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Our servicing aims to optimize and maintain a high level of performance for your piano. Tuning is just one aspect of comprehensive piano servicing which may also include voicing (tone adjustments), regulation, repairs, cleaning, and lubrication, touch-weight analysis and correction all the way to complete restoration.
Rates: $250.00 first hour plus (basic service appt)
$190.00 each additional hour (prorated)
If you know that the piano needs additional work such as voicing, regulation or repairs, please advise in advance so adequate time can be scheduled. If in doubt call or email to discuss.
Touch-weight Analysis: $60.00 An onsite analysis can be done upon request but please do this in advance as some special tools are required. The is a preliminary analysis (recommendations to follow) to determine overall levels, if there are problems or why you not be happy with the way the piano is performing.
Appraisals: to determine fair market value or for insurance purposes or resale are $240.00 if the piano is located within the normal service area. If not, then travel time may apply. Appraisals include a written condition report. We do not do IRS tax appraisals for donation at this time.
Piano inspections prior to purchase are based on location of the piano to be inspected. Call or email for information. Don't buy a used piano without first having it inspected!!!
Written estimates for rebuilding are charged at $180 but that amount is deducted from the overall cost of the job if we are contracted to do the work.
Finish Repair: We do not do finish repair but can refer you to those who do.
We do not work on electronic or player pianos.
Services Provided
We offer a range of services including tuning, regulating, voicing, repairs, complete rebuilding, action optimization, appraisal services, and buying guidance.
For touchweight analysis and modification, our specialty service can address any issues with your action feeling too light or heavy, or not performing to your standards. We utilize both basic Stanwood protocols and our proprietary procedures to analyze and correct touchweight problems. Feel free to contact us for more details and references if needed.
Our action rebuilding service includes a custom action analysis using our proprietary system and balancing techniques using modern component balancing methods, including smooth weighting (also known as "Stanwood protocols"). When it comes to hammer replacement, we provide custom hammer design and selection to achieve the best possible tone and touch for each instrument and player. We always prioritize high-quality parts, with most action jobs using Renner parts, although in some cases Abel parts may be more suitable. As experts in Steinway action rebuilding, we are happy to discuss all available options with you.
Additionally, we can install a few sample hammers to help you determine and select the desired tone. We understand that preferences and options vary, and we strive to accommodate your needs.
In terms of complete rebuilding and restoration, we specialize in revitalizing the belly of the piano. This includes soundboard design and replacement, restringing, pinblock installation, bridge design and layout, damper system installation, pedals and lyres, trapwork, complete scale analysis and design, as well as refinishing. Please contact us for a detailed list of what's included in all our rebuilding jobs.
We also offer sales services, piano finding assistance, brokering, pre-purchase or sale inspections, piano buying consultations, and appraisals.
As a bonus, we provide free shipping on all purchases of Jansen artist's benches.
Service Area
Serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area with limitations. Contact us for details.
To schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone or email (preferred).
Email: davidlovepianos@gmail.com (please note new email address)
Phone: 415 407 8320
Customers can ensure the best quality service by scheduling appointments when noise conflicts are minimized.
Payment
Payment is due at the time of service and is accepted in the form of cash, personal checks or Zelle. Credit cards, Venmo and Paypal are not accepted at this time.
Rebuilding and Restoration
Our rebuilding and restoration services prioritize uncompromising quality, thoroughness, and attention to detail. Each project is tailored to the specific needs of the instrument and the goals of the owner/player.
We employ modern technical methods and computer modeling to analyze scale construction and design, soundboard and rib design, action geometry, and touchweight. Our projects are engineered to achieve optimum performance. We customize hammer selections, considering both tonal and touchweight requirements.
Our objective is to unlock the highest potential of each instrument while ensuring that the provided services align with customer objectives and the instrument's value. We meticulously examine all original designs and executions to ensure that the acoustical design properties and piano details have been adequately addressed.
While we have extensive experience with vintage New York Steinway pianos, we also possess substantial expertise with both New York and Hamburg Steinway pianos, as well as various other vintage American and European pianos.
We understand the significance of restoring family heirloom pianos. Many families are hesitant to undertake full restoration projects due to perceived limited market value, despite their sentimental value. However, we believe that these instruments often possess great musical potential that should not be underestimated. With careful design and execution, these pianos can perform as well as or even surpass many of the more widely recognized name pianos. They can be restored with both musical and structural integrity to last for several more generations.
We acknowledge that complete rebuilding and restoration projects can be costly, and not everyone is ready to commit financially to address every aspect of the piano's restoration. However, significant improvements can still be made in a phased approach or by focusing on specific areas. The specific work to be undertaken and its priority will depend on the overall condition of the piano. For instance, if tonal issues arise and the strings and soundboard are in fair to good condition, hammer replacement may be the most beneficial step. Selecting and installing the proper hammer can significantly impact tone production, especially when attempts at voicing are not achieving the desired results.
Additionally, hammer replacement allows for adjustments to touchweight, offering the opportunity to customize the piano action to the player's preferences regarding weight. I am happy to discuss different options, assess the instrument to determine the best course of action and the scope of each project, provide advice based on the instrument's value and potential, and even install some hammer samples for you to compare side by side. This can be an enlightening experience that will provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision on how to proceed. However, there may be instances where replacing the piano altogether is the best choice, and we can assist in such cases as well.
Buying/Selling/Consignment/Brokering
Go to "Pianos for Sale" pages for our current inventory of available pianos.
If you are selling a piano we offer brokering services.
We do not currently consign instruments for sale.
We periodically purchase select pianos and are especially interested in older Steinway grand pianos in original condition.
References
Available upon request
Background
David Love is an accomplished Registered Piano Technician (RPT), having successfully passed the certified examinations with the Piano Technician's Guild. With over 40 years of experience in the piano technology industry, he has gained expertise in all aspects of piano design and construction, specializing in the servicing, restoration and rebuilding of vintage American and European pianos.
His personal expertise encompasses a wide range of skills, including action rebuilding and touchweight design utilizing modern component parts balancing systems (such as the Stanwood methods), inertial touchweight analysis, hammer design, selection, and matching, concert-level voicing, soundboard design, manufacturing, and installation, bridge and scale design and modification, concert preparation, and comprehensive day-to-day piano servicing.
In addition to his technical proficiency, David is a classically trained pianist who has studied under renowned teachers such as Adolph Baller, William Corbett-Jones, and Peggy Salkind. He applies his musical skill and meticulous analysis to evaluate piano performance. For many years, he served as Adolph Baller's personal and concert technician until Mr. Baller's passing in 1994.
David also provides consulting services to both institutions and individuals, offering valuable insights and expertise on various design and technical issues. His contributions to the field have been published in the Piano Technicians Journal, an esteemed international publication dedicated to piano technology. Furthermore, he conducts classes and seminars on diverse technical subjects for the trade and piano teacher's organizations.
In recognition of his expertise, David Love was invited to deliver a lecture on piano rebuilding and restoration theory and practice at the national convention of the AIARP (Associazione Italiana Accordatori Riparatori Pianoforti) held in Cavalese, Italy, in 2011.
Rates: $250.00 first hour plus (basic service appt)
$190.00 each additional hour (prorated)
If you know that the piano needs additional work such as voicing, regulation or repairs, please advise in advance so adequate time can be scheduled. If in doubt call or email to discuss.
Touch-weight Analysis: $60.00 An onsite analysis can be done upon request but please do this in advance as some special tools are required. The is a preliminary analysis (recommendations to follow) to determine overall levels, if there are problems or why you not be happy with the way the piano is performing.
Appraisals: to determine fair market value or for insurance purposes or resale are $240.00 if the piano is located within the normal service area. If not, then travel time may apply. Appraisals include a written condition report. We do not do IRS tax appraisals for donation at this time.
Piano inspections prior to purchase are based on location of the piano to be inspected. Call or email for information. Don't buy a used piano without first having it inspected!!!
Written estimates for rebuilding are charged at $180 but that amount is deducted from the overall cost of the job if we are contracted to do the work.
Finish Repair: We do not do finish repair but can refer you to those who do.
We do not work on electronic or player pianos.
Services Provided
We offer a range of services including tuning, regulating, voicing, repairs, complete rebuilding, action optimization, appraisal services, and buying guidance.
For touchweight analysis and modification, our specialty service can address any issues with your action feeling too light or heavy, or not performing to your standards. We utilize both basic Stanwood protocols and our proprietary procedures to analyze and correct touchweight problems. Feel free to contact us for more details and references if needed.
Our action rebuilding service includes a custom action analysis using our proprietary system and balancing techniques using modern component balancing methods, including smooth weighting (also known as "Stanwood protocols"). When it comes to hammer replacement, we provide custom hammer design and selection to achieve the best possible tone and touch for each instrument and player. We always prioritize high-quality parts, with most action jobs using Renner parts, although in some cases Abel parts may be more suitable. As experts in Steinway action rebuilding, we are happy to discuss all available options with you.
Additionally, we can install a few sample hammers to help you determine and select the desired tone. We understand that preferences and options vary, and we strive to accommodate your needs.
In terms of complete rebuilding and restoration, we specialize in revitalizing the belly of the piano. This includes soundboard design and replacement, restringing, pinblock installation, bridge design and layout, damper system installation, pedals and lyres, trapwork, complete scale analysis and design, as well as refinishing. Please contact us for a detailed list of what's included in all our rebuilding jobs.
We also offer sales services, piano finding assistance, brokering, pre-purchase or sale inspections, piano buying consultations, and appraisals.
As a bonus, we provide free shipping on all purchases of Jansen artist's benches.
Service Area
Serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area with limitations. Contact us for details.
To schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone or email (preferred).
Email: davidlovepianos@gmail.com (please note new email address)
Phone: 415 407 8320
Customers can ensure the best quality service by scheduling appointments when noise conflicts are minimized.
Payment
Payment is due at the time of service and is accepted in the form of cash, personal checks or Zelle. Credit cards, Venmo and Paypal are not accepted at this time.
Rebuilding and Restoration
Our rebuilding and restoration services prioritize uncompromising quality, thoroughness, and attention to detail. Each project is tailored to the specific needs of the instrument and the goals of the owner/player.
We employ modern technical methods and computer modeling to analyze scale construction and design, soundboard and rib design, action geometry, and touchweight. Our projects are engineered to achieve optimum performance. We customize hammer selections, considering both tonal and touchweight requirements.
Our objective is to unlock the highest potential of each instrument while ensuring that the provided services align with customer objectives and the instrument's value. We meticulously examine all original designs and executions to ensure that the acoustical design properties and piano details have been adequately addressed.
While we have extensive experience with vintage New York Steinway pianos, we also possess substantial expertise with both New York and Hamburg Steinway pianos, as well as various other vintage American and European pianos.
We understand the significance of restoring family heirloom pianos. Many families are hesitant to undertake full restoration projects due to perceived limited market value, despite their sentimental value. However, we believe that these instruments often possess great musical potential that should not be underestimated. With careful design and execution, these pianos can perform as well as or even surpass many of the more widely recognized name pianos. They can be restored with both musical and structural integrity to last for several more generations.
We acknowledge that complete rebuilding and restoration projects can be costly, and not everyone is ready to commit financially to address every aspect of the piano's restoration. However, significant improvements can still be made in a phased approach or by focusing on specific areas. The specific work to be undertaken and its priority will depend on the overall condition of the piano. For instance, if tonal issues arise and the strings and soundboard are in fair to good condition, hammer replacement may be the most beneficial step. Selecting and installing the proper hammer can significantly impact tone production, especially when attempts at voicing are not achieving the desired results.
Additionally, hammer replacement allows for adjustments to touchweight, offering the opportunity to customize the piano action to the player's preferences regarding weight. I am happy to discuss different options, assess the instrument to determine the best course of action and the scope of each project, provide advice based on the instrument's value and potential, and even install some hammer samples for you to compare side by side. This can be an enlightening experience that will provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision on how to proceed. However, there may be instances where replacing the piano altogether is the best choice, and we can assist in such cases as well.
Buying/Selling/Consignment/Brokering
Go to "Pianos for Sale" pages for our current inventory of available pianos.
If you are selling a piano we offer brokering services.
We do not currently consign instruments for sale.
We periodically purchase select pianos and are especially interested in older Steinway grand pianos in original condition.
References
Available upon request
Background
David Love is an accomplished Registered Piano Technician (RPT), having successfully passed the certified examinations with the Piano Technician's Guild. With over 40 years of experience in the piano technology industry, he has gained expertise in all aspects of piano design and construction, specializing in the servicing, restoration and rebuilding of vintage American and European pianos.
His personal expertise encompasses a wide range of skills, including action rebuilding and touchweight design utilizing modern component parts balancing systems (such as the Stanwood methods), inertial touchweight analysis, hammer design, selection, and matching, concert-level voicing, soundboard design, manufacturing, and installation, bridge and scale design and modification, concert preparation, and comprehensive day-to-day piano servicing.
In addition to his technical proficiency, David is a classically trained pianist who has studied under renowned teachers such as Adolph Baller, William Corbett-Jones, and Peggy Salkind. He applies his musical skill and meticulous analysis to evaluate piano performance. For many years, he served as Adolph Baller's personal and concert technician until Mr. Baller's passing in 1994.
David also provides consulting services to both institutions and individuals, offering valuable insights and expertise on various design and technical issues. His contributions to the field have been published in the Piano Technicians Journal, an esteemed international publication dedicated to piano technology. Furthermore, he conducts classes and seminars on diverse technical subjects for the trade and piano teacher's organizations.
In recognition of his expertise, David Love was invited to deliver a lecture on piano rebuilding and restoration theory and practice at the national convention of the AIARP (Associazione Italiana Accordatori Riparatori Pianoforti) held in Cavalese, Italy, in 2011.