At Chris Venables Pianos, our piano servicing is designed to keep your instrument singing with precision, stability, and beauty. From routine tuning to full reconditioning, we handle upright, grand, silent, Disklavier, and hybrid pianos. Based in Hampshire, we serve Ringwood, New Forest, Dorset, Wiltshire and beyond in the UK.
Minor Piano Service
Vacuum out, basic regulate, lubricate high friction areas, adjust pedals, voicing.
Medium Piano Service
Vacuum out, wipe down frame and soundboard, reshape hammers, clean action with compressor, clean key tops, lubricate high friction areas, tighten action screws, regulate, adjust pedals, voicing.
Full Piano Service
Vacuum out, wipe down frame and soundboard, reshape hammers, clean action with compressor, clean cabinet, clean key tops, scrape sides naturals and blacken sides sharps, polish and lubricate balance rail pins, size/ease balance holes, polish and lubricate capstans, lubricate high friction areas, full regulate – (including level and dip keys, repetition springs, jack height and position), travel cast space hammers, adjust pedals, voicing, unacorda voicing.
Hybrid servicing (Silent and Disklavier Self-Play Pianos)
We remove, refit, calibrate sensors and re-sync the system after regulation.
Repairs & Replacement Work
Typical jobs: repinning joint centres, string replacement, shank repair, key bushing, hammer work. For deeper work we may bring the action to our workshop, recalibrate, and re-install.
Repairs, Materials, Partial Reconditioning
Joints in the action referred to as ‘centres’ may be sluggish or overly free and require repining. String replacement, hammer shanks and flanges, action levers, replacement felts are typical repairs required and may be carried out onsite. The action and/or keyboard may be taken away to our workshop facilities for more comprehensive repairs applying to a full set such as re-centering the hammer flanges or jacks, re-felting keyframe, re-bushing keys, replacing grand hammer shank rollers, replacing damper felts, hanging new hammers. Typically we will take string height readings to replicate at our workshop bench and re-regulate here after repairs to the action and before returning to then refit to the piano and fine regulate as necessary onsite. Installing a new set of bass strings or re-stringing the top 2 sections can be carried out onsite but over a period of days.
Why Choose Venables for Piano Tuning & Servicing?
Technical excellence — Our team uses precision tools, high-grade lubricants & voicing techniques few local firms match.
Tailored care — No “one size fits all” — we match the service level to your instrument’s condition.
60+ years of piano heritage — As a family-run piano house, we live and breathe the instrument.
Full transparency — Before any repair or part replacement we’ll show options and costs.
When & Why to Get a Piano Tuned?
To compensate for environmental changes — Seasonal shifts in humidity & temperature cause the soundboard to expand or contract, altering string tension.
Frequent use or performance settings — For pianos used daily or in teaching contexts, 3–4 tunings a year may be needed.
Following moving or major repair — Always tune after relocation or internal work.
If the piano sounds “off” or uneven across registers — Early tuning helps prevent further wear.
“Most manufacturers recommend at least twice a year tuning. More frequent checks may prevent more costly repairs later.”
Why Service Matters (Long-Term Value)?
Maintains tuning stability & playability
Prevents small issues developing into costly repairs
Maximises tonal potential and consistency
Increases longevity of your piano
Piano Servicing & Tuning FAQs?
How often should I tune my piano?
For most home pianos, twice a year is a good baseline. More frequent tuning may be needed in dry / damp conditions, or for performance instruments.
Why does my piano go out of tune?
Changes in humidity and temperature cause the soundboard and strings to shift, altering tension. Also, mechanical wear in the action can affect pitch stability.
What is “regulation” and “voicing”?
Regulation refers to adjusting the mechanics so keys, hammers, dampers respond uniformly. Voicing shapes the hammer felt for consistent tone and volume.
Do I need tuning after moving my piano?
Yes. Even small shifts in position or humidity can knock it out of alignment. Always tune soon after transport.
Can you repair a broken string or a faulty key at the same time?
Yes, we’ll assess all issues during the service. Minor repairs can often be handled in the same visit; more complex ones may require workshop time.
Piano Service & Tuning Area / Locations Covered
We operate within a 50-mile radius of Ringwood, covering towns such as Christchurch, Bournemouth, Salisbury, Poole, Wimborne, New Forest, and parts of Dorset and Wiltshire. (Adjust actual zones.)
If you’re further out, contact us and we may still be able to help or refer to a trusted technician.