Brian Janey, owner of Fallbrook’s Allegro Piano Service, is a wealth of information about pianos and their care. He has played for more than 30 years and has recorded his music. “I’m the guy who has a hard time pulling away after I’ve tuned and cared for a piano,” he says. Wowing clients with improvements to their instruments is one of his greatest pleasures. His clientele varies from local concert stages and theaters to schools and colleges, churches and hundreds of private residences from Lake Elsinore to Rancho Santa Fe.
Along with tuning and refurbishing, Janey is someone to consult prior to a piano purchase. “Friends don’t let friends buy a piano without first having it looked at by a qualified technician,” he states. “Purchasing a piano can be a haphazard experience. Beware of rummage sale pianos and those offered for free. You are likely just taking someone’s problem off their hands. There’s more to a piano than just a pretty case. The cost of a consultation is modest and can save you years of musical disappointment.”
Janey works on all varieties of pianos, new and old, including the unusual Yamaha Disklavier. He knows the industry well, and has been trained by leading manufacturers such as Steinway, Yamaha and Kawai. He even has an “A” rating with Angie’s List.
For Janey it’s a work of love. He draws great satisfaction from encouraging people to express themselves at their pianos. “It is uplifting to discover that someone took a new interest in the piano after I came to their home,” he says.
Piano makers recommend tuning a piano every six months. “If you wait until it sounds bad, you’ve waited too long,” he advises. “Play your piano regularly to keep action parts from getting sticky and keep it closed when not in use. Inconsistent humidity and temperatures are hard on pianos, so place your instrument away from open windows and doors, fireplaces, heating and air conditioning ducts and direct sunlight.”
In addition to providing in-home service, Janey accommodates his clients with referrals for local piano instruction. To make an appointment, call (760) 723-4435.