Piano Tuner Budapest
Tuning • Repairs
Voicing • Regulation
About Me - Jo Skelker
Following a music degree at the University of Cambridge and several years performing in orchestras including the Israel Camerata and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, I moved to Budapest with my Hungarian wife, where we now raise our two children.
I later trained in piano tuning and technology at the UK's Piano Technology School, and today I spend my time helping to bring out the best in people’s pianos.
My Services
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Tuning is the process of adjusting your piano’s strings to ensure each note sounds as it should. Over time, a piano naturally drifts out of tune due to changes in humidity, temperature, and simply from being played. My tuning service will bring a well-maintained piano back to concert pitch. Even if your piano has not been tuned in a long while, I will be able to improve its tuning, making it more harmonious and pleasurable to play.
Tuning
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There are thousands of moving parts in a piano and like anything else, things can break and go wrong. When this happens you may notice things such as a key sticking, a note failing to play, or a strange noise coming from somewhere. I can perform many repairs with relative ease in your home. If your piano is misbehaving, just give me a call and I’m sure we can find a way to fix it.
Repairs
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Even when a piano is perfectly in tune and fully functional, it might not sound quite the way you want it to. The tone may seem too bright, too mellow, or uneven from note to note. Furthermore, a piano’s tone will change as it ages, and you may miss its old sound. When I voice your piano, by carefully adjusting the hammers, I can work to give your piano the sound you are looking for.
Voicing
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A piano has a huge number of moving parts and for the instrument to work optimally, they must all be in the correct place. The process of adjusting these parts is called regulation and poor regulation can cause issues such as the notes failing to play correctly or reduced dynamic range. When your piano is properly regulated, you will be able to maximise your musical expression.
Regulation
Where I Work
I am happy to visit pianos anywhere in Budapest and the surrounding area.
If you’re unsure, just call or email me and we’ll see what we can arrange.
Piano Tuning Prices
My basic call-out fee is 25,000 HUF*, which includes a full tuning of your piano.
If the piano is more than 2 Hz out of tune, it will need what’s called a pitch raise, and the price starts from 35,000 HUF. The final cost depends on how far out of tune it is. In some cases, very out-of-tune instruments can’t be brought back to concert pitch in a single visit. If a second visit is needed, it’s usually charged at the basic rate (25,000 HUF).
Repair work is 15,000 HUF + VAT per hour (pro rata, minimum 20 minutes), plus the cost of any parts that may be required.
If you’re based more than about 30 minutes from the city centre by public transport, there may be a small travel charge.
*All prices exclude VAT, which is charged at 27%.
Contact Me
Call +36 30 486 0191, send an email to jo@budapestpianos.hu or click on the "Book now" button above.
Alternatively, click on the ‘Book Now’ button above to make a tuning appointment.
Piano Tuning FAQs
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Most pianos need tuning around once or twice a year, depending on how often they're played and the environment they're kept in. If your piano is used regularly or lives in a space with fluctuating temperature or humidity, more frequent tuning will be beneficial.
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Pianos go out of tune over time due to changes in humidity, temperature, and the natural stretching and settling of strings. Playing the piano also affects tuning, as the tension on the strings is constantly changing with use.
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A standard piano tuning usually takes around 90 minutes. If the piano hasn’t been tuned in a long time or needs additional work, it may take a bit longer.
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In many cases, yes. Even very old or out-of-tune pianos can often be brought back to good working condition. Sometimes this requires more than one visit or some minor repairs first, but I’ll always discuss the options with you.
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Not necessarily. If you’re playing with others, such as singers, it’s ideal to keep your piano at concert pitch (A440). However, if you’re playing for your own enjoyment at home, it may not be essential. In some cases, especially with older or neglected pianos, keeping the pitch slightly lower can reduce the risk of string breakage and avoid putting stress on the frame. I’ll always assess your piano first and advise what’s safest and most suitable.
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I can carry out many small repairs such as sticky keys, broken strings, or squeaky pedals during a tuning visit. We can discuss any repairs that may need doing ahead of my visit so that you know what to expect.
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A standard piano tuning costs 25,000 HUF. If the piano is more than 2 Hz out of tune, a pitch raise is needed, starting from 35,000 HUF. All prices exclude VAT (27%).
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Often, yes. Many pianos can be brought back to life with some loving care and attention. I’m happy to take a look and let you know what would be involved. Sometimes even small adjustments can make a big difference.
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I offer tuning, repairs, voicing and regulation. Tuning keeps your piano at the correct pitch, repairs keep everything in working order, voicing improves the tone of your piano, and regulation makes it work as efficiently and musically as possible.
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I’m based in Budapest and cover the city and surrounding areas. If you're not sure whether you're within range, just get in touch and I’ll let you know.