Kevin Snodgrass
Piano Technician
Piano Technician Extraordinaire.
Serving the Charleston metropolitan area.
Active Piano Technicians Guild Member.
* Piano Tuning
* Piano Repairs
* Regulation
* Voicing
* Tone Building
* Concert Service
* Cleaning
* Consultation
* Digital Repairs
This instrument means a lot to me and I appreciate you investing in your piano and your piano playing.
Contact Info
I added more of my cat pics
Momiji
Nephews
"I want to help"
Piano Pics
My Philosophy
My best analogy of piano care is like owning a car.
You need to change the oil every six months (piano tuning).
You need to bring your car in for maintained every 10,000 miles (regulation and voicing every 10,000 hours of playing for example).
Piano care is not just about tuning the piano and I want to help keep your piano in top shape.
I want to show you what is needed for your piano and what would make playing your piano a more enjoyable experience.
Your piano should make you Want to play it.
It should entice you to practice and create music with your own hands.
Too many times I have come across pianos that have just been "tuned".
I want to show you what your instrument is capable of.
I want to teach pianists and show them the engine (action) of the piano. How this beautiful assembly of mechanisms has led to so many amazing sounds.
If you want to learn about pianos, then email me! I am happy to teach!
Being a member of the Piano Technicians Guild, I adhere to our code of ethics in which our guild stands for.
Education Resources
If you want to learn about piano technology, join our meetings! Email for more info.
Example topic here:
The Piano Technicians Guild has amazing FREE resources for everyone. Click the links below to learn more!
About Me
When I was 10, my little sister wanted to learn the piano, so my parents got her lessons. They also forced my brother and I to take lessons as well. I Hated it, of course, as 10 year olds do, but now, I cannot get away from pianos. I love the instrument.
South Carolina has been my home for nearly two decades.I graduated from SOA (School of the Arts North Charleston) back when it was a bunch of old buildings and trailers. I learned from the wonderful Debra Benson who made piano so much fun!I studied under the late Eugene Koester at Charleston Southern University after high school who made me fall more in love with playing concert music.
I've taught piano lessons on and off during and after college.
After learning how to tune and fix pianos for other people, I've come to really enjoy this alternative way of bringing music to people.
Highlight of the Month
May 2023
Someone asked me as I talked to them about their piano,
"How many degrees do you have!?" they exclaimed jokingly.
I excitedly told them a few interesting things about pianos. This question made me think about what it takes to really make it all happen. It's not just the biology, chemistry, mechanical and electrical engineering, material science, etc...When we technicians think about our work while in front of the piano, we don't always think about how cells expand when humidity rises.
We don't always use engineering graph paper to calculate the action ratios when fixing a heavy key.
We don't need to know how solenoids work for player pianos.The way I was taught how to regulate pianos for instance was to measure with a tool to get in the ballpark, but then to achieve the best action regulation for the pianist, was by feel.
April 2023
Today I learned that a piano can sound good on an initial test play, bang out a few chords and listen to the timbre, the color. Cool!
After sitting down at that same piano and playing a piece I knew well, it completely changed how I thought the piano should have sounded. It sounded "bad".
I knew I still needed to go through a fine tuning after the pitch raise, but that wasn't the issue.It was the regulation that made me think the piano sounded worse.
The piano's touch was so uneven. It was sluggish, but not only that, it was differently sluggish note to note. This is the touch weight which we as technicians try to resolve.
I have not realized how dramatic some pianos can be. Some of y'alls pianos can be moody drama queens. All pianos have some character, which is one of the many reasons I love my work.
My judgement toward pianos is based on it's potential. That is the one thing I want to bring out of your instrument.
June 2023
Charleston... It's HOT
July 2023
At the end of July, I had the opportunity to go to the National Piano Technician's Guild Convention in DC!It was amazing!It was hot!It was a lot of walking when my wife and I walked around downtown to see all the monuments!There was a lot to learn while I was there as well! Classes and classes all about pianos!This experience was one of a kind and I am ecstatic to utilize the knowledge I've learned.
August 2023
Gearing up for the new school year is a challenge for everyone this time of year. There's the increase in traffic and the sun starting to glare in your eyes as you drive home for the day. For me, it is also trying to get the schools' piano labs situated for all the students. Not only tuning pianos but repairing the digital equipment for the student keyboards.Hopefully, one day I can convince the districts to hold a technical with me and the music teachers. I want to help the teachers be able to help themselves as much as possible.Education institutions should expect to save up for maintenance on instruments about every 5 years. It depends on the instrument and situation of course. Acoustic pianos should be tuned at least twice a year at least, not including for performances and the piano moving locations.
Ideally once at the beginning of the school year and again after the "frost" at the least (we don't really get frost in Charleston, but you get what I mean).Piano teachers should expect to service their piano a little every time the piano is tuned during their once a year visit. Unless it has been 10 years...Casual pianists are kind of an exception. Your piano will go out of tune regardless if you play. The piano is made from once living material and will grow or shrink during the year. If you have a teacher keeping you in check then it might be easier to know when you will need your instrument serviced. Still get your piano tuned at least once a year.
September 2023
Back to the car analogy...
Buying a used car, you want to know how it had been maintained. That way you know what you are getting into when you spend hard earned money on something that you want to rely on. If the previous owner had been keeping up regular oil changes, rotating tires, etc...A piano is not much different. If a piano had not been tuned in years or decades there are risks involved in owning this instrument you purchased. Albeit, not as risky as driving a car. It would still hurt to know that you spent physical and mental effort getting this piano into your home.
Questions you should ask yourself:How reliable will this be for practicing piano music?How reliable is it for my kids or myself to get the most out of lessons?What are my expectations in learning piano?How long will this piano last me if I want to go beyond the basics?If I find a good deal on a piano, is it worth getting it now and putting money into repairs?
There are many questions to consider. It is almost overwhelming.Choose what questions mean the most to you and decide on the answers beforehand. Seek out consultation. It never hurts to hire a technician you trust to give a quick look at a piano.
April 2024
This blog is not something I've kept up with and will probably change where this is stored and what it's about.I've come to realize some things about myself. I notice things that would bother me as a pianist from your piano easily and I am sometimes hasty to "insult" your piano. I apologize in advance for that.
It is by no means an attack on you or your previous technicians. I want to educate and I am not by any means a good teacher. One of the many reasons I quit teaching piano lessons. Before I even sit down, there are so many things I notice that can improve the piano and your playing experience.I do want to thank everyone who sees this to know that I appreciate you investing in your piano.
May 2024
I feel like a high percentage of spinet pianos (small upright piano that come up to waist height) are more furniture than they are an instrument. There are exceptions, of course.
I have seen many grand pianos that I would consider furniture as well.
If they aren't taken care of then I can't really tune the "instrument".An instrument requires a minimum standard to be considered a piano, otherwise you're just pressing buttons.
July 2024
Update coming soon.
Kevin has been tuning my piano for many years now and he is absolutely terrific. He is always punctual and efficient but never sacrifices quality. He spends the time it takes to get it just right. He is professional and also personable. My piano always sounds infinitely better under his care. He is also wonderfully flexible and understanding of my time and needs as a voice teacher. I truly appreciate Kevin and his excellent work.
-Amy Cheifetz Billings
Please email or text to find costs for services
| ksnodpiano@gmail.com | |
| PHONE | 843-822-7296 |
For Digital Keyboards/Synths
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Seminar taught at Yamaha's headquarters in California.I've also had the chance to watch a Master Technician from Japan work on a Yamaha grand piano in Columbia, SC.
I have joked that I have 30 years of experience for only being in the profession for 10 years.
Here is why:
List of piano technician mentors:
John Eisenhart
Lowell Wakker
Eric Johnson
Joe Malecki
Ira Langlois
Ryan Ellison
Notable training:
Dealer Preparation
PTG Conventions
Yamaha's Little Red School House
Seiler piano factory
PTG Grand action class
I have been tuning since 2016 and have continued to learn new things about pianos everyday.I am proud to be an active member of the Piano Technicians Guild and am current Vice President of our local chapter. (To learn more about the PTG, click on the link below.)
Pricing
The pricing information is only a guildline as to standard charges for most pianos in our area.
New Client Piano Service:
$230-$320 (2 - 4hours)
This is a one time service that covers most of the pianos' needs.
May include cleaning, regulation, voicing, and small repairs if necessary.
This option is to get the piano close to a standard before moving forward with fine detailed work in the future. Goal is to bring stability and improve the playability and tone of the piano.We recommend these services for intermediate musicians who wish to grow as a pianist and improve their technique.
With quick minor adjustments, your piano can improve from 60% to 85%, easily! 25% more control.
The jump from 85% to 99% will take more time and effort than the leap of 25%.This is what separates most pianos from a concert instrument.
Full Day Service:
$800-$1400 (7-10 hours [or 2 days])
Bringing your piano closer to its full potential.
Scheduled Tuning Every 6 Months:
$160/visit (2 visits a year)
Price is available after an initial service.
Player Piano Service: $280-$380 (3-4hours)
Tuning, Set up of player, Training, or Retraining.Player Piano Repairs: $120/hour
Yearly Maintenance Tuning and/or Service: $180-$220 (1 - 3hours)
May include regulation and voicing.
For advanced musicians playing daily. Upkeep to maintain and extend the life of the instrument. Recommend tuning once a year.
Which example best describes your piano's situation?
Example Program 1:Visit 1: Clean out piano, ease keys to even up the friction, raise hammer level, and tuning. ($320)Visit 2: Stabilize tuning and regulate the piano to achieve more evenness to get more dynamics. (6 to 15 months from initial date: $180)Visit x: Tuning (every 6 months: $150)Visit x: Tuning (every 12+ months: $180)
Example Program 2:Visit 1: Tune the piano. Some regulation steps to help pianists' control over the keys. ($230)Visit 2: Stabilize tuning and minor voicing. (6 to 15 months from initial date: $180)Visit x: Tuning (every 6 months: $150)Visit x: Tuning (every 12+ months: $180)
Example Program 3:Visit 1: Shape worn hammers and level strings. Tune. Regulate action. Voice. (4-5 hours $550)Visit 2: Stabilize tuning, check regulation, and voicing. (6 to 15 months from initial date: $180)Visit x: Tuning (every 6 months: $150)Visit x: Tuning (every 12+ months: $180)
Example Program 4:Visit 1: Tune. Ease keys. Clean and lubricate action. Shape worn hammers and level strings. All regulation steps. Voice the hammers. Voice the room the piano resides. (2 days: $1400)Visit x: Tuning (every 6 months: $150)Visit x: Tuning (every 12+ months: $180)
Pricing informationThe prices are subject to change at anytime. If there is any confusion as to what is being charged, please contact me.I will continue adding more technical information in the future to show on this website, the work pianos require. You become a better pianist when you know more about the instrument itself.
October 2024
Disklavier Enspire PianosNew set up recommendations
Step 1: go to Check connections: follow all directions here.
Step 2: go to Update to the latest version.
Step 3: go to -Without Internet Method: make sure the piano works.
Step 4: go to -With Internet Method: __ D)__ this is my method of connection if they don't have an ethernet port near the piano.
Step 5: go to Regulation
Step 6: go to Maintenance mode to save the piano's condition tables and make sure the electronics do not get stressed.
Check connections:
Make sure all wires are hooked up properly. Sometimes cables can go bad.
-Start with turning off and unplugging the piano.
-Unplug and replug the cables. (Main ones to check are the RCA blue and green cables and the pedal cables) Make sure all others are tight and no bent pins.
-Make sure the piano powers up. Bright blue power light. Volume lights move the green up and down. Play/Pause plays Sarah Mclachlin. Speaker light turns on when powered up.
-If the green lights are blinking as if they are a loading bar, then the piano is updating. Do not power off while the piano updates.
Connecting to the piano: (I usually check the piano is in working order with Non internet method, then move to connect the piano to their home network)
-Without Internet Method (Connect directly to the piano on its own network in AP mode). Requires wifi adapter UDWL01. Should have come with the piano. Requires changing your wifi away from your home wifi to the piano's network wifi. This can be annoying.The console under the bass side keys. Has Power, Volume UP/DOWN and PLAY/PAUSE buttons.
On the back of that console there is AP/RT MODE SWITCH, "Hidden" Maintenance button, 2 cables should be plugged in, USB-B and a multi pin connector. Empty USB-A.You can use a Yamaha UDWL01 adapter in the back of this console to connect directly to the piano. Needs to be switched to AP mode. To have the piano be the Access Point.https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-UDWL01-WIFI-MIDI-Adapter/dp/B01B71IQ6K?th=1The adapter will blink blue as it searches for your phone wifi.In the app, links at the bottom. If the piano is in AP mode with the adapter, it should pop up after searching for a few seconds. If not, check AP the mode switch and reset the piano. Cycle the piano as needed. Might need to flip the switch, reset the piano once or twice to make sure it knows it's on the right setting.The piano should be updated to the latest version using wifi or USB with the program.Latest version 5.21.04
-With Internet method (connect piano to the home network). While your phone is connected to your home network, you can connect to the piano without switching your wifi.Piano Must Be on RT MODE. To connect to the home Router. Might need to cycle the piano after switching from AP mode.A) To connect the piano to the home network you theoretically can use the UDWL01 to connect to the internet router but I do not use that method.
To connect with UDWL01 follow the directions in the manual. From what I remember, Press the button on the UDWL01 and then run to the router and press the button on the back of the router, the WPS button. Not all routers have this.B) You can connect the piano with an ethernet cable directly to the router. Under the piano, one box has ports for audio, MIDI, ..., ethernet.
Connect the piano using the ethernet port to either the router, orC) ethernet outlet in their wall. NOT POE ( powered over ethernet) (IT person may be required), orD) plug a wireless bridge or wifi extender under the piano and hardwire the piano into the wifi extender. Will need a power extension cable and some zip ties or something for cable management.
-Disklavier Radio subscription requires at least 30Mbps speeds.
-5G speeds are fast but may drop connection easily.
-Other network options may be slower but may be more reliable.This bridge was recommended by a Yamaha technician:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0118SPFCK/ref=ppxyodtbasintitleo00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This bridge allows for up to 1200Mbps.
After it loads, you should be able to use the home network wifi and access the piano from here on out.
Regulation
Tune the piano, regulate and voice as needed.
*Check regulation on pedals every visit.Regulation should be done with the goal in mind of the electronic portions working in the best state possible before other proper regulation guidelines.Regulate the pedals using this method:
Add punchings to pitman/dowel to reduce the pressure on the spring. Raising the cap on the pedal rod will increase the tension on the spring and can overheat the solenoids which can burn the pedal circuit board.
Make sure the damper upstop rail is set correctly.
Set the damper lever capstan.
You can raise the cap on the pedal rod after to micro adjust.
No lost motion on shift pedal.
Maintenance
Any regulation must follow with calibration.Once able to connect to the piano with the app. Go to settings, service or maintenance, I'll need to look next time I'm am doing this and write the correct steps.Go to settings and service/maintenance, stay on that page, then on the bottom on the console, hit the hidden maintenance button on the back of the front unit.
Do the full calibration. Pedals must be calibrated.
Calibration may fix connection issues as well.
Close the lid and find something else to do in the mean time. (noisy)
apps:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yamaha.dkv.enspire&hl=en
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/enspire-controller-us/id1109063596
Books:
https://www.amazon.com/Piano-Servicing-Tuning-Rebuilding-Professional/dp/1538114445
Great for beginners/hobbyisthttps://onpitch.com/
I like this tuning book. I have only read the book. The dvds help guide you through it.The PTG has a Grand Regulation Workbook and a Vertical one as well. Lots of pictures.Tools: (can always ask other techs to see if they're selling old tools or have old kits)Main suppliers:
https://schaffpiano.com/ (Bought out PianoTek recently).
https://www.howardpianoindustries.com/ (gets tools from other suppliers. Easy to order).
https://supply88.com/
https://pianofortesupply.com/
https://shop.pianosbolduc.com/
https://www.faulkpiano.com/ (I have one of his hammers)
https://www.reyburnpianoworks.com/ (Similar quality piano tuning hammers)
https://gemmpianosupply.com/collections/piano-toolsStarting tools recommendations
Solid tuning hammer.
Mutes for upright- I use just the papps mute and one rubber wedge mute on a stick.
Mutes for grand- I use one felt mute for bass strings, and two rubber wedge mutes.
Regulation tools- Variety of screwdrivers. Variety of pliers. Portable bench. Capstan wrench(pointy stick). I bought a cheap kit on ebay that had 20 tools to fit in a universal handle (I've broken a few and replaced them with good ones eventually) (I don't see anything worth the cost right now on ebay).
Parts- various paper and felt punchings. There are different glues and lubricants for different purposes. (Should research before using).
I found this:
https://www.pianotechnicianacademy.com/products/pro-tool-kit
This is basically every tool you need on a daily basis. Seems like a good deal to me.Pointers:
Wear Earplugs. I have custom-formed ones by my hearing doctor. They're silicone I think, washable and durable. About $80. Reduces 10 decibels.
If you ask 3 tuners how to tune a piano, you'll get 8 different answers.
Learn how to remove the action out of every piano (difficult and easy to break things). Helps gain confidence in the long run.
Tool collection will build over time. Like the tool kit on Howard, you get 10 tools, but I personally only use 1 of those on a regular basis, most tools never, few maybe once a month.
Aural vs using an ETD tuning (electronic tuning device). I use both. the On Pitch book helps explain.
Small goals. Tune a piano in under 2 hours. Tune 100 pianos. Fix something on every piano you touch. Learn a new technique and apply it every time.Courses:
https://www.ipts.info/courses (I've heard good things about this technique and have met the creator of the school. He teaches his way.)
https://www.thebutlerschool.org/ (recommended by another tech in charleston. Rick teaches how to think about tuning.) (Think of a Grandpa passing down his techniques)
https://rennerusa.com/ (Saw an ad for their course, $$$)
https://www.pianotuning.com/ (I've considered Randy Potter's course since it came with tools. Also more affordable)
https://www.pianotechnicianacademy.com/blogs/blog/17549076-piano-tuning-course (PTA is very professional)ETDs: (electronic tuning devices)
Sanderson Accu-Tuner used to be the go-to. But now there are apps for phones.
I have used tune lab exclusively for years. https://www.tunelab-world.com/
Few people I know use this: https://pianometer.com/
There is the most expensive app on the apple store here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cybertuner/id490451741
I think this is a new upcoming better software: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pianoscope-piano-tuner/id1529249459