Hi all,

here where I live i believe most techs charge by the hour. Out of curiosity, what would you charge for a regulation of a good quality piano like, let's say, Yamaha U3? Or if you too go by the hour - what, in your experience, does the work total up to?

By regulation I mean something along the lines of the relevant chapter in the Reblitz book, without any part replacements.

Definitely no need to ask if you want to keep your fees between your customers and yourselves. I just find it interesting to get a grip of the market fees.

By the way, I also have a feel that the rates for standard tunings are higher here than in the US. Here a normal tuning averages to 130-150 USD (including VAT, excluding travelling).

The total time for regulating is dependent on the condition of the piano, and the requirements of the customer, so each case is different. To figure your hourly rate, you could take your tuning charge and divide by 2, assuming you tune a piano every two hours on the road. There is a book available that lists average labor time for just about all piano repairs. You apply your hourly rate to the time listed. I think it's available though Randy Potter.

I suggest that the rates for regulation and repairs be more than the rate for tuning. After all, tuning is about 90% of the work, while perhaps 10% of the equipment and training.

The proper value of anything is what someone else is willing to pay for it.

A regulation lasts for many years, much longer than a tuning, and is a skill that not every tuner has. It can make a dramatic difference in the enjoyment of the piano owner and their ability to create music.

I charge by the value received by the customer, not simply my hourly rate. Otherwise I could make the same income by vacuuming as regulating...

--Cy--

Patrick,

I charge by the hour, based on my 1 1/2 hour service call rate.

As Bob stated, each piano is different. Some need one function regulated, while others need everything from key leveling to damper regulation(uprights have fewer things to regulate, and thus are generally less costly than grands).

Do you have a surcharge for traveling above the arctic circle?

If the piano doesn't need a pitch raise, I will usually regulate one or two functions--if needed--at a standard 1 1/2 hour service call. When people are consistent about allowing me to take care of their piano, I make sure they are rewarded for it.

Thank you all!

Dave: I hope so - those who tune in that part of Finland should get a bronze monument in the market square of their hometown!

Same goes for those of my colleagues who teach violin to beginners.