• macpottsmusic@gmail.com
  • 360 213 4618

Professional Piano Tuning

in the Portland Metro Area and Chelan County

Welcome

Certified Piano Tuner & Teacher

My name is Mac Potts and I am a certified piano tuner/technician based out of Chelan, WA. I provide piano tuning in the Portland Metro Area and Chelan County, and I also specialize in piano preservation and restoration.

My mission as a piano technician is to bring out the full potential of a pianos musical quality. I promise to give every piano a top quality tuning, and when I am finished, the piano will sound its absolute best. Every piano has its own full potential, and my goal in every job is to bring out that maximum potential in that particular piano.

Explore Our Services

From Tuning to Pedal Adjustments

Basic Tuning

A basic tuning is a simple musical touch up of the piano.

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Pitch Rise

A pitch raise, or in rare cases, a pitch lowering.

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Upright Regulation

Regulation is the act of adjusting the timing of the moving parts of the piano.

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Hammer Shaping

Regulation is the act of adjusting the timing of the moving parts of the piano.

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Pedal Adjustments

A simple adjustment is sometimes needed to the pedals.

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Shop Repairs

This includes major rebuilding, restringing and more.

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Pre-Purchase Evaluation

A pre-purchase evaluation of any piano before you buy.

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Pianos For Sale

At any given time we have several pianos available to purchase.

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“Mac is a tuning expert! His "making sure it's tuned" riffs made our piano swoon - it hasn't sounded or been played like that in years. Also my kids now have a renewed interest in experimental composition. Thank you Mac!.”

- Anne Koski

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Get in Touch with me

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Hours

9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Mon – Sun

Reach Out

360-213-4618
 macpottsmusic@gmail.com

Basic Tuning

$100 - 120

A basic tuning is an essential musical adjustment that restores the piano’s optimal sound quality. Regular playing and environmental changes are the main reasons a piano can go out of tune. If maintained with regular tunings—at least once a year—a basic tuning is typically sufficient to keep it in excellent condition. I will skillfully tune your piano by ear, employing specialized techniques to ensure greater precision and a longer-lasting result.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions call 360-213-4618 or email me below.


Pitch Raise

$150-200

A pitch adjustment, whether raising or, in rare cases, lowering, is required when a piano’s overall pitch is significantly flat or sharp. This process cannot be completed in a single tuning session, as the piano’s frame resists the sudden change in string tension. During the initial pass, the technician adjusts the notes to an approximate level, allowing the strings to settle and adapt. In the subsequent pass, the piano can be fine-tuned more precisely. For extreme cases, where the pitch is more than a half step flat, additional passes—especially in the upper octaves, where strings stretch the most—may be necessary. Pianos that are sharp often result from cold or highly humid conditions, while flat pianos can be due to prolonged sun exposure, extremely dry environments, increased indoor heating, or infrequent tunings. While it is acceptable for a piano to be slightly above pitch, it should never fall below standard pitch.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions call 360-213-4618 or email me below.


Upright Regulation

Minor Upright Regulation

$25

Regulation involves adjusting the intricate timing of the piano’s moving parts to ensure optimal performance. This process is especially crucial for beginning piano students, as it helps them play with ease and develop proper technique. A poorly regulated piano can lead to frustration and hinder a player’s ability to produce a full range of dynamics, potentially fostering bad habits. While a full regulation consists of many detailed adjustments, even a few key corrections can make a significant impact on the piano’s playability. Minor regulation can be added to any tuning service for an additional $25.

Capstan Adjustment for the Upright Piano

Price Varies

Adjusting the capstan screws on upright pianos ensures that the hammers respond promptly when a key is pressed. If the capstans are set too high, notes may misfire, but they are more commonly set too low. Low capstan adjustment leads to a sluggish response, where the keys move before the hammers engage, resulting in an unresponsive and inconsistent touch. This adjustment is one of the most critical for upright pianos, as low capstans can reduce playing power, forcing pianists to overexert themselves and potentially develop poor technique and frustration. Pricing for capstan adjustments varies depending on the extent of disassembly required.

Other Aspects of Upright Regulation

Price Varies

After capstan adjustments, most pianos reach a satisfactory playing condition for the average musician. However, to ensure smooth performance and prevent issues like blocked or misfiring keys, it’s important to inspect and adjust other components as needed. A complete regulation for an upright piano, which may include leveling the keys, is a meticulous and time-consuming process that sometimes requires moving the instrument to a workshop temporarily. For grand pianos, regulation is typically conducted in a workshop, as the action (the assembly of moving parts) must be removed and worked on at a bench. Full regulation for both upright and grand pianos is quoted based on the scope of the job
Here’s an improved version of the service description: — Adjusting the capstan screws on upright pianos ensures that the hammers respond promptly when a key is pressed. If the capstans are set too high, notes may misfire, but they are more commonly set too low. Low capstan adjustment leads to a sluggish response, where the keys move before the hammers engage, resulting in an unresponsive and inconsistent touch. This adjustment is one of the most critical for upright pianos, as low capstans can reduce playing power, forcing pianists to overexert themselves and potentially develop poor technique and frustration. Pricing for capstan adjustments varies depending on the extent of disassembly required.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions call 360-213-4618 or email me below.


Minor Hammer Shaping

Price Varies

Minor hammer shaping is necessary when the felt on a piano’s hammers has developed grooves from repeated contact with the strings but still maintains a relatively rounded shape. This process involves removing the piano’s action and placing it on a stable table or workbench. The hammers are carefully sanded using a screen or sheet of sandpaper until the grooves are minimally visible. Once the sanding is complete, the action is cleaned by blowing out or vacuuming any debris and then reinstalled in the piano. A minor regulation is typically performed afterward to ensure optimal performance. This service is quoted based on the specific job requirements.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions call 360-213-4618 or email me below.


Pedal Adjustments and Squeaks

Price Varies

Pedal adjustments are typically straightforward. If the pedals travel too far down before engaging, the solution is often as simple as adjusting a few screws or nuts. In cases where the pedals squeak, the issue is usually easy to identify and resolve by applying lubricant to the affected part. Pedal maintenance is generally included with any tuning, unless there are missing or damaged parts that need to be ordered or custom-made.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions call 360-213-4618 or email me below.


Major Shop Repairs

Price Varies

A basic tuning is an essential musical adjustment that restores the piano’s optimal sound quality. Regular playing and environmental changes are the main reasons a piano can go out of tune. If maintained with regular tunings—at least once a year—a basic tuning is typically sufficient to keep it in excellent condition. I will skillfully tune your piano by ear, employing specialized techniques to ensure greater precision and a longer-lasting result.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions call 360-213-4618 or email me below.


Pre-Purchase Evaluation Service

$50

While you may find pianos offered for little or no cost on Craigslist or elsewhere, many of these instruments require so much work that they’re not worth the investment, even for free. I offer pre-purchase evaluations for any piano you are considering. This service involves you picking me up in Vancouver and taking me to the location, where I will assess whether the piano is tunable and capable of being played properly. I will also provide an estimate for any necessary repairs. The evaluation fee is typically $50, which may be applied toward major repairs or the purchase of one of my pianos if needed. I pride myself on providing honest evaluations. If the piano is a good deal and in good condition, I’ll encourage you to buy it and will be happy to provide future tuning services.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions call 360-213-4618 or email me below.


Pianos For Sale

Price Varies

I offer a variety of pianos for sale, ranging from spinets and uprights to grands. As a partner in the Piano Preservation and Consignment Company, I’m proud of our exceptional selection and competitive pricing. Each piano is thoroughly serviced, and an in-home tuning is included in the purchase price, scheduled 6-12 months after delivery. We have pianos to fit every budget, and delivery options are available. I’ll be posting a link to our current inventory soon for your convenience.

To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions call 360-213-4618 or email me below.