We at Universal Restorations believe that in order for a pipe organ to remain in tune, it must be tuned in accord with seasonal changes in weather. As a result, we prefer to tune organs a minimum of four times per year -- in temperate climates approximately with the change of seasons: In the fall, when most of the heat of summer is gone. Close to the Winter Solstice - right before Christmas - as winter gears up for "full swing" At the beginning of spring - as the weather is beginning to warm. At the onset of summer. We find this pattern to be very helpful in maintaining instruments that are never "wildly out of tune". We offer four tunings for what is generally the price of two. We have been asked on numerous occasions how we can afford to do that. That answer is simple. Although we put in more time initially, we generally find that after the first year, the organ stays in tune so well that our "per visit time" is cut down quite dramatically. What we are left with is an instrument that is never terribly out of tune, therefore more pleasing to play and definitely better to listen to - which is good for the instrument's owner. And we find we have generally easier service calls, which is good for us. Although we do offer one time tunings, for reasons of economy and musical usefulness, we heartily encourage owners of pipe organs to consider a yearly maintenance agreement. What's included in the Maintenance agreement? Maintenance contracts vary in their scope with the needs of the instrument's owner. Generally a maintenance agreement includes 4 tunings per year, return calls as needed to adjust tuning (seldom required after the first year, but always a possibility!) and to make "spot repairs". The owner of the instrument is obligated to provide adequate access to the facility, and to ensure the space that houses the instrument is heated prior to the tuner's visit during winter months, or cooled in the summer, if air conditioning is utilized. The reason for the heating/cooling is not so much the comfort of the technician, but because organ tuning is a function of temperature, in order for the instrument to be in tune when it is played, it must be tuned at the same temperature. For example, if a church is heated (or cooled) to 70 degrees on Sunday morning, the organ should be tuned when the room has been heated/cooled to 70 degrees for several hours. All of the specifics of environmental control are outlined and explained in the contract. In the case of a few much older or otherwise tonally fragile instruments, or where the instrument must be in absolute concert readiness at all times, we arrange to do more than four tunings per year. Prices are based on the size of the instrument. Some provision may be made in cases of extreme financial need or sudden hardship.