Close up of piano keys
Piano tuning in Macomb & Oakland County

Professional In-Home Piano Tuning

Precise, by-ear and by-hand piano tuning for uprights, consoles, spinets and grands, performed in your home by master technician Terry Cruce.

  • Tuning pianos since 1977
  • Perkins School graduate
  • In-home service
  • Macomb & Oakland County
Overview

Piano tuning that brings your instrument back to life

Piano tuning is the process of adjusting the tension of each string so every note sounds at the correct pitch and in harmony with the rest of the keyboard. A typical piano has more than 200 strings, and each one shifts slowly with time, playing and Michigan's seasonal humidity.

Terry has been tuning pianos across Southeast Michigan since 1977. He tunes to standard concert pitch (A440), listens carefully to unisons and octaves, and checks the overall health of the instrument on every visit.

  • Fine tuning for uprights, spinets, consoles, baby grands and grands
  • Pitch raises for pianos that have gone years without service
  • Light cleaning and inspection of keys, hammers and pedals
  • Honest recommendations, never a hard sell
Terry Cruce tuning a piano with a tuning hammer
Since 1977Perkins-trained technician
What to expect

What happens during a piano tuning visit

Terry starts by playing through the piano and asking how it is used, whether for lessons, performance or family enjoyment. He then checks the pitch. If the piano is far below standard pitch, he will explain the need for a pitch raise, which brings the tension up evenly before the fine tuning so the piano holds its tune.

A careful fine tuning

Each string is adjusted with a tuning hammer and set so it stays stable. Unisons are cleaned up so notes ring clearly, and octaves are balanced across the keyboard.

A quick health check

While the piano is open, Terry looks for sticking keys, broken strings, loose hammers and noisy pedals. Small adjustments are often handled on the spot, and anything bigger is explained clearly before any work is done.

Tip: Keep your piano away from heat registers, fireplaces and exterior doors. Steady temperature and humidity help a tuning last much longer.
Kind words

What piano owners say about Terry

I have used Terry to tune our Webber upright piano for several years now and he has always done an excellent job.

Phil Kosarek
Just a note to again thank you for the great job you did on my piano.

Kathrine C.
Just a short note to say thank you for the way my piano sounds and plays after your tuning.

Linda T.
Questions

Piano tuning FAQs

Have a question that is not answered here? Call Terry at (586) 247-9001. He is happy to talk pianos.

How often should a piano be tuned?
Most pianos should be tuned once or twice a year. Homes in Macomb and Oakland County see big humidity changes between summer and winter, so many owners schedule a tuning in spring and another in fall.
How long does a piano tuning take?
A standard tuning usually takes about an hour. Pianos that need a pitch raise or minor repairs can take longer, and Terry will let you know before he starts.
What is a pitch raise?
A pitch raise is an extra pass that brings a piano that has dropped well below standard pitch back up to the right tension before the fine tuning. It is common for pianos that have not been tuned for several years.
Do I need to tune a new or recently moved piano?
Yes. A piano needs time to settle into a new room, so it is best to have it tuned a few weeks after a move or delivery, once it has adjusted to the temperature and humidity of your home.
How much does piano tuning cost?
Cost depends on the condition of the piano and whether it needs a pitch raise. Call (586) 247-9001 and Terry will give you a straightforward quote.
Service area

In-home piano service across Macomb & Oakland County

Terry is based in Shelby Township and brings his tools to your home, church, school or studio throughout Macomb County, Oakland County and nearby Southeast Michigan communities.

Schedule your piano tuning today

Call Terry to schedule in-home piano tuning, repair or an appraisal anywhere in Macomb and Oakland County.

Mon to Fri 8 AM to 8 PM · Sat 8 AM to 1 PM · Closed Sunday