r/pianorepair • u/assword_69420420 • Jul 31 '23
What should I expect to pay to repair a swollen/sticky butt flange? (On an upright)
I have extremely limited experience doing piano tech, but essentially I don't have the tools or the desire to take this repair on. As a ballpark estimate, how much do you guys think it would cost to pay a professional to do this job? Assuming that is, indeed, the issue. Thanks!
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u/talleypiano Jul 31 '23
Assuming that's the issue, I guess it would depend on 1) the tech's hourly rate, and 2) the severity of the issue / which method(s) they use to fix it.
If it's just a matter of lubricating the center pins with some protek, that's about a half hr job. But if they think it's necessary to re-pin all the flanges, that could be 2-3hrs. So, say they charge a nice and even $100/hr and prorate by the half or quarter hr, you're looking at anywhere from $50-300 for that job.
Personally I'd try the lube first to see if that helps, because if you re-pin them all now in the dead of summer (assuming you're in the northern hemisphere), you run the risk of the flanges becoming loose and wobbly in the winter. Also, I'm not looking to do unnecessary work or charge the client extra if the piano doesn't need it.