Business Details
25 Years
experience
Expert Piano Sales, Tuning & Repair in Brooklyn, NY
We are a full-service piano sales, rebuilding, and repair shop serving New York City since 2011. Our expertise extends to in-home piano tuning and repair services, which we have provided reliably since 2001. Specializing in acoustic pianos and vintage electric models like Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Hohner, we combine technical precision with a passion for musical excellence. Our team of dedicated tuner/technicians ensures timely service and tailored advice to meet the needs of musicians at every level. We serve diverse clients, including homes, music schools, churches, concert halls, and recording studios across NYC.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our meticulous approach to tuning, repairs, and restorations. We also host live musical events and maintain a shop space in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, open six days a week. With formal training and hands-on experience, we prioritize transparency, professionalism, and client satisfaction. Our testimonials from renowned musicians and institutions underscore our reputation as trusted experts in piano care. Whether you require routine maintenance or comprehensive restoration, we are dedicated to preserving the artistry and functionality of your instrument.
Services
Piano Tuning
Acoustic Repair
Vintage Electric Repair
Piano Appraisals
Action Regulation
Hammer Voicing
Soundboard Repair
Piano Sales
Finish Refinishing
Live Music Events
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in piano tuning and repair.
- Our team of dedicated tuner/technicians ensures timely, personalized service.
- We specialize in both acoustic and vintage electric piano restoration.
- We provide transparent advice tailored to every musician's needs.
- Our work is trusted by renowned musicians and NYC institutions.
Associations and certifications
- Registered Piano Technicians (RPT)
What people say
Master of piano care
Sounds so lovely
Highly reliable
Transforming technique
Delightful person
Services
Piano Tuning
Our aural tuning service ensures optimal sound quality by adjusting string tension to match pitch standards. We address humidity-related drift and recommend tuning frequency based on usage. Services cater to casual players, serious musicians, and professional venues requiring pre-performance precision.
Acoustic Repair
We address mechanical issues like sticking keys, broken strings, and pedal malfunctions. Our technicians carry essential parts for on-site fixes and schedule follow-ups for complex repairs. Services restore functionality and extend the lifespan of acoustic pianos in homes and institutions.
Piano Appraisals
We provide formal evaluations of piano value, condition, and restoration potential. Services include written reports for insurance, sale, or purchase decisions. Our assessments consider age, brand, wear, and market demand for acoustic and vintage electric models.
Action Regulation
This service optimizes key mechanics for responsive playability. Adjustments include friction reduction, weight balancing, and hammer calibration. Ideal for frequently used pianos or neglected instruments needing performance restoration in professional and home settings.
Hammer Voicing
We reshape and needle piano hammers to adjust tone brightness, softness, and consistency. This service enhances sound quality for pianists seeking personalized tonal characteristics. Performed on-site or in our Brooklyn workshop for acoustic and vintage electric instruments.
People
Brian Whiton
Owner & Lead Technician
Brian Whiton, RPT, has specialized in piano care since 2001. He combines technical expertise with a musician's sensitivity to restore instruments to peak performance. His work is trusted by NYC institutions and professional musicians.
Questions
What services do you offer for acoustic pianos?
We provide tuning, regulation, voicing, repairs, appraisals, and restoration for acoustic pianos in homes and institutions.
Do you service vintage electric pianos?
Yes, we specialize in Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Hohner electric pianos, including mechanical and tonal adjustments.
How often should I tune my piano?
Most pianos need tuning 1-3 times yearly; professional venues or frequent players may require monthly sessions for stability.
Can you repair damaged piano finishes?
We offer touch-ups and full refinishing services to restore both functionality and aesthetic appeal of piano cases.
Are appointments available outside regular hours?
We accommodate custom schedules via email or text, though transportation limitations may affect availability in NYC.
Do you provide written appraisals for insurance?
Yes, we offer formal appraisal reports detailing piano condition, value, and restoration recommendations for insurance or sale purposes.
Reviews (7)
Jennifer Samphaoron
Jun 19, 2022
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Brian and all the staff at Big Wrench were so helpful and responsive in tuning our school's piano! It sounds beautiful and they really saved the day right before our end-of-year performances! Thank you!
Natalia Goldstein
Apr 28, 2022
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These guys are the best! Primarily a piano/piano tuning shop but they also have an excellent guitar selection. A true Brooklyn gem.
Mike Verselli
Jan 25, 2022
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Brian is an exceptional piano tuner and technician. I've had excellent service from him and Bert as well. Can't recommend them enough! I shipped a piano over a long distance to nyc from a very different climate and he was able to get everything all set up and stabilized. Also he fabricated a mute rail for my piano and did the installation, works perfectly and is great to have the option of quiet practicing. Pricing is also very reasonable!
Meredith Walters
Dec 14, 2021
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My cultural institution trusts our pianos to the care of Brian and Big Wrench Piano Care. The work is terrific and Brian is wonderful.
Fi Poll
May 21, 2021
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Writing this on behalf of SJ. We've used Big Wrench once before about a year and a half ago. Finally SJ was tired of how out her tune her piano sounded (no servicing due to the pandemic) so we called up to schedule a tuner to come out. Bert was assigned to tune an 80+ year old Steinway grand piano. SJ has been over the moon at how amazing the piano sounds and said she has never had a tuner tune her piano the way Bert did. Very satisfied and happy about the service provided. Highly recommended!
Erlinda Brent
Apr 18, 2020
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For many years, Brian and his team have tuned the pianos at the church where I work. Some of our pianos are and have been a challenge, and Big Wrench makes them sound great. We use them for regular maintenance and tune-ups before concerts. Big Wrench is not just professional, they are very good at what they do!
Kevin Dann
Feb 11, 2020
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So delighted to find such a great shop a block off Smith Street! I went in on Christmas Eve to buy a guitar for my wife, and walked out with a new Yamaha and case for under $350! Brian is a gem, and the shop is beautiful, with a great line of stringed instruments.
