Gina's Piano Piano Tuning & Repairs

At Gina's Piano, we understand that your musical instrument is more than just a piece of equipment – it's an extension of you

Schedule a Service

Gina's Piano Piano Tuning & Repairs

At Gina's Piano, we understand that your musical instrument is more than just a piece of equipment – it's an extension of you

Schedule a Service

The Team

Gina Bonfietti, Registered Piano Technician

Hi, I'm Gina Bonfietti. I grew up in the piano tuning business that my dad, Gino, started in 1973, Trumbull Piano Service. My brothers and I learned the ins and outs of tuning, regulating, rebuilding, repairing, and moving pianos. When my dad retired in 1990, I was the only one willing to take over the family business, and that's when Gin

I'm very proud of my recognition as an RPT (Registered Piano Technician) and my membership with the Piano Technicians Guild, the only professional organization for piano technicians in the United States.

Besides my love for fixing and repairing pianos, I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife and I have two wonderful grown daughters and two beautiful dogs: an aloof, giant Goldendoodle named Brodie and a curious Maltese named Mochi. My other interests include skiing, camping, hiking, spending time at OBX, and cold plunging in Long Island Sound mid-winter.

I continue to further my education by attending various courses, conferences, and conventions with the Piano Technicians Guild. Learning new skills and checking out the latest tools is great! Here are some of my training and achievements:

Member of the Piano Technicians Guild since 1990.
Created the Milford Street Piano in June 2019
Piano Life Saver System Certified Installer/Field Expert with over 350 installations since 1990.
Grand Action Rebuilding Course from Renner Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona. October 2017
37- Grand Regulation Intensive at PTG Home Office in Kansas. May 2018
Taught Hammer Butt Cord Replacement at PTG Regional Conference, April 2019
Taught Street Pianos at the PTG National Convention Orlando, July 2023
Spiro Training, Steinway Factory, Queens, NY Feb March 2023
Served on the PTG National Board of Directors August '22 through September '23.
Facilitator at Appalachian Piano Tech Camp May 2024

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Jamie Bonfietti, Technician

Gina Bonfietti, Registered Piano Technician

Hi, I’m Jamie Bonfietti, Gina's niece. I recently graduated from the North Bennet Street School in Boston, where I completed the Piano Technology Basic Course. During my time there, I mastered the three pillars of being a field technician: tuning, repairing, and regulating pianos.

After graduation, I underwent intensive training with Sally

After graduation, I underwent intensive training with Sally Phillips, a renowned concert technician. I'm also a member of the Piano Technicians Guild, working towards full certification as a Registered Piano Technician.

In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting and spending time with my family at the beach or on my dad's boat. I'm a huge animal lover, having grown up with three dogs and more cats than I can remember. I look forward to meeting you and taking care of your piano.

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Brodie, Head Shop Dog

Gina Bonfietti, Registered Piano Technician

Brodie, Head Shop Dog

Brodie has been known to eat piano parts and test them for durability. The older the parts the more tasty they are.

Gina's Piano

Expert Piano Services

Gina's Piano offers a full range of professional piano services, including tuning, repair, regulation, and humidity control systems. Our experienced technicians provide complete service to ensure your piano is in top condition. That's why we're committed to providing high-quality service that is tailored to your specific needs. Our technicians have the knowledge and expertise to repair all makes of pianos. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a personalized experience that is both convenient and affordable. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and let us help you get back to making beautiful music!

A few reviews:

Steinway Grand Regulation

Gina,

Just a quick note to say what an excellent job Jamie did on my Samick! Very knowledgeable, attentive to detail and thorough. VERY professional! I will gladly offer a referral to your potential customers. Thank you for providing this quick response.

Sincerely,

B. A. Stratford, CT

Steinway Grand Regulation

Your thoughtfulness and craftsmanship is very much appreciated. I can’t thank you enough for providing me with a new Steinway Piano! That is what I feel every time I sit down to play. It’s a new experience. Your painstaking and exact workmanship in regulating the action resulted in what it should have been 23 years ago!

J.D Easton
CT

Upright Action Regulation

Just want to thank you for the great job that you did on my piano earlier this week. I really can’t believe the difference that you made! The action is so much more even and responsive; the pedals work beautifully (and look beautiful, too), and the whole experience of playing is so much more enjoyable. I’m embarrassed to think it took me so long to realize that it needed the repairs. And I have a new humidistat to boot and a much better-looking bench.

Super job, girl!

Diane F.
Milford, CT

1906 Upright tuning and repair

I just have to tell you that you made my granddaughter a very happy person while she was with us. She was so happy that there were no broken keys and that the piano was tuned. She had a great time playing and learning as she played.

It was also great for us to hear the piano being played in our house again.

Thanks for your patience and understanding of what we wanted to get out of our very old piano.

I definitely recommend you to anyone looking for a piano tuner.

Ann P

Dehumidifier installation in a Grand

Gina was able to restore my piano reducing humidity by installing a special dehumidifier. The last three years this special device made a huge difference.

L.F. Stratford

Grand piano sale

Not only is Gina an amazing piano tuner, she’s an all-around great person! She also just helped us sell our piano!

L.M. Weston

New Yamaha upright complete Piano Life Saver System

Gina has been my piano technician for about 9 years. My piano was basically new when she started servicing it and had some pedal and sticky key issues. She cleared both up with her first visit. I was having problems with the piano going out of tune frequently due to air flow of the room. Gina recommended a humidity control system and I've never had a problem since. I highly recommend Gina's Piano Service. My piano always sounds great and functions perfectly.

Positive
Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value

S.C. Trumbull

Full Service tuning appointment with Jamie

Jamie was delightful. I enjoyed talking with her and she did a terrific job.

M.K. Milford

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at gina@ginaspiano.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How often should my piano be serviced?

The piano's pitch fluctuates with changes in humidity, which is especially relevant in Connecticut, where the four distinct seasons bring varying humidity levels. For instance, the humidity in July differs significantly from that in October, January, or April. Some piano owners choose to have their instruments tuned four times a year because the seasonal shifts are enough to cause the piano to go out of tune. Others opt for tuning every six months. Regulation may be needed annually or every five years, depending on how much the piano is used. Cleaning is performed as required. Regular piano maintenance includes tuning, regulation, voicing, cleaning, and repairs.

What shoud I expect during the service?

We will open the piano lid to tune it. Please remove items such as candelabras, family photos, jars of dog treats, etc. There's no need to move upright pianos away from the wall but ensure they are a few inches from the wall to allow the top to open.

While we love children, pets, house cleaners, landscapers, and tree trimmers, a quiet environment helps us do our best work. We strive to be on time, but sometimes traffic, snow delays, or a mischievous piano may cause delays. If we are running late, we will try to text or call. Please feel free to reach out on the day of your service if you have any questions at 203-882-8082 call or text.

What's the best enviroment for my piano

The best environment for a piano is one that maintains stable temperature and humidity levels, protecting the instrument from fluctuations that can affect its tuning, sound quality, and structural integrity. Here are key factors to consider:

Humidity: Aim for a consistent humidity level between 40% and 50%. Too much humidity can cause the wood to swell, affecting the action and tuning stability, while too little humidity can lead to cracks in the wood and other damage. Using a humidifier or dehumidifier can help maintain the proper level.

Temperature: Keep the piano in a room with a stable temperature, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid placing the piano near heating vents, radiators, fireplaces, or direct sunlight, as these can cause temperature fluctuations and uneven heating.

Placement: The piano should be placed away from exterior walls, windows, and doors, which can expose it to drafts, moisture, and temperature changes. An interior wall is generally a better choice, as it is less affected by outdoor conditions.

Ventilation: Ensure the room is well-ventilated, but avoid placing the piano in a drafty area. Proper ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup, leading to mold and mildew.

Dust and Cleanliness: Keep the piano lid closed when not in use, and consider using a piano or string cover to protect it from dust and debris. Regular cleaning, both inside and out, will help maintain the instrument.

Maintaining these conditions can help preserve your piano's sound quality and prolong its lifespan.

Why won't my piano stay in tune?

Is your piano going out of tune frequently? The issue might be loose tuning pins. For a piano to maintain stable tuning, the tuning pins must be secure. Although factors like fluctuating humidity also affect tuning, loose tuning pins that slip during adjustment will struggle to stay in tune. Applying cyanoacrylate (CA) to the tuning pin bushings can increase pin torque and enhance tuning stability. This is not a DYI fix but one where the piano may need to be taken apart or tipped onto its back in order to repair.

My soundboard is dirty/dusty, can you clean it?

YES! Cleaning can be added to your regular piano maintenance appointment or as a stand-alone service. Over time, the soundboard of a grand piano can accumulate dust, which may eventually affect its sound quality. To minimize this issue, keep the piano lid closed when it’s not in use. A piano or string cover can also help protect the soundboard from dust. Despite these precautions, some dust will likely still collect.

My soundboard is cracked is my piano any good?

Cracks in a piano's soundboard can be concerning but don't always indicate a serious problem. The impact of soundboard cracks depends on their size, location, and whether they affect the piano's sound or structural integrity. Here's what you should know:

Sound Impact: In many cases, small cracks in the soundboard do not significantly affect the piano's tone or volume. However, more extensive cracks may lead to buzzing, loss of resonance, or a noticeable change in sound quality.
Structural Integrity: The soundboard is a critical piano component that is responsible for amplifying sound. While the presence of cracks doesn't always compromise the piano's structure, if the cracks are severe or the soundboard becomes separated from the ribs (the wooden supports underneath), it could lead to more serious issues.
Repair Needs: Some cracks can be repaired to restore the soundboard's integrity and prevent further damage. We can assess the situation and recommend appropriate repairs, such as shimming the cracks or, in extreme cases, replacing the soundboard.
Age and Use: Older pianos or those exposed to fluctuating humidity levels are more prone to soundboard cracks. Regular maintenance and a stable environment can prevent new cracks from forming.

If you notice cracks in your soundboard, it's a good idea to inspect them to determine their impact and whether any repairs are needed.

I found a free piano on Marketplace, what should I do now?

First, send us pictures, include the make and model, and sign up for a full inspection. Free pianos are NEVER free; they are usually pianos that have not been maintained and will need tuning, cleaning, and regulation, and usually, they are not worth taking. I have often found the "free" piano filled with mice excrement. The "free" piano can cost over $1,000 to fix and about the same to move into your home and then out once you find out it is filled with mouse excrement. We can often look at a few pictures and save you thousands. Please reach out.

I was offered a free grand piano, I just have to pay the shipping!

It's a scam!

Here's how it works:

Scammers advertise a high-quality piano for free, claiming their relative died and they want the piano to go to a good home.

They ask the buyer to pay for the piano's shipping, which they claim is the only cost involved. The moving cost ranges from $800 to $1,500.

The scammer connects you with the "shipping company," which is another scammer. The buyer is asked to pay the shipping fee using an untraceable method. Once the payment is received, the scammer disappears. The buyer never receives the piano, and the money is gone. If it sounds too good to be true, then it is. Never buy a piano sight unseen.

Do I need to hire a piano mover? Can't my house mover move the piano??

YES! Hiring a professional piano mover to move a piano is essential for several reasons:

Piano movers have experience and knowledge in handling heavy and delicate pianos. If necessary, they may have to disassemble and reassemble parts of the piano.

Pianos are expensive and can be easily damaged during a move and damage your home.

Pianos can weigh anywhere from 300 to over 1,000 pounds. Improper moving techniques can lead to serious injuries and even death. Professional movers know how to handle the weight safely and carry insurance to cover any damages. Other movers cover the piano by the pound, which may only cover your piano for a few hundred dollars, not enough to have your family heirloom repaired.

Hiring a professional piano mover ensures that the piano is moved safely, efficiently, and with the least risk of damage or injury.

Piano Technicians Guild Code of Ethics

In order to promote the highest standards of professional conduct of Piano Technicians Guild members, and to foster a relationship of trust between PTG members and their clients, this Code of Ethics constitutes the standards for which each member will be held accountable, and to which each member agrees upon joining PTG. (Link to PTG home Page)

1. I will act honorably and in a professional manner.
2. I will uphold the principles of honesty and integrity for which the Piano Technicians Guild stands.
3. I will represent my education, training, experience and area of expertise honestly and accurately.
4. I will uphold the Mission, Objectives and Principles of the Piano Technicians Guild.
5. I will render the best possible service under the circumstances, always keeping the best interests of my client in mind.
6. I will use the name and trademarks of the Piano Technicians Guild properly and will encourage others to do the same.
7. I will strive to upgrade my professional skills and I will encourage and help others to do the same.
8. I will promote good will towards my profession and towards the music industry.
9. I will engage only in business practices that are in accord with the antitrust guidelines as set forth by the Piano Technicians Guild.

Gina's Piano Piano Tuning & Repairs

Gina's Piano Piano Tuning & Repairs

Just a note!