General Discussion

Alex Peppe learned the trade of piano tuning and repair from his father, Eric Peppe, and subsequently began tuning under his father’s supervision. He also worked as the exclusive in-house piano technician at Starbird Music for six years: He tuned, regulated, and repaired a wide variety of both consignment pianos and new floor models, and was able to begin exploring the tremendous variety of pianos here in Maine. He learned the value of listening and asking questions from Starbird’s legendary salesman, John Nickerson.

Alex is now an independent tuner/technician, operating throughout the Southern Maine region. He enjoys getting to meet a wide variety of incredible people, their pianos, and their pets. His main goals are to provide a customer service experience that is exceptional, and for his customers to always feel their piano got more care and attention than they paid for.

Alex lives with his wife Kati and his step-daughter Saoirse, on their farm sanctuary with their many animals. You can also check out their recipe blog, Plant-Based and Practical. And of course, you can also see a gallery of the goats and other animals that live with them.

You can read about his wife’s business, Diamond K9 Dog Training, or check out the Diamond K9 Facebook Page.

Aside from piano tuning, I offer the following services:

Evaluation

I strongly recommend getting all used pianos evaluated before purchasing. It is very discouraging to get a piano—especially a “free” piano which still costs hundreds of dollars to move—only to discover that it is, in fact, not able to be tuned.

If you are interested in looking up the age of your piano, many can be found online at Bluebook of Pianos. All you will need is your serial number and the piano’s make. The serial number is usually visible near the tuning pins (under the lid on an upright).

Appraisal

After evaluating a piano, I can give you a formal document with a monetary value. This is useful if you are selling a piano, or if you require documentation for insurance or tax purposes. I will also determine the value of damage to a piano.

Regulation

As pianos age, they undergo many changes: Felt and cloth compact, wood changes shape, and glue weakens. This can cause many different feelings and sounds:

• Keys can stick or feel “slow”
• Keys can have “lost motion,” which creates an unresponsive, gummy feeling
• Keys can feel like they’re tight and “bounce”
• Keys can wiggle and feel loose
• Keys can become visually uneven
• Hammers can hit multiple notes
• Certain keys can make clacking sounds

A degree of regulation is included with a standard tuning; however, if a piano requires a lot of regulation in multiple areas, or if the regulation actually requires more serious repairs, there may be additional costs.

More Significant Repairs

Some piano issues require more than regulation.

• Pianos can emit mysterious buzzes
• Pedals can stick, clank or not work
• Strings can break
• Keys can fail to play at all

If the repair is quick and straight-forward, it is often included in a basic tuning. Otherwise, more complicated or extensive repairs can be made at an hourly rate.

Major repairs that require a shop—such as major rebuilding where the piano needs to be tipped or lifted—are referred to piano rebuilders in the area. I do not refinish pianos. Refinishing is a woodworker’s craft. Some rebuilders do refinish pianos, but many do not and refer that business to local woodworkers.

Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System® installation

In many spaces, it’s difficult to regulate humidity to the degree necessary to protect your piano. For some people, the time and effort required might be unreasonable, and in some settings it might not be possible. A Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System® will protect your piano from both humid summers and dry winters, and is capable of responding in real-time to the drastic changes that are an almost daily occurrence here in Maine. The only maintenance necessary is filling the humidifier, which needs to be done roughly every other week, and the periodic replacement of wicks (usually annually).

I’m registered with Dampp-Chaser as an installer, and maintain nearly 100 systems throughout the state. Every time I tune your piano, I’ll inspect the condition of the Dampp-Chaser wicks and replace them if necessary. I provide both the inspection and replacement as a complimentary part of my service.

See the Dampp-Chaser FAQs for more information, or the Price List for approximate prices.

Voicing Hammers

The component of the action that strikes the string is called the hammer. As a piano ages and is played, the hammers becomes stiffer and more grooved. These hammers can be filed or needled to produce a softer sound. Sometimes, one particular hammer will become more hard or soft, making one note sound different from all the others. These hammers can be softened or hardened to make them sound more consistent with the rest of the piano. Sometimes hammers also move, causing a softer part of the hammers—one that hasn’t been grooved by years of use—to strike the keys and produce a very different tone.

Cleaning

If a piano has been stored or has been exposed to very high humidity, smoke, or mice for a prolonged period, it may require cleaning for optimal performance. Dirt and mold can change the sound and feeling of a piano and cause keys to feel “sticky.” Generally, this includes vacuuming all components and using an air compressor to remove dirt from between and under the keys and inside the action. This is not for restoration, but for playability.

Benches, covers, and other parts

I can order any parts and piano accessories for you and bring them to our tuning. For a full menu of available items, see the Schaff Piano Supply catalog.

Travel

I will not charge travel for any piano within an hour of Portland, Maine. I am willing to travel farther, although I will sometimes charge for considerable distances and trips to islands if there aren’t enough other customers in the area. If you are dramatically outside my area, see my Resources page for other technicians.

Discounts

I offer discounts to regular customers, schools, churches, retirees, nonprofits, and home-schooling families. I also have special deals for piano teachers.

Return Policy

“Can I put my name on it?” When I finish working on your piano, I’ll leave a signed card on it: This represents that I believe I’ve done my best work, and that I’m pleased to put my name to it. If you have any problems with the piano at all, whether in terms of tuning or mechanical issues that you feel I’ve overlooked, let me know. I guarantee all of my work completely.

Other Policies

Please pay at time of service. I prefer to be paid by check, but I accept debit/credit card payments through PayPal.

Price information is as of January 2023, and is subject to change.

As a professional piano tuner, I’ve had the privilege for several years of working at some the most beautiful music venues. Cadenza is nestled right in the heart of Freeport at 5 Depot St, and this venue attracts music lovers who come to enjoy live performances and the beauty of its Yamaha C7 grand piano.

From classical concerts to jazz nights, the musicians who grace its stage are some of the most talented and passionate. The piano itself is a magnificent instrument, and has been a centerpiece of the venue for many years. They take wonderful care of it. I have spent many hours tuning and caring for this beautiful instrument, and it’s well-loved by the performers who play on it.

Whether you are a music lover or simply appreciate the finer things in life, this venue and its piano are not to be missed. I highly recommend taking the time to visit and experience the magic of live music and the beauty of this magnificent instrument.

Here’s what they have coming up next.

Photo courtesy the Cadenza website and gallery.