Complete Regulation
$1000-$1600 spinet, console, upright (vertical) pianos
$1600-$2400 grand pianos
Time Needed: 1-3 days, in-home.
*average based on work required.
The action is the heart of the piano. Its purpose is to transmit the actions of the pianist to the hammers. The action contains thousands of moving parts which degrade and shift unevenly through play and over time. Regulation, voicing, and key leveling are recommended every five to ten years, to reverse this uneven wear and restore uniform tone and touch response. Scroll down for a glossary of action services and their effects on your piano’s tone and touch. •
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Complete Voicing
$800-$1200 spinet, console & upright (vertical) pianos
$1000-$1400 grand pianos
Time Needed: 1-2 days, in-home.
*average based on work required.
Partial Regulation $200/hour
If you are unsure of your piano’s needs, we suggest first having it tuned. After tuning your piano, we will be able to make recommendations for action work. Read more: piano tuning
Regulation & Voicing Services
Service vs. Effect on Feel/Sound
Hammer softening – reduces brightness of tone
Hammer filing – exposes new wear surface, extending life
Hammer hardening – increases brightness
Let-off adjustment – pianissimo, double-striking
Drop adjustment – action responsiveness
Key weights and/or springs – key striking force
— ask about the TouchRail Adjustable Touchweight Control for grand pianos
Repetition Springs – key repetition force (grands only)
Key Leveling – depth of touch
*Vertical regulation and voicing are performed in-home. Grand regulation and voicing are performed partly in-home and partly in our workshop.
Other Action Services
Service vs. Effect on Feel/Sound
Hammer replacement – reduces “honky tonk” sound
Hammer shank replacement – restores solid feel in action
Wippen replacement – restores solid feel in action
Damper refurbishment* – reduces reverberation & ringing
Back check refurbishment* – reduces reverberation & ringing
Restringing* – restores clarity & sustain
Touchweight adjustment* – greater ease of playing
Pinblock replacement* – restores tunability
Soundboard refurbishment* – improves tone quality
Soundboard replacement* – improves tone quality
Bridge refurbishment* – improves tone quality
Plate refurbishment* – restores tunability
*workshop services
Booking and Contact Form – Action Regulation & Voicing
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Questions?
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Thousands of Satisfied Clients
Formally educated through the University of Western Ontario’s Piano Technology Program, Michael Ruttle is a master-level piano technician experienced in every facet of piano tuning, maintenance and repair. His work can be heard in major venues across Alberta as well as in schools, churches, community centres, restaurants, lounges, on Disney+, and in thousands of private homes — on pianos ranging from the simplest of spinets for first-time students, to the most elaborate concert grands for seasoned performers.
My experience as a technician has taught me to appreciate the subtle complexities of this unique instrument, and to understand the needs of pianists and piano owners. I respect and value an honourable reputation by holding myself and my team to a quality work standard. We look forward to providing you with prompt and professional piano services.
—Mike Ruttle