Service Summaries & Fee
- All prices in Hong Kong dollars, and are subject to adjustment periodically.
- All services provided by Kata Music are covered by general liability insurance.
- While miscellaneous repairs are hard to itemize, we aim to be as transparent as we can in our pricing.
- Price listed for "Extended Visit" means the total cost. I.e. Fee for 4 hours of upright piano service is $1000 in total.
- Payment Method: Cash, PayMe or FPS (Contact for other methods.)
Tuning: Flat Rate

Basic tuning (1.5 - 2 hours)
For pianos with regular annual maintenance, that doesn't require "Pitch Correction".
Upright piano: $600
Grand piano: $700
"Basic Tuning" is for pianos that are regularly tuned and maintained. These pianos function smoothly and are evenly regulated, hence needing no major repairs. "Basic Tuning" are done base on the frequency of the note A4 (the A note above middle C note).
If A4 is far from the standard 440Hz, the maximum pitch correction is 2Hz. For example, if A4 were found to be 430Hz, "Basic Tuning" will tune the piano with A4 as high as 432Hz. For a bigger raise, please refer to "Pitch Correction".
Pitch Correction (2 to 3 hours)
For pianos that haven't been regularly maintained, or those requiring "Pitch Correction".
Upright piano: $800
Grand piano: $900
Service Description
If a piano is not tuned and maintained for over a year, or has not been kept in standard pitch level, its overall pitch might be lower than standard. When A4 (the A note above middle C) deviates more than 2Hz from the standard 440Hz, the procedure to raise the pitch level back to standard is more complicated and time consuming.
As "Pitch Correction" drastically change the piano strings' tension, the piano will go out of tune quicker than usual. Therefore, we suggest another "Basic Tuning" within 6 months to stabilize the tuning.
Most pianos needing "Pitch Correction" are also out of regulation. Therefore, the price for this service is the same as a 3-hour extensive visit, which includes time for minor regulation and small repairs.
FAQ on Tuning
DIY Pitch Level Check
What's considered a low pitch?
It is easier with comparisons.
This is the middle A with standard pitch: 440 Hz.
433 Hz is low but quite common with pianos not tuned for several years.
420 Hz happens sometimes, I would be shock as it's really low in terms of tuning.
Does my piano require "Pitch Correction"?
First of all, the higher the pitch, the larger the string tension. An overall high pitch level can be harmful to the piano, therefore, the overall pitch must be lowered.
For "Pitch Raise", it is most ideal to return to the pitch level the piano was designed for originally. However, not all users need it.
This procedure alters the string tension aggressively, therefore the piano will get out of tune sooner than normal. The client is advised to have the piano tuned again in about 6 months for a more stable tuning. Therefore, "Pitch Raise" is not a one-time commitment.
What situations call for "Pitch Raise"? For example: the user…
• has perfect pitch.
• is learning other instruments.
• sings with the piano.
• is accompanying other instruments.
• wants to play piano with apps or videos.
• is preparing for exams.
• is using this piano to record exam videos.
• is taking lesson elsewhere, and find his/her own piano sounding weird.
• is learning more advanced music that demands more from the piano.
These are just example. If the user is a child who is just starting to learn, perhaps the pitch level of the piano isn't the most important aspect.
Even if the client chose not to raise the pitch, we shall raise the pitch slightly, so that the overall pitch level will not drop further.
How frequent should a piano be tuned?
We recommend at least ONE tuning per year, TWICE is even better.
This also depends on the user. For example, people with sensitive hearing might have lower tolerance for out-of-tune piano. For them, more frequent tuning might be necessary.
Do other piano technicians offer service in the same way?
Of course not. Every technicians have their own philosophies and methods. All information here only represent Kata Music's point of view.
Integrated Service: Duration Rate

When a piano has not been tuned or maintained for a long time, they most likely need more than one type of service, such as repairs and cleaning. Repair includes string replacement.
When service becomes more than just tuning, it will be charged according to duration. However, some extensive services are quoted separately per market rate.
Although specialty materials and techniques are taken into an account, service time plays a huge part in our pricing. For the best time management, tuning is included into service time. For example, tasks involving adhesive are done first to allow enough cure time.
In general, 6 hours are enough for most in-home service. Examples of tasks are full-scale regulation and/or part replacement procedures (for all 88 keys), deep cleaning (especially insect infestation), large amount of replacements for broken parts.
For pianos that are exceedingly old and/or in bad shape, we cannot guarantee a successful result and accurate quotation. To avoid any disputes, clients might need to sign our Disclaimer Agreement prior to any services.
Still not sure? We have a case example pages: "Common Piano Maintenance Scenario", currently only in Chinese though.
Other Conditions
• Service over 4 hours may include no more than 20 minutes of meal time.
• A "7 to 10 Hours" service does not guarantee a 10-hour service. We charge in such a way to increase flexibility of our service.
• The fee is calculated by the number of hours. When a service hour is between 30 to 60 minutes, it shall be counted as a full hour.
• When a service hour is over 30 mins, it is charged as a full hour.
Charged by duration, price in total:
1 Hour - $400
2 Hours - $600
3 Hours - $800
4 Hours - $1000
5 Hours - $1250
6 Hours - $1500
7 Hours or more - $1800
Charged by duration, price in total:
1 Hour - $500
2 Hours - $700
3 Hours - $900
4 Hours - $1200
5 Hours - $1500
6 Hours - $1800
7 Hours or more - $2000
These services will be conducted on site, hence no removal of any piano parts are necessary. Depending on the piano, the work duration varies. If the task were not completed within the first day, we will charge 50% of total service cost first.
Center Pin Replacement (Whole Set, 88)
Duration: 1 to 1.5 day
Upright piano:$2800
Additional Tuning (Any) Service:+$300
Repetition Spring Loop Replacement (Whole Set, 88).
Duration: 1 to 1.5 day
Upright piano:$2800
Additional Tuning (Any) Service:+$300
Re-glue All Detached/Loose White Keytops on Yamaha Pianos.
Duration: 1 to 1.5 day
Upright/Grand Piano:$2500
Additional Tuning (Any) Service:+$300 (Upright Piano) / +$500 (Grand Piano)
Original Yamaha Keytop Replacement (When Available):$30 Each

We are Flexible!
There’s all kinds of improvement we can provide for your beloved piano. However, for clients with limited budget, we are happy to adjust accordingly to clients’ need. Some minor repairs can be waited until future service appointments, separating the costs into several appointments.
Additional Services
Used Piano Evaluation
直身琴及三角琴: $400
We offer piano evaluation for clients who are interested in purchasing quality used piano from private owners. This is because both the sellers and buyers likely have little knowledge of the condition of pianos. For buyers, it is a nightmare to only discover their newly purchased pianos are due for costly repair. Worst is that the piano doesn’t worth repairing. To prevent such scenario, we offer evaluation service prior transaction.
How does it work? The technician will come and check for internal damage, insect infestation and overall condition of the piano.
As many pianos are out of tune during the sale, our technician shall tune several notes from various registers so the buyer may have a more realistic impression of the particular piano's sound.
It will take 30 to 60 minutes. Clients will get a detail report of the findings and professional comments such as a ball-park quotations for any essential repair.
Note: It might be difficult if the pianos in question are being let go for free, because the owners might not want to put up with the trouble.
String Replacement
Treble & Mid-section
Treble: Charge by service duration. (Each wire requires 30 to 60 minutes.)
Mid-range (underneath bass strings): Charge by service duration. (Each wire requires 60 to 90 minutes.)
Cost of material: All plain wires (made in Japan) are included.
Bass Section
Bass String Splice:Treble: When succeed, charge by service duration. (Each wire requires 30 to 60 minutes.) When failed, no charge.
According to the technician's judgement, broken bass strings may be spliced. If the strings were old and fragile, they might not withhold the required tension. Moreover, the success rate of this process is only 50%. Therefore, the technician might deny performing this repair. When the procedure is successful, the bass string can function as usual with slight discount of sound quality and might cause noises. Therefore, clients are advised to replace it with new duplicated string as soon as possible.
More About Bass String Replacement
Bass strings installation:Charge by service duration. (Each wire requires 30 to 60 minutes.)
Cost of material: The cost of bass strings replacement varies between $200 to $300 each. They can be duplicated locally, or ordered from international manufacturers (when possible). Please inquire for a quotation.
Note:Please be aware that there is a $400 minimum per visit.
Grand Piano Regulation (1 Day)
Grand piano's action consists of numerous small parts. When the piano has been played often, these parts tend to move little by little from their original position, felt parts would get compressed, springs become weaker etc. All these makes piano playing less fun than what it used to be.
It is completely normal for parts to become deregulated. However, when left in such a condition for a long time, some parts will get worn more than usual. To prevent the piano from performing worse, we recommend grand pianos to receive a one-day regulation care every few years.
Regulation means to return parts to settings where they can coordinate most efficiently. As long as the parts aren't worn heavily, this procedure does not require any major change of parts.
Please be aware that a one-day regulation is considered small scale. Depending on the piano's condition, a 3 to 4-day service is common as well.
Interested?Contact Us!
Dehumidifying Rod Installation
直身琴:$120
Grand piano: Please inquire.
Dehumidifying rod, or "heat rod", is a simple device to lower relative humidity by raising surrounding's temperature. It is typically installed next to the soundboard, as it has direct influence in the piano's tuning stability. Dehumidifying rod does not have on/off button, as they are designed for long term use. Hong Kong is so humid that it is fine to keep it on and forget about it.
Clients are welcome to provide a dehumidifying rod for their upright pianos. We will install it without cost.
濕度控製器 (不包括防潮管):$400
Made in Hong Kong. It is similar to Dampp-Chaser unit, but more affordable. When humidity approaches around 50%, the amount that favours piano, the controller shuts off the power.
Though, isn't Hong Kong very humid? What's the need? When temperature increases, people tend to turn on the air conditioner more often. When the AC's on, the humidity drops drastically. When it's off, the humidity comes back almost immediately. Sometimes, one might even observe condensation on the piano. The humidity sensitive power supply can lower the difference between these extremes, in turns increases tuning stability.
Providing Services for Primary/Secondary Schools and Organisations
We welcome inquires and quotation requests from primary/secondary schools and organisations. Before inquiring, please understand that initial quotations might not reflect the final fee because piano problems must be examined by a professional piano technician first. If our final quotation exceeds clients' budget, we can make alternative plans with compromises.
To avoid confusions, clients (especially those require extensive payment period) must sign a hard copy of our agreement form before any services is provided. (Sample).

Ask about Your Piano; Get Involved!
Many people grow up with their pianos and are curious about them; we are happy to answer any of your piano related questions.
It has come to our attention that cleaning piano sparks joy. Under Ms. Choi’s supervision, cleaning dirt out of your piano is safe and satisfying. Your help will also get more accomplished within a shorter time since removing all 88 keys is time consuming. Vacuuming skills required 😎 .
Ms. Choi used to supervise college music students with cleaning pianos in the US, it is a fun and valuable learning experience for them!
Minimum Visit Fee
Due to transportation cost and commuting time, we have a minimum fee of $400. Therefore we’d always encourage combining repairs and tuning within one appointment.
Additional Transportation Compensation
Hong Kong is not big, nor small! We base in North District of New Territories and hope to keep our one-way commuting time less than 1.5 hours. Additional compensation might be required for extra travel time and/or express transportation.
Additional fee: Discovery Bay $50, South Bay $100.
Unless there are 2-3 tunings at a time, islands such as Cheung Chau is simply too far to worth the commute.
New Territories? Tuen Mun? Yuen Long?
As a North District resident, it is rather convenient for me to visit location many considered to be "remote". For locations in Sheung Shui, Fanling, Tai Po, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and Sai Kung, Ms. Choi can drive to you! (Best with free parking!)
Discount?!
In general, there no individual price discounts. It would be unfair to other clients. Also, tuning and repairing pianos are physical labor work involving specialized skills. Therefore, there are no wholesale price. If your budget is limited, we can prioritize necessary repairs to minimize the costs at one time, and do the rest at a later time. If you simply want a cheaper price, expect a discount on service quality as well. However, since that violates our service principals, I'd recommend hiring another technician who gladly match your price.
Contact us!
Interested in our service? Contact us now!
