
FAQs
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What makes Dark & Rich different from other piano service companies?
At Dark & Rich, we take pride in our attention to detail, high-quality craftsmanship, and personalized customer service. With years of experience working on all types of pianos, we understand the value of both the instrument and the emotional connection owners have with their pianos. Whether it's a tuning, repair, or restoration, we approach each project with a deep respect for the craft, ensuring your piano sounds and feels as good as new—or even better!
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What services do you offer at Dark & Rich?
At Dark & Rich, we specialize in a wide range of piano services, including:
Piano Tuning: Expert tuning for all types of pianos to ensure optimal sound quality.
Piano Repair: We offer both minor and major repairs, including fixing action, keys, pedals, and more.
Piano Moving: Safe and professional moving services for all types and sizes of pianos.
Piano Maintenance & Regulation: Ensuring your piano stays in perfect playing condition with regular maintenance and key regulation.
Piano Sales: We exclusively offer premium pianos from top brands like Yamaha, Kawai, and Steinway. If we don’t have the model you're looking for, we can source it for you. We also provide delivery to Juarez/Chihuahua, Mexico, and offer piano consignment services for those looking to sell their instruments.
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What's the process to buy a Piano from you?
At Dark & Rich, we don’t operate as a traditional piano store, but we specialize in sourcing high-quality pianos. We work exclusively with premium brands like Yamaha, Kawai, and Steinway, and can help you find the perfect piano based on your specific needs.
If you’re looking to purchase a piano, we can either help you select from our available inventory or source a specific model for you. Just let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll provide you with options, complete with detailed photos and descriptions.
We also offer piano consignment services if you’re looking to sell your instrument.
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How does the Piano Sourcing process work?
When you’re looking for a specific piano, but we don’t have it in stock, we offer a personalized sourcing service. Here’s how it works:
Initial Selection: We’ll work with you to understand exactly what you're looking for—whether it’s a specific brand, model, or style of piano.
Option Presentation: Once we have a clear idea, we’ll provide you with several piano options, including detailed pictures, videos, and a thorough description of each piano's condition and features.
Decision and Deposit: After reviewing the options, if you find a piano you want to proceed with, we require a 50% deposit to secure and purchase the piano. This deposit ensures that we can arrange to pick up the piano and transport it to you.
Final Payment: The remaining 50% of the payment is due once the piano is delivered and installed in your home.
We aim to make the process as transparent and easy as possible, ensuring you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
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How does the Piano Consignment process work?
If you’re looking to sell your piano, we offer a piano consignment service to help you find the right buyer. Here’s how it works:
Initial Consultation: Contact us to discuss your piano and its condition. We’ll assess the instrument and determine if it’s a good fit for consignment.
Agreement & Pricing: Once we agree on the terms, we’ll help you set a competitive price for your piano based on its make, model, condition, and market demand.
Marketing & Display: We’ll take professional photos and videos of your piano, list it on our website, and market it to potential buyers. We’ll showcase your piano to our customer base and network.
Sale & Commission: When your piano sells, we’ll handle all the paperwork and transactions. Once the sale is complete, we’ll deduct a 30 % commission fee and send you the remaining balance.
Payment: You’ll receive the full payment for your piano once it’s sold and successfully delivered to the buyer.
Our goal is to make selling your piano simple and stress-free, while ensuring you get the best value for your instrument.
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Do you offer piano lesson services?
The owner of Dark & Rich LLC, Aaron Mendoza, a well-known pianist with years of performance and teaching experience, offers private piano lessons. However, due to his busy schedule, lesson availability is very limited.
If you’re interested in taking lessons, we encourage you to reach out to us with your preferred schedule, and we’ll check if he has availability to work with you. We strive to accommodate as many students as possible, but please note that spots can fill up quickly due to his limited teaching hours.
Contact us today to inquire about lesson availability!
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How often should I have my piano tuned?
It is generally recommended to have your piano tuned at least twice a year. However, if you play regularly or have just moved your piano, tuning every 3 months is ideal. Pianos that experience significant temperature and humidity changes (like during a move or seasonal shifts) may require more frequent tuning to maintain optimal sound quality.
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How long does a piano tuning take?
A typical piano tuning takes about 1 hour - 1 hour 15 min per tuning, depending on the condition of your piano. If your piano requires more than one tuning, or more extensive work (such as repair or action adjustments), it may take longer. When you book your appointment, we will give you an estimated time frame based on the scope of the service.
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How much does piano tuning cost?
Our piano tuning services generally range from $160 to $180 per tuning, depending on the type and condition of the piano. In most cases the piano will need 2 or more tunings, if it hasn’t been tuned in 2 years plus. In the worst scenario where the piano it’s been without tuning 10 or more years, it will require a minimum of 3 tunings or more, and it might also need some kind of repairs, which would add up to the total cost. For more specific pricing, we recommend scheduling an assessment. We strive to provide top-quality service at fair prices.
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How should I prepare my piano for service?
To ensure a smooth service experience, please follow these steps:
Clear the area around the piano to give our technicians easy access.
Remove any personal items or decorative objects from the piano.
Ensure that there is adequate space for moving if we're performing any transport or large repairs.
Our technicians will bring all necessary tools and equipment, so you don't need to worry about preparing anything beyond this. -
How do I know if my piano needs repair?
Some common signs that your piano may need repair include:
Sticky or unresponsive keys
Out-of-tune or uneven sound
Damaged pedals or broken sustain
Piano is making strange noises
Visible damage to the body or frame
If you notice any of these issues, it’s a good idea to contact us for an inspection. We’ll help you assess the condition of your piano and recommend the best course of action. -
What types of pianos do you work on?
We work on all types of pianos, including:
Upright pianos
Grand pianos
Baby grand pianos
Player pianos
No matter the brand or model, our team has the skills and expertise to service your piano. -
What brands of pianos do you service?
We service pianos from all major brands, including:
Steinway & Sons
Yamaha
Bosendorfer
Kawai
Baldwin
Fazioli
And many others
If you have a specific brand in mind, feel free to contact us to ensure we can meet your needs. -
How can I extend the lifespan of my piano?
To prolong the life of your piano and maintain its performance, we recommend:
Regular tuning and maintenance
Humidity control: Keep your piano in a stable environment (avoid placing it near heating or cooling vents, windows, or direct sunlight).
Proper use: Avoid forcing keys or playing with excessive force.
Cleaning: Dust your piano regularly and clean it with a soft, dry cloth.
Use a piano cover when not in use to protect the finish and internal components from dust and dirt.
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How can I make sure my piano stays in tune longer?
To keep your piano in tune for longer, consider:
Regular tuning every 6 to 12 months
Maintaining stable room temperature and humidity
Avoiding extreme movements or relocations of the piano
Keeping the lid closed when not in use to reduce dust accumulation
These simple steps will help maintain the quality of your piano’s sound and keep it performing at its best.