Piano Purchasing

consulting & piano inspections

It is important to consult with a technician before purchasing or acquiring an acoustic piano. An experienced technician can help you find a reliable piano with longevity, and can help minimize the risk of your purchase. Whether this is your first acoustic piano, or you are looking to upgrade to your dream instrument, I am committed to helping you find a quality instrument that fits your needs.

Consulting

Customers shopping for a piano have found consultations to be a helpful starting point. During a consultation, I get to know more about your goals and needs, answer any questions you may have, and provide experienced guidance and recommendations tailored to you. I am available for consultations via phone and/or email at any point during your piano search.

Piano Technical Inspections

A technical inspection includes an assessment of the most critical components of the piano and those most prone to wear-and-tear, along with a brief, post-inspection consultation. To properly evaluate tunability, an optional complimentary tuning is offered as part of the inspection process. A written condition report with photo documentation is also available for an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which areas do you service?

We service the area denoted in green on the map below. This includes, but is not limited to: Ballantyne, Carmel, Dilworth, Matthews, Myers Park, Quail Hollow, South End, and SouthPark. Please contact us by phone at 704-593-6741 or by email at bradfantpianos@gmail.com to inquire about special accommodations.
How often do I need to have my piano tuned? Why does it go out of tune?

Generally, pianos should be tuned every 6 months, even if they are not being played regularly. Pianos on the concert stage, in recording studios, or in schools may require more frequent tuning and attention. The piano's main structure and soundboard are both made of wood, which expand and contract with climate change and humidity variation. Fluctuations in the wood net an out of tune piano. It is especially important to tune new pianos several times during their first few years to ensure that the string tension and piano structure reach a stable equilibrium. For more information about tuning, please see here.
What is a "pitch raise?"

All modern pianos are designed to be tuned and sound their best at "standard pitch," where A4=440 Hz (A above middle C vibrates at 440 cycles per second). If a piano has not been tuned for an extended period of time (over ~12 months), has been through extreme climate fluctuations, or has been moved, the overall pitch of the piano may be significantly higher or lower than standard pitch. In this situation, the piano will require a pitch adjustment or "pitch raise" to bring the piano’s combined string tension back into a normal range before a standard fine tuning can be performed. A pitch raise and fine tuning are typically performed in the same service appointment, but in very extreme cases, where multiple pitch raises are necessary, a second appointment may be necessary. The need for a pitch raise cannot be determined without assessing the piano in person. For more information about pitch raises, please see here.
I'm moving. How can I move my piano safely and when should I have it tuned?

Moving your piano shouldn't be stressful and you most definitely should not attempt to move it yourself. Hire an insured piano mover, not just any mover! The piano is a fragile instrument and permanent damage can easily be done by an inexperienced mover. Please feel free to reach out if you would like a referral. It's generally recommended to wait about one month after your move to tune the piano, allowing it to acclimate to the new location. This will net a more stable tuning than had it been tuned immediately.
Do you repair digital pianos and keyboards?

We do not service or repair digital pianos/keyboards, and recommend contacting your instrument's manufacturer for a referral to a certified service center: Alesis Casio Kawai Korg Roland Yamaha
What is a RPT (Registered Piano Technician)?

The Piano Technicians Guild is a nonprofit organization that regulates the trade of piano technology. A RPT is a piano technician who has undergone and passed tuning, technical, and written exams according the the Piano Technicians Guild standards. The Registered Piano Technician certification is the only official guild certification for piano technicians in the United States. For more information about Registered Piano Technicians, please see here.
What type of payments do you accept?

Accepted forms of payment include: paper check, cash, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, and all major credit and debit cards. For more information about payments, please see here.