Piano Diagnostic Service
If nothing else I can save you a lot of money when you have to go to a pro.This is a sample diagnostic report so you have an idea of what to expect for $50.00. It generally takes an hour or so to carefully inspect the interior of a stand up piano. Grand pianos take a little longer so I charge $100.00.
Diagnostic Report Sample
This is a NON-CERTIFIED piano maintenance technical report.
INSTRUMENT INFORMATION
| Field | Details |
| Make/Brand | [e.g., Steinway, Yamaha, Baldwin, Unknown] |
| Model | [e.g., Upright, Grand, Baby Grand, Spinet] |
| Serial Number | [NUMBER] |
| Year (if known) | [YEAR] |
| Estimated Age | [AGE] |
| Previous Tuning History | [e.g., Last tuned 2 years ago, Never tuned, Unknown] |
VISUAL INSPECTION RESULTS
| Component | Condition | Notes |
| Cabinet/Exterior | [] Excellent [] Good [] Fair [] Poor | Scratch/dent damage? |
| Keyboard/Keys | [] All functional [] Missing/broken: _ [] Sticking: _ | Keytop condition? |
| Soundboard | [] No cracks [] Minor crack: " [] Significant crack: " | Crown intact? |
| Bridge (Treble/Bass) | [] Secure [] Loose pins: _ [] Splitting: Yes/No | Bridge crown visible? |
| Strings | [] All intact [] Broken: _ [] Rust: None/Minor/Significant | Winding damaged? |
| Tuning Pins/Pinblock | [] Hold tension [] Spinning freely: _ [] Pinblock cracks: | Yes/No |
| Action/Hammers | [] All functional [] Missing/damaged hammers: _ [] Worn felt: None/Moderate/Severe | Sticking parts? |
| Dampers | [] All functional [] Missing/damaged: _ [] Felt worn: | None/Moderate/Severe |
| Pedals | [] All functional [] Not working: _ | Mechanism loose? |
| Internal Condition | [] Clean [] Excessive dust [] Mold/mildew: Yes/No [] Water damage: | Yes/No |
TUNING ASSESSMENT (if performed)
Current Pitch Level: [] A-440 [] Below A-440 [] Significantly below A-440
Pitch Drop (estimated): _ cents
Tuning Stability: [] Pins hold well [] Slip occasionally [] Slip frequently [] Cannot hold (pinblock failure)
Estimated Tuning Time: _ hours
Estimated Tuning Cost: $_
RECOMMENDATIONS
PRIORITY 1: CRITICAL (Safety/Structural)
Soundboard crack requires professional evaluation
Bridge separation requires immediate attention
Multiple broken strings requiring replacement
Pinblock failure (cannot hold tuning)
Other: _
PRIORITY 2: AFFECTS PLAYABILITY
Regulation needed (action adjustment)
Sticking keys requiring repair
Missing/broken keys requiring replacement
Damper issues affecting sustain
Pedal mechanism repair needed
PRIORITY 3: COSMETIC/MAINTENANCE
Regular tuning recommended
Minor voicing needed (hammer hardening)
Cleaning recommended
Lubrication needed
Cabinet touch-up recommended
COST COMPARISON
| Service Type | My Rate* | Certified Tech Rate** |
| Tuning (standard) | $140 | $150-$200 |
| Tuning (pitch correction) | $50 | $60 |
| Minor Regulation (key set) | $350 | $400-$450 |
| Voicing (hammer needling) | $300 | $350 |
| String Replacement (per string) | NOT OFFERED | $200-350 |
| Soundboard Repair | NOT OFFERED | $1,500-3,000 |
| Full Restoration | NOT OFFERED | $2,000-5,000+ |
* My rates for non-certified maintenance services
** Average certified technician rates in Saskatchewan
FINAL ASSESSMENT
OVERALL INSTRUMENT CONDITION:
EXCELLENT — Ready for regular use with minimal maintenance
GOOD — Minor issues, worth keeping and maintaining
FAIR — Multiple issues, worth restoring if sentimental/value exists
POOR — Significant issues, may not be worth restoration cost
SEVERE — Major structural problems, restoration likely not cost-effective
RECOMMENDATION:
WORTH RESTORING — Proceed with tuning/maintenance
WORTH RESTORING (sentimental) — Proceed if owner values instrument
MARGINAL — Restoration cost approaches instrument value
NOT WORTH IT — Instrument value < restoration cost
REFER TO CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN — Requires certified work (strings, cracks, etc.)
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST TO MAKE PLAYABLE:
My maintenance services: $
Certified tech (if needed): $
This diagnostic report is based on visual inspection and limited testing. It is NOT a guarantee of future performance or longevity. This report may be shared with certified technicians for further evaluation or repair quotes.
If you have a beautiful piano, but the sound isn't rising to the occasion please do not hesitate to ask about our basic $50.00 on-site diagnostic service. 45 Betts Ave, Yorkton, SK or call the land line(no txting) at 306-708-0860 or email.