Piano Tuning & Repairs
Townsville & Surrounds
Servicing all areas of Townsville, Martins Piano Tuning & Repairs offers tuning services, repairs, maintenance, restorations and appraisals to keep your piano performing at its very best.
Contact Martins Piano Tuning & Repairs
Servicing Townsville and surrounds...but has been found to wander further afield occasionally - just ask!
Meet Steve
Born and raised in Mackay, Steve Martin began his musical education from the age of 5, playing recorder and piano. He left school at the age of 15 to commence an apprenticeship in 'Musical Instrument Repair & Tuning'.
When trade-qualified, Steve commenced studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, graduating with an Associate Diploma of Jazz. He had a career as a professional musician playing many different styles, before returning to his trade.
More than just a technician, Steve is dedicated to honest work and genuine customer care, enjoying little better than seeing the joy on a customer's face when their instrument is returned to prime condition. He delivers exceptional sound quality while fostering trust with his clients.
From tuning and minor repairs, Steve is equally at home reconditioning a piano from the ground up and approaches every project with enthusiasm and care - it's not about fixing instruments but more in enriching his local community.
...and when he has a spare moment or two, Steve can be found in his small home studio recording and playing music, some of which he has composed as an Associate Artist with Sydney's Australian Music Centre.
Yes...Steve Martin is Townsville's Premier Piano Technician!
Precision Tuning
Tuned by ear + electronically for the most precise sound.
Expert Repairs
Specialised in everything from minor fixes to major restoration projects.
Guaranteed Quality
Exceptional service with attention to detail for perfect sound.
Fully Insured
Comprehensive insurance coverage for complete peace of mind during all appointments.
Piano Services
The cost of piano tuning depends mainly on the condition of the piano and how long it has been since the last service. A well-maintained piano that is tuned regularly usually requires only a standard tuning, while a piano that has been left unattended for several years may need additional work to restore proper pitch and stability. At Martins Piano Tuning & Repairs, our pricing reflects the time, care, and precision required to ensure your piano is tuned safely and accurately. We believe in transparent pricing and clear explanations, so piano owners understand exactly what service their piano needs and why. Regular maintenance keeps tuning straightforward and predictable, while neglected pianos often require more careful adjustment to protect the strings and internal structure. The goal is always the same — to deliver accurate tuning and long-term protection for your piano.
Piano Tuning
As a piano owner, you understand the importance of regular tuning for achieving the best sound quality. Steve tunes pianos to the A-440 reference pitch, adjusting the tension of each of the approximately 233 strings to ensure correct harmony and optimal sound.
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Piano Repair
Piano repair service includes fixing broken keys, repairing damaged strings, regulating the action, and voicing the hammers. Whether it's a broken string, damaged key, or loose pedals — Steve restores your instrument to its optimal condition.
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Cleaning
Deep cleaning by making sure all dust, dirt and foreign objects have been removed will ensure optimal functioning of the keys and the action. Steve's inspection will keep you free from excessive dirt and dust which hinder performance.
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Piano Inspection/Appraisal
If you are considering purchasing a pre-owned piano, you are strongly advised to seek an appraisal (so you don't waste money unnecessarily)...and Steve can help. I will evaluate the condition of: the soundboard, bridges, action components, strings, pinblock, tuning pins, keys, pedals, case and will usually also do a sample tuning of notes across the entire keyboard to establish the health of the pinblock and tuning pins. The action will be checked for performance and wear and from these checks I will assess the market value of the piano if you are intending to purchase, or the replacement value if you are having it appraised. A written report can be provided, if needed.
Contact Martin's Piano Tuning & Repairs directly for personalised quotes.
PIANO TUNING
Professional Piano Tuning Service
The most important part of tuning a piano is making sure it is tuned to an A-440 reference pitch, so that its pitch matches A4 on any other well tuned instrument. This requires adjusting the tension of each individual string using a tuning hammer applied to the tuning pin related to each of the approximately 233 strings on a piano.
How Often Should Your Piano Be Tuned?
When a piano is new and has never been tuned before, it should be tuned 3 or 4 times in the first year to establish a baseline for subsequent maintenance. For pianos that have already undergone this process, tuning once or twice a year is sufficient depending on the frequency of playing...and even if a piano is not played frequently, it still requires an annual tuning due to the high tension required to maintain the correct pitch.
Why Is Piano Tuning Important?
Piano tuning is essential because it ensures that your piano produces the best possible sound. Over time, pianos can fall out of tune due to changes in temperature, humidity and other factors producing unpleasant, discordant sounds that are not in harmony with each other.
A piano that is not in tune can lead to more severe problems, such as broken strings, cracked soundboards, and other costly repairs. Regular piano tuning helps maintain the longevity of your instrument, ensuring that it will continue to provide beautiful music for years to come.
Ready to Get Your Piano Tuned?
Contact Steve to schedule an appointment.
PIANO REPAIR
Comprehensive Piano Repair Solutions
Pianos are complex instruments with thousands of moving parts that can wear down over time. With 30+ years of experience, Steve Martin provides expert repair services to address any issue your piano may face. From minor adjustments to complex mechanical repairs, he can bring your instrument back to optimal condition.
Whether your piano is a cherished family heirloom or a professional concert instrument, our comprehensive repair services ensure it continues to deliver beautiful music for years to come.
Common Piano Repairs We Handle
- Sticky or sticking keys - diagnosis & replacement
- Broken or damaged strings - professional replacement
- Pedal issues - repair & regulation
- Action regulation & voicing
- Hammer replacement & reshaping
- Damper & bearing adjustments
- Pin block repairs
- Soundboard & bridge repairs
Sticky Keys & Action Problems
Sticky or sluggish keys are one of the most common piano issues. These problems usually stem from worn action components, moisture damage, or debris accumulation. Steve uses professional diagnostic techniques to identify the root cause and implement the most effective solution, whether that's cleaning, adjustment, or component replacement.
Action regulation is a specialised service that ensures each key responds with perfect responsiveness and consistency. This is especially important for pianists who demand precision and control.
String & Pedal Repairs
Broken or damaged strings significantly affect your piano's sound and playability. We source high-quality replacement strings matched to your piano's specifications and install them with precision. Our pedal repair service addresses squeaking, sticking, or non-responsive pedals, restoring full control over your piano's dynamics and sustain.
Ready to Get Your Piano Repaired?
Contact Steve to schedule an appointment.
PIANO CLEAN
Piano Deep Cleaning Solutions
The insides of pianos are delicate places, and they often end up with decades of dust, spiderwebs, mouse nests and all manner of things inside - it would probably surprise you what we have found in pianos before! Cleaning your piano needs to be done by someone who knows how to do so without damaging your instrument...and we do it always with care and precision
What You Can Do
Keep the keyboard covered when not in use to prevent dust from accumulating (although ivory keys need some exposure to light to prevent yellowing). Clean keys by occasionally wiping them with a damp cloth and drying them immediately. Do NOT use chemicals or solvents to clean piano keys.
To maintain the piano's finish, you may wipe the case with a damp cotton cloth to remove fingerprints, or polish with a reliable emulsion-type, water-based solution following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid aerosol spray polishes that contain silicone - ask us what's best and we can make a suggestion.
Keep all drinks and standing liquid containers away from the piano. Should spilled water reach the action, notify us immediately. In many case, once liquids are spilled, the damage is irreversible which is why prevention is the safest rule to follow.
Finish Care
The piano is unique among musical instruments because it also serves as fine furniture for the home. In fact, the term "piano finish" has traditionally been used to describe the highest standards in wood finishing. Properly maintaining that fine finish will enhance your home's decor and preserve the value of your piano.
- Moderating temperature & humidity minimises small cracks in the woodwork; never set objects on your piano without a soft cloth or pad underneath...and NO DRINKS.
- To avoid scratching, dust the piano external lightly with a feather duster or alternatively, wipe lightly with a soft damp cloth to pick up the dust, followed immediately with a dry cloth.
- Before playing, always wash your hands! To remove smudges and fingerprints, first dust using the damp/dry cloths as above and if heavier cleaning is necessary, dampen your cloth with a small amount of mild soap solution.
- An appropriate polish can help to restore lustre to a dulled finish, however, it should be applied sparingly and infrequently with all excess wiped clean with a soft dry cloth so no visible film remains.
Ready to Get Your Piano Cleaned?
Contact Steve to schedule an appointment.
Recent Projects
Customer Testimonials
WHAT THE CLIENTS SAY
See what clients say about Martin's Piano Tuning and Repairs!
We were looking to purchase a piano and sought advice from Mr Steve Martin. His customer service is outstanding, he provided us with accurate and honest assessments and his knowledge was significant, relevant and precise. We cannot recommend Steve highly enough. He bent over backwards metaphorically to assist us in making an informed decision. He most likely saved us a truck load of cash and heartache. This man truly knows his stuff and his prices are more than reasonable.
Had Steve over today to have a look at my old pianola. Without hesitation Steve told me that it would not be worth investing a dime into fixing it up. I appreciate his honesty and the time he took to evaluate the condition of my piano both via email and in person. He didn't even let me pay him for his efforts or even for driving out to my place, but I convinced him to at least accept some passion fruits. Hopefully this review is a good way of thanking him for his efforts. Can highly recommend Steve.
For over 10 years, Martins Piano Tuning & Repairs has serviced our piano. Steve has always been prompt, honest in his assessments and explanations and very well-priced. His knowledge of his craft is without question and his standard of work is exceptional. I cannot recommend him highly enough to anyone requiring advice with or servicing of pianos.
If you need your piano tuned or repaired, I would unreservedly recommend you contact Martin's Piano Tuning and Repairs. Steve has been tuning my piano for many years and always does an excellent job! He is thorough and professional and a pleasure to do business with.
Schedule a Service
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