Every piano service explained — from routine tuning to full restoration — with Singapore costs
Piano repair in Singapore covers a wide spectrum of services. At one end: routine tuning (S$120–S$160, done in 60–90 minutes at home). At the other: full restoration including new strings, hammers, and soundboard work (S$5,000–S$15,000+, taking several months). This guide explains every service in between — what it is, why it is needed, and what it costs in Singapore.
What it is: Adjustment of each of the piano's ~230 strings to the correct pitch relative to A440 standard using a calibrated tuning lever and (for precision work) electronic reference.
When needed: Every 6–12 months for home instruments. More frequently for pianos used in teaching or performance. After any move (wait 2–4 weeks first for acclimatisation).
Singapore cost: S$120–S$160. Pitch raise (if severely flat): S$170–S$240 total.
What it is: A rough preliminary tuning pass needed when a piano is more than 30–40 cents below A440. Bringing a severely flat piano to pitch in one pass puts enormous uneven tension on strings and frame. A pitch raise brings the whole piano to approximate pitch; a fine-tuning pass follows.
When needed: When a piano has not been tuned in several years. Common for second-hand pianos acquired in Singapore.
Singapore cost: S$170–S$240 (includes both pitch raise and fine tuning in the same visit or a follow-up).
What it is: Adjustment of the mechanical action — the system of levers, springs, and felt parts that transmit a key press into a hammer strike. Regulation covers 30+ adjustable dimensions per note including key height, hammer travel, escapement, let-off, damper lift, and repetition (on grand pianos).
When needed: Every 3–5 years for home instruments in Singapore's climate. More frequently for pianos in high-use environments. Signs of drift: uneven touch, heavy/light keys, notes that cipher.
Singapore cost: Upright S$200–S$500; Grand S$400–S$700.
What it is: Adjustment of hammer felt density and surface to modify tone character. Needling (piercing the felt with a fine needle) loosens compressed felt, producing softer, warmer tone. Surface treatment or felt hardener produces brighter tone.
When needed: When tone is harsh or bright from hammer wear or Singapore humidity effects on felt. Often done alongside regulation.
Singapore cost: S$120–S$350 for full set.
What it is: Repair of keys that go down but do not return. Most commonly caused in Singapore by key bushing swelling from humidity. Repair involves removing keys, easing or replacing swollen bushings.
Singapore cost: S$60–S$150 per visit.
What it is: Removal of old hammer sets and fitting of new hammers with virgin felt. New hammers are voiced (controlled for brightness) and the action is re-regulated to accommodate the new hammer geometry.
Singapore cost: S$600–S$1,200 for full 88-hammer set including fitting and initial voicing.
What it is: Removal and replacement of worn, rusted, or broken strings. Single string: S$30–S$80. Full restringing of an upright: S$1,800–S$3,500. Full restringing of a grand: S$2,500–S$5,000+. Bass strings are custom-wound to order (2–6 weeks lead time).
What it is: Repair of cracks, separation, or structural issues in the resonating spruce soundboard. Minor crack repair: S$300–S$800. Soundboard replacement is a major restoration task (S$3,000–S$8,000).
What it is: Full diagnostic assessment of all piano components — action, strings, soundboard, pinblock, cabinet. Written report provided. Diagnosis of all issues, repair quotation.
Singapore cost: S$80 (credited toward any work done).
What it is: Interior cleaning (plate, soundboard, strings, action) and exterior polishing of cabinet. Removes decades of dust accumulation that can affect action performance.
Singapore cost: S$80–S$200 for interior + exterior cleaning.
What it is: Comprehensive rebuild combining restringing, hammer replacement, full regulation and voicing, soundboard work, pinblock assessment, key recovering, and cabinet refinishing. Typically a workshop project taking 3–6 months.
Singapore cost: Upright S$3,000–S$8,000. Grand S$5,000–S$15,000+.
We diagnose everything and give you a written quote before any work begins.
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