinished, and reassembled with whatever replacement parts it needs. These may include a new soundboard, pin block, action, dampers and strings. In many cases the original soundboard and ivory keys will be retained. Terry Flynn will be the customer’s primary contact, keeping track of the work, inspecting the piano during the rebuilding process, arranging transportation, and doing the necessary follow-up work after delivery.

Moving: We rely on Jeff Baker of Elegance Pianos for most of our piano moving. Jeff is also a tuner and technician (as well as a writer and composer). This assures that the piano will be set up properly upon delivery, and tuned right away, if necessary. We can also arrange long-distance moves, across the country or internationally.

Climate control: This is a crucial aspect of piano maintenance that is too often ignored. Proper placement of the piano is the first concern – away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Both temperature and humidity must be kept within certain ranges and moderated in their fluctuations. This may be achieved in several ways, depending on the circumstances. For concert pianos, we sometimes recommend an off-stage piano garage/closet with climate control. For small rooms, a room humidifier is often adequate. In many cases, however, we install a Piano Life Saver System. When correctly installed and maintained, these devices achieve excellent results. We’ve been installing these for 30 years, becoming familiar with all the various models.

Regulation & voicing: Regulation includes adjustment of all action components from pedals to keyboard to dampers. Voicing is the final stage in controlling tone production. It follows regulation with the shaping of hammers, adjusting their point of contact with the strings, and manipulation of the hammers’ firmness.

Consulting: There are some questions that can be answered via a phone call or email and without charge. People often wish to know if they should consider restoring their old piano, or whether to accept a family heirloom. Another common query relates to whether it makes sense to move a piano cross country, as opposed to selling it and purchasing another. Other questions concern transportation, storage, insurance, age, place of manufacture, etc.

Piano finder: Through our domestic and international connections (including Piano Muller in Germany), we can find nearly any piano in the private, retail or wholesale markets. We can also provide essential pricing information to assist you in finding the right piano at a good price.

Appraisal: for sale, estates or insurance.

Referrals: Regional, domestic and international. If you are moving or looking to buy or maintain a piano beyond our area, we can help you find a reputable and competent piano technician and/or mover.

Brokering: If you have a piano for sale, we can advise you on pricing and marketing. Depending on the piano, it may mean writing a clear description and posting it for private sale on your area’s Craigslist.com.  Or, in the case of high-end pianos, it may mean gathering detailed information and placing it in our international high-end piano network of dealers and brokers.

Piano makes that we service: Below is a partial list.