Dear reader,

Welcome to South Devon Pianos - My name is David Barker and I'm a fully-qualified, self-employed piano tuner and technician working throughout Devon, including Plymouth, Exeter, the Torbay area, Kingsbridge, Totnes, Salcombe, Ivybridge, Tavistock, Okehampton, Tiverton, Barnstaple etc. Basically, if you're in Devon and you have a piano that needs tuning or repairing, upright or grand, why not give me a call? I am available for work during the evening and at weekends, as well as daytime appointments. You can contact me on 0777 367 0711.

Tuning...

It would be a pleasure to tune your piano for you. I always endeavour to work to the highest standard of which I am capable, and take pride in my work. Until recently I have tuned solely by the traditional aural method, setting the pitch of the piano against a tuning fork, however, I have now started to experiment with an electronic tuning device. (If you have any strong feelings about their use (either for or against) I would be only too happy to accommodate your preference). A straightforward tuning generally takes just over an hour. (Bear in mind that a piano has more than 200 strings, each of which is tuned individually). If your piano hasn't been tuned for a while, it may need a double tuning, which naturally takes longer, and some grand pianos can also take a bit more time.

Maintenance...

Any piano needs to be serviced to keep it in good working order. I have designed a 16-point service plan for both grand and upright pianos, each of which ensures that all major systems and components in the piano are checked, cleaned, lubricated and adjusted as appropriate. The standard service can be adapted to individual requirements, and is designed to maintain correctly working elements of the piano, and to identify any possible problems, which can then be rectified before they become more serious. I can supply more details on request.

Repairs...

I also enjoy repairing pianos, using traditional materials and techniques where possible - leather, felt, hide glue - but I also have good up-to-date workshop facilities. Broken strings, sticking keys, strange rattles or buzzes - no job is too small. Just get in touch and I'll do whatever I can to help you to get the best from your piano.

I am also able to repair scratched and chipped polyester and polyurethane piano casework, as well as traditional french polished finishes. Contact me for more details.

...and piano rental

I sometimes have instruments available for low-cost rental, principally for beginners and intermediate players. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your requirements. It may cost much less than you would think to have a decent acoustic instrument to play in your own home.

Contact me

To contact me to arrange a tuning, or to discuss a repair, or renting a piano, you could send me an email, or phone me on 0777 367 0711. If I'm working and can't take your call I will get back to you as soon as I can.

News:-

• Schools Piano Tuning - I intend to continue offering favourable rates for schools tunings throughout 2012, particularly those with more than one piano - please enquire.
  
  
• Still covering Jersey (Channel Islands) - see separate website.
  
  
• London - I am delighted to be able to recommend my friend and colleague Ed Stroud for piano tuning and related services in the London area, particularly SW London and surroundings. I've created a link to his impressive website here.