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.
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Moving & Storage
We specialize in the safe transport and storage of pianos. Our climate and humidity-controlled facilities are suitable for both long-term and short-term storage. Our team uses specialized equipment and techniques to ensure your piano is handled with care.
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Repair & Maintenance
We have extensive experience restoring instruments with insect, rodent, smoke, water, and mold damage. From the simplest repair and regulation to complex rebuilding—we can solve your piano problems.
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Evaluation & Consultation
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.
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Piano Sales & Purchasing
Looking to buy or sell a piano? We provide expert advice throughout the process. Our team can help you evaluate pianos, negotiate fair prices, and find the perfect instrument for your needs and budget.
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Local Music Connections
As active members of the Bryan & College Station musical community, we can recommend talented pianists for events, qualified music teachers, and music therapists. Let us connect you with trusted local talent.
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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 more than 35 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. He has held membership in both the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG) and the Master Piano Technicians (MPT) Guild.
Want to learn more about the art and science of piano tuning? Read our blog
Piano Moving with Care & Innovation
Setting the Standard for Safe Piano Moving. We use specialized equipment—including the Moondog Tilter and a custom-made Grand Chariot—to move your piano with unmatched safety and precision. Only trusted family members handle your instrument.
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.
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.
Piano Repair & Restoration
A Lifetime of Piano Repair Experience. Mr. Handlin’s piano career now spans more than 35 years, having attempted rebuilding his first piano at 16 and volunteering at Wichita State University to assist the resident piano technician while still in his teens. He began attending Piano Technicians Guild meetings in Wichita, where many seasoned technicians were delighted to mentor a young enthusiast, and later worked at the renowned Player Piano Company in Wichita, Kansas.
His passion for piano restoration has taken him around the world. While living in China, he frequented Shanghai’s famous Fenyang Road—home to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music—where he learned advanced restoration techniques and built friendships with local technicians. He has toured piano factories in China and corresponded with technicians from Germany, China, Mexico, and the United States.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, then the piano will probably need a pitch adjustment. If the tuning app shows an entirely different note, then the piano is extremely out of tune and will need to be evaluated by our technician.
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.
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.
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.
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, it generally takes 6–8 hours to complete your first tuning, with generally poor results. You also risk breaking or damaging a string if you unknowingly overtighten it. If you are interested in piano tuning, we can teach you! Call or text for more information.
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.