Why Do I Need A Piano Life Saver System?
Many of the world’s most respected piano makers build their instruments today in almost exactly the same manner as they did over 100 years ago. They go to great lengths to assure that the many species of wood used in the construction of their instruments are carefully chosen and dried to the proper moisture content. It is extremely important that this moisture content is maintained throughout the life of the piano. Piano makers deem this so important that they include a clause in their warranties that excludes coverage to instruments that have been subjected to extremes in temperature and humidity. The Piano Life Saver System® is an internal humidity control system that is engineered to protect your piano. The Piano Life Saver System® by Dampp-Chaser®. Made in the USA since 1947.
How The System Works
The Piano Life Saver System® continuously monitors the humidity level of the air inside your piano using an electronic Humidistat which is placed close to the soundboard. When the Humidistat senses that the humidity level is too low, it activates the Humidifier. When it senses that the level is too high, it activates the Dehumidifier. This cycle silently continues day after day, year after year, protecting your piano from external conditions.
The Importance Of Humidity Regulation
Your piano is primarily made of wood. Wood responds to climate and environment – it breathes, stretches and flexes. All wood instrument musicians are familiar with the effects of changing humidity levels. Just as with other wood-based instruments, your piano needs a constant level of ideal humidity – between 40% and 50% – to maintain its pitch and tone, quality of action, and to prevent permanent damage.
A Note About Cold Climates
In cold northern climates, attempting to keep the humidity in your entire home at a constant 45% is extremely challenging and may not even be desirable. Every time you walk out the door, the humidity level you worked so hard to achieve goes right out with you. If you do manage to bring the RH up to 45% on a frosty winter day, every window in the house will have condensation or ice buildup on it. In relatively little time, you will be dealing with mold and mildew problems. During the hot humid time of year, if you have air conditioning, it will lower the humidity somewhat. The second it stops, the humidity starts to climb again until the air conditioner comes back on. Since it is designed to regulate temperature, not humidity, it turns off once the set temperature is reached, with no regard for the humidity level. Since the Piano Life Saver System only humidifies the piano, the rest of your home remains at a safe humidity level.
Maintains Pitch and Tone
In order for the piano to have proper tone, the strings, bridge, and soundboard must be in tension together. It takes very little change to dramatically compromise the tone. When the humidity drops, the soundboard shrinks and flattens, lowering the tension of the strings. The pitch will drop or become flat. The technician will have to perform a pitch raise to bring the piano back to the proper pitch before a fine tuning can begin. When the humidity rises, the soundboard absorbs moisture from the air, making it swell. Now, the pitch will go up or become sharp. By reducing daily and seasonal humidity cycling, the System improves your piano’s pitch and tuning stability.
Maintains Quality of Action
The complex mechanical linkage that starts with the key that you press with your fingers, and ends with the hammer striking the strings is called the action. It has thousands of wooden parts that must all be precisely adjusted to work well together. This adjustment process is called regulation. When humidity changes, the regulation is lost, resulting in the touch you have grown accustomed to changing and becoming inconsistent. The System works to prevent this, extending the interval between regulation.
Prevents Sluggish, Sticking, Rattling Keys & Action Noise
The keys of your piano may respond slowly or even stick down in times of high humidity. Just as doors and drawers become loose in dry air, the keys of your piano may rattle or become mechanically noisy. When wooden action parts shrink from dryness, they become loose and can move around. The System prevents premature wear of these parts, protecting you from costly repairs.
Protects Bridges and Soundboard
Daily changes in humidity levels causes slight, almost imperceptible shrinking and swelling of the soundboard. Over time this damage can be seen in the form of pressure ridges and cracks in the board. The damage can also be heard in the form of reduced volume and dull tone. A damaged soundboard has a strong negative effect on the value of your piano. The System virtually eliminates these damaging humidity level swings, protecting your soundboard.
Prevents Pinblock Damage
Under excessive humidity, the pinblock swells, and the tuning pins may become so tight that the technician will have trouble making the delicate adjustments that are necessary in a fine tuning. When the humidity level drops, the pinblock will shrink, resulting in loose tuning pins. This can result in a piano that will not hold tune very long or in worst cases be completely untuneable. The up and down cycling of humidity can also cause the layers in the pinblock to delaminate. This is virtually always accompanied by cracks developing within the layers themselves. At this point you must replace the pinblock. The cost of this type of repair can exceed the value of older pianos. The System helps to maintain consistent moisture content in a piano’s woods and glues. This improves tuning stability, and ensures a long life for the pinblock.
Prevents Strings & Tuning Pins From Rust
With exposure to high humidity over time, strings become rusted and corroded. At the point where rusted strings wrap around rusted tuning pins, rust forms a hardened bond between the two. This tends to happen during the summer, when humidity levels are higher. At the next tuning, when your piano technician turns the pins to stretch the strings, the now inflexible, rusted string will snap at this point. By activating its’ dehumidifier, The System prevents rust from forming on your strings during humid summer months.
The System Compared to Central Humidifiers & Air Conditioners
While it is well known that most forms of air conditioning dehumidify the air as they cool it, air conditioners are designed to cycle on and off to maintain a desirable temperature. When the desired temperature is achieved, the unit turns off, no matter what the humidity level is. In addition, most whole-house air conditioners are unable to reduce the relative humidity lower than 60%, which is outside the safe zone for pianos. Most whole-house humidifiers have the same limitations as air conditioners. Since they are mounted on the furnace, when the furnace has achieved the desired temperature, both the furnace and the humidifier turn off, no matter what humidity level is attained in individual rooms.
The System Compared to Portable Humidifiers, Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers
With the use of a portable dehumidifier and humidifier, you will need to monitor the environment daily with a hygrometer to be sure the humidity remains in a safe range for the piano. The System automatically keeps the humidity in a safe range for your piano year after year. To operate a portable dehumidifier or humidifier continuously requires that you empty (or fill) a large reservoir at least once every day. In contrast, the System requires only one can of water, every 7 to 10 days, in most environments. Filling is easily completed using the included watering can which inserts into the filling tube. Portable dehumidifiers and humidifiers are intrusive, noisy appliances while the Piano Life Saver System is discreetly located inside the piano and works silently.
Cost & Methods of Payment
The System is $880 for upright/vertical pianos, $1,020 for small grands and $1,370 for large grands. An optional undercover/backcover is available, $225-$290 (info below). Debit cards, credit cards and cash are accepted. Commercial and institutional clients can apply to pay by invoice.
Undercovers & Backcovers
Optional undercovers (grands) & backcovers (verticals) further increase the effectiveness of the System by reducing airflow through the piano. Custom-sized, made from acoustic cloth and attached using removable velcro.
How to Book – Two Methods
Contact Form – complete the form below and we will follow up with availability. Phone – call 403-254-9544 (8:30 am to 7:30 pm daily).
Preparations Needed
For fastest service please select a time when the room will be quiet. Remove all objects from the piano and ensure the front panel (upright & console pianos) or top and under sides (grand pianos) can be accessed freely.
Service Area
Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Chestermere & Okotoks. We welcome rural clients – please contact us using the form below for an estimate of travel charges.
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Glenmore Piano Service
5319 3 Street Southeast #711, Calgary
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Easy to book, good communication, the servicing went great and our restored upright player piano sounds better than she has in years! Friendly, professional servicing - highly recommend!
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My "adopted" vertical piano needed much TLC. It took a couple of appointments to get it fully to perfect pitch. This process was explained and demonstrated to me clearly. Along with the regulation service, it now sounds fantastic and I am quite satisfied
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Amazing professionals, top-quality piano tuning in Calgary and surrounding communities. The new key plastic looks much better than the old ivory which was very brittle and chipping off.
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I strongly suggest you hire them to inspect any used piano you are considering buying. They will make sure you don't waste your money on something that might soon need costly repairs.
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One of the best piano service calls I’ve ever had! Beware of persons who only tune, if they run into any issues (as frequently happens during tuning) a tuner will have to defer to a full-service company. You will be much better off working with a company that does all types of repair and restoration, such as Glenmore Piano Service.
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Our piano was in need of some TLC, which was provided in a prompt manner by Glenmore Piano Service. They didn't need any help finding our rural property even though it was their first time out. Great work, will have them back again!
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I am busy during the week and needed someone to come on a Sunday afternoon when I was at home. The technician arrived at the scheduled time, was tidy and professional in my home. I'm excited to start practicing again... my piano sounds amazing now!
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Best piano technicians in the city. Patient and persistent at resolving issues that less skilled (less motivated?) tuners told me were not fixable.
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The service technician was professional, clearly communicated the issue with our piano as well as the work needed and cost to fix. The hammer repairs and string replacements were completed by the end of the 2nd appointment. All in all a great experience and we are glad to have them just a call or email away.
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Provided moving and storage of our piano while our home was being renovated. Completed a restringing and then returned it when we were ready. It was a very pleasant experience hiring them, from start to finish. i would highly recommend them
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Our previous piano tuner had retired, so we tried Glenmore Piano Service after a recommendation from a friend. Our piano sounds great and the price was fair also.
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Good number of options with regards to appointment timing. Our piano has never sounded better, they clearly know what they are doing. Very trustworthy and honest.
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Focused, efficient and careful piano tuner/technician. Pleasant to talk with, and the tuning is perfect! Thanks also for such a thorough job in cleaning the inside.
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Courteous and professional, from initial contact through the end of the service appointment and receiving my receipt by email. Its great to have a true piano service company in Calgary, with a proper office staff and technicians that are experienced and busy practicing their craft.
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We inherited a poorly maintained grand piano which needed multiple repairs. We were able to easily schedule an appointment online. He arrived on time and now we have a plan to get this piano into better condition over a few visits.
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The piano we have was very worn out after many moves and needed a new pinblock, soundboard repair, and the action to be refurbished. We used Glenmore Piano's restoration service and found them to be very thorough and careful in their work. It saved our beloved Mason & Hamlin from the dump and now we are able to play it like new for many years to come.
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If your piano is getting on in age, I highly recommend the workshop at Glenmore Piano Service. They will professionally disassemble, refurbish, refinish and reassemble it to be like new again. Far more satisfying than buying a new piano.
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Tuned our antique grand piano which had not been touched in a few years. It's going to need a 2nd tuning before its perfect again, but its much improved and I have started playing it once more. Tip--make sure you tune once a year to keep it from needing a pitch raise.
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We used their website to book a piano tuning and pitch adjustment. It turned out to also need a cleaning. It took 3 hours but everything is complete and it sounds lively again and the dust smell is very much diminished.
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I was pleasantly surprised by how quick they were to respond and how easy it was. Great service, my piano was severely out of tune and also quite flat. Both problems are completely resolved. Because the winters here are so dry, I had the piano life saver system installed which is already starting to work after a few days.
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Consummate professionals, excellent work replacing a broken string, and installing a humidifier-dehumidifier system and an undercover (Baldwin grand). The pitch has already stabilized after a few weeks and a squeaking sound in the case that I could not seem to get rid of has finally been resolved. Its very dry in Calgary so you should strongly consider getting the "life saver system" as it will extend your piano's life and make it more enjoyable to play.
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Skilled technicians at Glenmore Piano Service, they will give your piano a near concert level tuning. Excellent value for the price paid. Also appreciated how they accepted debit cards and provided good customer service for booking and billing
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My piano needed two tunings over the course of two months. Both were completed professionally and without flaw, and it was cleaned thoroughly under the keys and inside the action where I couldn't reach. Now my piano is ready to play after several years of storage and non-use…
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They arrived as scheduled, after booking with their office staff. My piano was moved from the 2nd level to the basement and then professionally tuned in a single appointment. Its convenient to have a full-service company like Glenmore Piano Service in Calgary.
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Such a wonderful piano tuning. My daughter has perfect pitch and says this is the best she's ever heard. Seamless booking process, with professional office staff that are easy to reach.
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Replaced the humidifier system which had stopped working earlier this year. Also did a perfect job with the tuning and it sounds lovely now. Clearly experienced in their profession!
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Excellent work replacing the key top material on my Heintzman console piano. It looks like new now. Thank you also for tuning it nicely.
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The string you replaced a few months ago is still working perfectly. And the key top repair is flawless. Thanks for your help 🙂
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I would say the tuning is concert quality. So on that basis alone the value here is excellent. Plus they are friendly and professional. Many thanks.
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Our baby grand is now back in good shape after almost 5 years of non-tuning. He is careful & courteous, and the tuning sounds love.
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Thanks so much! I have never heard our piano 'sing' before in this way. Wonderful work.
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Concert quality tuning, the technician is very skilled and the service was fast. Thanks also for accepting my debit card. I will recommend you to my neighbour.
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They only have experienced technicians here, no juniors or apprentices so the quality ofhe piano tuning and repair work is excellent.
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Wonderful job helping us acquire a used piano. The cleaning service was very thorough and the 2 missig keytops have been replaced. All around excellent service and I took a couple of their beautiful cards to give to my neighbours!
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Top quality piano service in Calgary. They have a workshop also for things like refinishing and restringing. I appreciate the high level of skill among their technicians.
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My spinet piano needed some parts to be replaced and a few new strings. Everything was handled efficiently-- from initial contact/booking, to removal of the parts & strings, to installation of teh new parts & strings. A+ rating for Glenmore Piano Service.
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Our piano was suffering from sticking keys as a result of the spring/summer humidity. The technician recommended a piano life saver system, which makes sure the humidity leve linside the case does not swing up and down through the seasons. It has been well worth the investment, and is easy to refill about once a week.
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We enjoyed our piano after your hard work. Thanks again, will be giving your card to my neighbour.
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We had used Glenmore Piano for a few years before we were ready to have our Steinway grand (originally my dad's) restored. Words can't express how beautiful it looks thanks to the care & attention of their restoration facility.
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I appreciated the online scheduling option, and the ability to make payment by debit card. The tuning was excellent, fast and professional.
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I appreciate the ability to get someone to tune our piano on short notice. Good choice if you operate any type of venue as they have multiple senior level technicians.
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Easy to get in touch, they answer their emails and voicemails very quickly. Great piano service.
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Great service and he even took time to explain the tuning process. Very interesting!
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We have a German piano with a couple of unusual features. Where other technicians clammed up and appeared out of the ir element, this gentleman from Glenmore piano was confident and proficient.
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I needed a tuner last minute for a jazz performance. Everyone was pleased with the service and I would recommend again to musicians.
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The service was great, they answer my piano newbie type questions and were very knowledgeabe
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You will appreciate their thoroughness and attention to details when tuning and performing repairs.
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My piano had been making clicking noises. The tech quicly diagnosed the problem (compacted felt) and fixed the problem in less than an hour. They recommended a full refurbishment which I will go ahead with in the spring.
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On time, and very fast. Amazing how some other technicians can be bad AND slow, these guys are excellent AND fast.
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My newly restored piano has now had three tunings and is completely stable in my home. What a joy!
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Thanks for doing a great job on our church piano. The humidifier system is working wonders to keep it playable through the winter.
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Our little wurlitzer spinet needed some tlc. I was able to book on short notice, the work was professional and they accepted debit. Thanks!
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Glenmore piano helped me narrow down my piano search by inspecting a coiuple we had seen listed on kijiji., they helped us find a mover and then tuned it a few days after it was delivered.
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Pricing is fair considering they are masters. I'm sure I could save $20 by finding someone on kijiji but why bother when I can get the best for not that much more.
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Professional & Caring techs! Took time to really do a great job tuning & fixing my practice pedal. Explained everything thoroughly & answered all my questions.
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When they could not source an obscure part for my 150 year old piano, they made it in their workshop! Very trustworthy, mature professionals here.
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I found my first tuner on kijiji, he showed up in an beat up truck with "snow shoveling" on the side, he left abruptly after about an hour and my piano felt really wonky. The tech from Glenmore Piano Service was neatly dressed, professsional and clearly a master at their craft.
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Our Baldwin grand piano looks like new, the sound is clear as a bell. Very pleased with the results of their careful work.
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The cleaning service was very thorough and I appreciated their use of fresh supplies for each customer. My piano looks much better now.
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I recently inherited my grandmother's piano. It had not been worked on in many years. He made it sound pleasant again and also replaced a few of a keytops which were chipped. Thx:)
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Fully recommend their services. Fixed my sticking key at no extra charge and the piano sounds lovely again.
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Fantastic job rebuilding my Steinway baby grand. Also built a beautiful upholstered adjustable bench to replace my creaky old one.
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Thank you for helping me with inspection of pianos I was looking to buy. It was extremely helpful to have an independent opinion from a professional and it helped me make a more informed used piano purchase.
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Performed a piano leg repair after it had been dropped by movers. The new finish matches perfectly, it looks just like it did before, a bit better actually.
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These guys are truly skilled at their craft. My restored Bluthner baby grand piano sounds and looks amazing again.
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Thank you to the pros at Glenmore Piano Service. I was well taken care of and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
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Impeccable service, helped me choose a used piano, got it moved in and tuned in one service call.
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It's great having a company like this in Calgary. Proper workshop. Proper customer service. Choice of service technicians.
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100% recommend Glenmore Piano Service for their knowledge, professionalism and kindness.
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Thanks for tuning up my old piano! The regulation made a huge difference and I'm glad I held onto it.
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Thankfully they had a cancellation and was able to fit us in on only a few days notice. Service by phone, email and in-person was excellent.
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Trustworthy piano service in Calgary from Glenmore Piano Service.
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Friendly interaction, excellence in piano tuning and repair is obvious here.
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Highly recommend. A+ tuning. Sounds lovely even a few months later.
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“There are eighty-eight
keys on a piano,
and within that, an entire universe.”
—James Rhodes
