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I have a JP Pramberger (JP208) grand piano (built in 2003). The piano sounds great but I was told that it could use some regulation, voicing (mostly because I prefer a slightly warmer sound) and fine tuning (I had it tuned 5 months ago). I am looking for a reputable piano technician in the LA area (I live in the San Fernando Valley) that could work on my piano to make it sound at its best. Aside from David Andersen (which is supposed to be a real guru) do you have any other recommendations based on direct experience? Thanks!

Ed Whitting

Actually there was a thread about this about two months ago which you might be able to find by searching on those two names.

Found it. Thanks! Please add to the list if you have direct experience with one or more of these piano techs in SoCal. Also, how much is the typical hourly rate for a good piano tech? Just to have an idea...

I'll vouch for Ed. Not only does he fix your piano, he will explain anything you want to know about how it works/is maintained/built etc. He probably missed his calling as an educator. Also knows or at least has met many of the professional pianists we're all familiar with, and has good stories. Was Henry Mancini's piano tech. He charged me 5 bills for installing a Dampp Chaser, but that might be a standard figure. I can't tell you how much he charges for a tuning, because I've only had one, and it was that first one that the piano store springs for.

Poli.. Can you provide link to thread of techs in so cal?

Of course. These are the names I found for now:

Ed Whitting (leading the pack
David Anderson
Richard Davenport
Teri Meredyth
Isaac Sadigursky

That pack has a number of leaders!

"Leading the pack" in terms of preferences based on a very quick review of present and previous posts. No disrespect to all other piano technicians, of course. It was just a friendly joke

My tuner/tech is:

Matthew Schreiber
AAPEX PIANO SERVICE
10734 LOUISE AVE Granada Hills, CA 91344.
(818) 360-6484

He does excellent work for very reasonable prices.

Thanks. Here is an updated list. Comments?

Ed Whitting
David Anderson
Richard Davenport
Teri Meredyth
Isaac Sadigursky
Matthew Schreiber

Are you going to audition them all? If so, then you can tell us!

Just for the record, I have used Isaac Sadigursky since 1991, and I have had him promise me that he will not retire as long as I have my Estonia.

Thanks for your testimonial. If you don't mind me asking, have you used Mr Sadigursky mostly for tuning or also for voicing, regulation and repairs? I just saw that he was named to the Piano Technicians Guild Hall of Fame...uhlala. I am glad to see that now I have plenty of good choices.

Alan Eder, RPT is in the San Fernando Valley. He is the tech at Cal Arts.

Poli, I use Mr. Sadigursky for anything. He will take out my action and keep it for a week in his shop while he lightens it, he will voice any hammer he finds necessary to adjust, he did several repairs to my old Knabe (loose lyre, broken keys), and, of course, he tunes the beast and does not leave the premises until I am absolutely satisfied. And if I should not be at home when he arrives, I just leave the key under the doormat and put Champagne and Caviar in the fridge. As Mr. Sadigursky describes it: "The old-fashioned way."

I've used Isaac Sadigursky since I got into piano a couple of years ago. Please don't call him, because I want him to always be available right away for me when I call him!

Seriously though, he's wonderful.