Measure the note (the A above middle C) with a simple phone tuning app. Free Iphone tuning apps include Panotuner and Tracetuner. Android apps include Datuner Lite and Gstrings If the note is close to A440 (meaning the dial is close to the A) the piano probably only needs a standard tuning. If the note is 20% or 20 cents or more away from the note (around 1/4 of the way towards another note) then the piano will probably need a pitch adjustment. If the tuning app shows an entirely different note (other than A) then the piano is extremely out of tune. In this case your piano will need to be evaluated by our technician.
Our Services
At Handlin Piano, we offer a wide range of services to meet all of your piano needs. From professional tuning and repairs to consultation and local music connections, we are your go-to source for all things piano in Bryan & College Station. Contact us by phone or text if you have any questions about the services we offer. Let us help you keep your piano in top condition and connect you with the local music community.
OUR SERVICES
Piano Tuning
Our expert technicians provide precision piano tuning services using the latest technology. Whether you need a standard tuning or a pitch raise for a severely out-of-tune instrument, we have the skills and equipment to restore your piano's sound to perfection. We recommend annual tuning for most home pianos, with more frequent service for instruments in professional settings or frequently used pianos.
Moving & Storage
We specialize in the safe transport and storage of pianos and other musical instruments. Our climate and humidity-controlled facilities are suitable for both long-term and short-term storage. Our team of experienced movers use specialized equipment and techniques, rather than brute force, to ensure that your piano or other instrument is handled with care. We only use our own trusted family members to move your valuable belongings.
Repair & Maintenance
We have extensive experience in restoring instruments with insect and rodent damage – as well as damage from smoke, water, and mold. From the simplest repair and regulation to something more complex – we can solve your piano problems. In addition, if your piano requires complete rebuilding we can help you locate the finest rebuilders in the United States and help you arrange shipment.
Evaluation & Consultation
Our team of experienced professionals offers a wide range of consultation and evaluation services for pianos. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a piano, or need a formal written evaluation for insurance or donation purposes, we can help. We also offer assistance in locating rebuilding and restoration services for heirloom instruments, as well as consultation for event planning and preparation.
Piano Sales & Purchasing
Looking to buy or sell a piano? We provide expert advice and assistance throughout the process. Our team can help you evaluate pianos before purchase, negotiate fair prices, and find the perfect instrument for your needs and budget. With our extensive knowledge of piano brands, models, and market values, we ensure you make informed decisions whether buying new, used, or selling your current instrument.
Local Music Connections
As active members of the Bryan & College Station musical community, we maintain an extensive network of local connections. We can recommend talented pianists for events, qualified music teachers for students of all ages and levels, and music therapists for therapeutic needs. Whether you're planning a special event, seeking music education, or need professional musicians, we can connect you with trusted local talent.
PIANO Services – FAQ
How often should my piano be tuned?
A yearly tuning is sufficient for most amateur pianists. Churches, institutions, and more advanced pianists require more frequent tunings at six month or more frequent intervals.
Can I tune and move my piano on the same day?
Generally, it's best practice to let the piano acclimate to its surroundings and wait at least 5 days before tuning. If a piano is being moved from another area where the humidity is very different a longer wait may be required.
I have an antique upright, what should I do with it?
Like a very old car, a very old piano may need very extensive work in order to function as a musical instrument. Antique instruments should generally be avoided unless they have been rebuilt or they are in exceptionally good condition for their age.
Can I tune my own piano? I tune my other instruments?
There are about 220 strings in a piano. Each string must be tuned individually. The strings are at a higher tension and only require very small, controlled movements in order to bring them into pitch. This skill requires a lot of time and effort to learn. While it may be possible for an amateur to tune a piano (we all started as amateurs) it generally takes a very long time, 6-8 hours, to complete your first tuning, with generally poor results. You also risk breaking a damaging a string in you unknowingly overtighten it. If you are interested in piano tuning we can teach you! Call or text for more information.
How do you help with piano purchases?
We can accompany you to evaluate potential piano purchases, providing expert assessment of the instrument's condition, value, and potential maintenance needs. For online purchases, we can review listings and help you ask the right questions. We also have connections with reputable dealers and can help negotiate fair prices whether you're buying or selling.
Piano Tuning & Expertise
A Unique Blend of Artistry & Precision
Mr. Handlin, owner and lead technician, is not only a seasoned piano tuner but also a passionate musician and composer. With over thirty years of experience, he brings a rare combination of musical sensitivity and technical mastery to every tuning.
As a self-taught pianist known for his improvisational style, Mr. Handlin understands the nuances of piano sound from both a player's and a technician's perspective. He is currently developing Viper Tuner, his own advanced piano tuning software, and has invented several custom tuning methods and temperaments.
Employing a hybrid approach—combining aural and machine-assisted techniques—he ensures each piano is tuned to its fullest potential. His expertise is recognized by his membership in both the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) and the Master Piano Technicians (MPT) Guild.
For a truly refined tuning experience, trust Handlin Piano's blend of tradition, innovation, and artistry.
Want to learn more about the art and science of piano tuning? Read our blog on piano tuning.
Piano Moving with Care & Innovation
Setting the Standard for Safe Piano Moving
At Handlin Piano, we currently employ the Moondog Tilter and a custom-made Grand Chariot—the best equipment available in the piano moving market today. These tools allow us to move, tilt, and secure your piano with unmatched safety and precision.
Looking to the future, we are actively developing new, industry-leading equipment in collaboration with two Texas A&M engineers. Our goal is to set a new standard for piano moving, using advanced materials, innovative techniques, and high-tech approaches to make the process even safer for both the instrument and the movers. Prototypes are in development, and we are excited to help move the industry forward.
Unlike many movers, Handlin Piano never uses outside labor. Only trusted family members—each with extensive experience—handle your instrument. We move one piano at a time, never on a route, minimizing exposure to the elements and reducing risk.
Our expertise is proven: we've repaired many instruments damaged by other movers, both local and national. When you choose Handlin Piano, you're choosing a team that values your piano's safety as much as you do.
Piano Consultation & Advocacy
Expert Guidance for Every Piano Journey
Whether you are searching for your first piano or looking to sell a cherished instrument, Mr. Handlin offers trusted, experienced advice at every step. With a discerning eye for quality and value, he sources pianos from auctions, estate sales, and private listings—helping clients discover hidden gems and avoid costly mistakes.
From securing concert grand pianos in excellent condition for under $2,000, to finding free pianos for families with limited budgets, Mr. Handlin is dedicated to making music accessible. Each year, Handlin Piano donates several pianos to local families, charging only for moving and tuning, and often regifts donated instruments to spread the joy of music throughout the community.
For those navigating insurance claims, Mr. Handlin is a skilled advocate—helping clients recover substantial reimbursements for pianos damaged by water, fire, storms, or accidents. He has worked alongside restoration professionals, such as Servpro, to ensure instruments are safely stored and expertly restored after disaster strikes.
Let our experience work for you. Whether you're buying, selling, or restoring a piano, Handlin Piano is here to guide you with integrity and care.
Piano Repair & Restoration
A Lifetime of Piano Repair Experience
Mr. Handlin repaired his first piano at the age of 16. Eager to learn, he began attending Piano Technicians Guild meetings in Wichita, where many seasoned technicians were delighted to mentor a young enthusiast. He also sought mentorship with the piano technician at Wichita State University before graduating high school, and later worked at the renowned Player Piano Company in Wichita, Kansas. There, he gained hands-on experience with a wide variety of instruments in all conditions.
His passion for piano restoration has taken him around the world. While living in China, he frequented Shanghai's famous Fenyang Road—nicknamed the "street of music" in the Hongkou district—home to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and a vibrant community of performers and instrument shops. There, he learned advanced restoration techniques for Yamaha pianos and built friendships with local technicians, bridging language barriers with a shared love of music. He has toured piano factories in China and has corresponded with technicians from Germany, China, Mexico, and the United States.
Throughout his career, Mr. Handlin has benefited from the guidance of many mentors and has received instruction from master technicians across the globe. He previously operated a full piano restoration shop, and today offers restoration and repair services on a limited basis, depending on availability.
If you have a cherished instrument in need of expert care, Handlin Piano brings decades of experience and a global perspective to every repair and restoration project.