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Does it make sense that one technician is more experience in tuning certain brands say steinway? I have a steinway M. Shall I go with a "steinway" guy for tuning?

If anyone can recommend a reputable technician around Ann Arbor, MI, I will appreciate to hear it.

Thanks,
Peng

Greetings,
There is something to be said for familiarity, but any competent tech can tune a Steinway M as well as another. There is nothing particularly atypical about the tuning of this brand, (I tune a LOT of them). The PTG web site can, at least, steer you towards techs that have at least passed technical tests. It is rare that a real piano butcher takes the time to do this, but it can happen.
Regards,

To some extent, tuning depends on the individual piano, not just the brand. A good tuner can tune just about any piano.

I live in Grand Rapids Mi. I don't travel anywhere near where you are, but I do know these two people and their reputations.

I would call Richard Bittner who lives closer to the Detroit area at 248-619-9027.

Or James Reeder who is very well known for his rebuilding work. Jim used to be a Steinway dealer for many years. Not sure if he still is or not? He is located in Lansing Mi at 517-886-9447. Either one of those two are excellent technicians.

Speaking as somewhat of a hobbyist/DIY tuner, I’ve found that the higher quality pianos I’ve owned are easier to tune than the lesser quality pianos I’ve owned. Following that logic, a tuner with less skill may be able to tune a higher quality piano better than one of lesser quality.

Of course, no piano is easy to tune… (for me at least )

Rick

As Ed correctly states, "any competent tech can tune a Steinway M as well as another". Operative word here is "competent". Steinways are more difficult to tune than many other pianos, for a number of reasons. But competency in piano tuner terms means familiarity and experience with lots of different scenarios and brands, which would include working on Steinways.

Thanks all for your input!

I know both of these gentlemen - and I am NOWHERE near Mi. I think you could do well with either man.

I did not know that Jim Reeder was ever a Steinway dealer but I understand he does a nice rebuilding job. I have never personally seen his work though.