Offering tuning, repairs and maintenance services on acoustic upright and grand pianos.

Services

ESM currently offers the following services on acoustic upright and grand pianos.

  • A standard 88-key piano has over 220 strings, with almost every note playing two or three strings simultaneously. Piano tuning involves setting the pitch, then matching octaves, and aligning the unisons.

  • Temperature and humidity changes are very apparent in Minnesota with seasonal changes. Fluctuations in humidity can crack soundboards and weaken glue joints that hold a piano together. It’s critical to consider the placement of your piano and the humidity levels around it year-round.

    Allistair is a Certified Humidity Control System Installer, and can install a system on your piano to avoid any damage to your piano due. to these abrupt temperature changes. It’s recommended to service the system every six months.

    System installations and / or system servicing can be done during the same visit as tuning.

  • Below is a list of common repairs that ESM can service.

    • Broken Strings

    • Sticky, non-functioning, or clicking keys

    • Notes that ring out excessively.

    • Stuck or broken pedal

  • Piano maintenance is recommended every 10 years. Below are what’s included in a piano maintenance service by ESM.

    • Piano cleaning

    • String lubrication and polishing.

    • Easing of keys 

    • Reshaping hammers

    • Tightening of all binding screws

    • Lubrication of pedals

    • Cleaning of the soundboard (Grand Pianos)

  • Piano regulations refer to the adjustment of the touch (how the keys feel and respond to playing). Regulation services are recommended every 20-25 years.

  • If rust or corrosion is present in an old piano, it will require piano string lubrication prior to tuning. This helps reduce the probability any strings breaking.

    If pedals are stiff or squeaking, lubrication will address that problem.

Because each piano is unique - varying in type, size, age, quality, and more - there isn’t a standard fee for the services provided. For a personalized estimate and information on technician availability, please complete the form below with your piano details and requested services.

Get to know your Technician

Allistair Schrupp is a Piano Technician located in Big Lake, Minnesota. Her passion for music began with daily piano practice as a child.  Frustrated by out-of-tune pianos and driven by the shortage of piano technicians in her area, she pursued piano technology, and instantly fell in love with the craft.

She received her ​​Certificate of Training through the Minnesota School of Piano Technology, where she received extensive education on full piano tuning and servicing. Allistair says, “This journey has taught me to hear music in a fresh, nuanced way. I have gained a new level of admiration and respect for the craftmanship and expertise behind the instrument.”

Allistair brings a blend of musical passion and technical skill to every piano she services, ensuring it sounds as vibrant as possible for years to come. Whether working with students, performers, or enthusiasts, Allistair loves creating that “just right” sound that makes every note resonate.