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If you begin at the piano, you can get anywhere worth going. -
A piano sounds in tune when its strings vibrate at certain frequencies determined by musical and acoustical rules. -
There are 230 strings and 8,000 to 10,000 parts in the average piano.
Al Brown, Piano Tuner & Technician
ph. 815-699-2565
Professional piano care in northern Illinois since 1978
Serving homes, schools, churches, performance venues and pianos of every kind.
As I approached a customer's home, a young person once asked me, "Are you the piano fixer?"
Very simply, that’s what I do."
I apprenticed for a year with a piano tuner in Peru, IL, where I grew up. Mr. Wilkins was retiring after fifty years as a teacher and tuner. With five pianos in his home and studio there was ample opportunity to learn, refine and master the techniques and he soon sent me out to tune for customers. My most valuable experience is the thousands of pianos I’ve worked on in the 40+ years since then.
Nearly every piano has furthered my knowledge and understanding of the instrument.
As a member of The Piano Technician’s Guild my skills and technique continue to evolve ensuring I can take care of all your piano needs: tuning, adjustment and repair.
"Thank you for your faithful service of our piano, over the years. Your quiet presence as you go about your work has always been appreciated." -Veronica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my piano need tuning?
All musical instruments are tuned to a worldwide standard pitch so they can play together in harmony. Try a small experiment: Hook a rubber band on something solid, pull it tight and pluck it. That’s a musical note, a pitch. Pull tighter and the pitch goes up. Pianos have over 200 tightly stretched strings and, except for the cast iron plate that supports that tension, they are built mostly of wood. With humidity and temperature changes the wood expands or contracts which tightens or loosens the strings, changing the pitch and the piano goes out of tune. Even a piano that is never played with other instruments must have its strings in tune with each other to sound good. This is why you will see a solo guitarist frequently tuning his guitar. The instrument must be in tune with itself and, ultimately, the rest of the world!
How often should I have my piano tuned?
Once a year is a must, twice a year is better. Every piano is different, but with regular attention they go out of tune less. Also, each time I tune a piano I inspect the general condition of the working parts and possibly catch a small problem that could become a larger one.
How should I care for my piano?
Besides regular tuning, the very best you can do for your piano is to play it! It’s good for the piano and good for you, too!
"Al, you are the best! So good at tuning and fixing pianos. I love it!" - Matt
Get In Touch
You may reach me initially by e-mail but a phone conversation is the best way to discuss your piano service.
Please call my office phone. If I’m out tuning pianos when you call, leave a message and I’ll call you back as soon as possible.
- 815-699-2565
- [email protected]