About Dan
A native Oregonian, it is my pleasure to serve the Portland Area as a piano technician. I have over twenty years of full-time experience, and have been a Registered Piano Technician in the Piano Technicians Guild since 2006.
I have been fortunate to work with some of the best technicians in the field as an apprentice and colleague in Cincinnati, OH, Raleigh, NC, and in the San Francisco Bay Area. My clients have included pianists of all skill levels, universities, churches, and performing arts organizations, including the San Francisco Opera. I have spent thousands of hours tuning and servicing pianos in homes, and in the rebuilding and restoration processes.
As a pianist and music aficionado, it is a joy to work with piano owners to help them get the most out of their instrument. In addition to conscientious care from a skilled piano technician, it is also helpful when the piano owner knows more about their instrument. To help with that, I am always happy to answer questions -- or serve as a tour guide -- and help everyone take steps to make sure their piano stays in top condition.
Most importantly, I love to play my piano. I have studied classical and jazz piano, and have performed as a soloist and in group settings. I understand how important it is to have an instrument that is responsive to your musical personality, and look forward to working with you to make your piano its best.
Training and Experience
Education
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, MM in Music History, 2003
Portland State University, BA in Music, 1999
Piano Technician Training
Shigeru Kawai Technical Academy, June 2023
Renner Academy, May 2021
David Stanwood New Action Protocol Training, June 2020
Yamaha Little Red Schoolhouse, May 2010
Training at Schimmel Piano Factory, Braunschweig, Germany, 2006
Qualified as Registered Piano Technician (RPT) in the Piano Technicians Guild, 2006
Apprenticeship with Richard Ruggero, RPT, Raleigh, NC, 2004-2006
Apprenticeship with Nevin Essex, RPT, Cincinnati, OH, 2002-04
Professional Experience
Piano Technician at Callahan Piano Service, Oakland, CA, 2007-14
Piano Technician at Ruggero Piano, Raleigh, NC, 2004-07
Services
My regular piano service includes a tuning and pitch correction, pedal adjustment, and an inspection of the action. Small adjustments, repairs, and light voicing may also be included as time allows. A typical service appointment last about two hours.
We can also schedule more thorough service appointments for full regulation, hammer shaping, and voicing — a day or more of work.
Action Rebuilding and Balancing
If you think your piano’s touch is too heavy or uneven, I offer action analysis and balancing services, using protocols developed by David Stanwood for the highest level of touchweight control.
I also offer full action rebuilds, replacing worn out hammer and action parts — integrating touchweight and action geometry corrections.
I also install Dampp-Chaser piano climate control systems.
Service Rates as of February 2024:
Tuning & Service Appointment (Approx. 2 hrs): $245
Service Call / Evaluation (up to 1 hr): $145
Hourly: $125
Regulation, Voicing, Shop Work: Hourly Rate
Contact
Phone: (503) 803-3383
Email: dan.neises@gmail.com
Testimonials
“I was informed about Dan through a mutual friend - I was in the market for a new tuner/tech and he came highly recommended indeed. So, not really knowing much about him, I decided to give him a shot. Best move in years - my piano hasn’t sounded this good since I bought it in 1989. Really a superb tuning, and I recommend him unreservedly. ”
“I’ve found a doctor for my piano. Dan is a down to earth, straightforward piano technician who knows his job inside and out. He treated my second hand Yamaha as if it were a new Steinway, and after tuning and regulation, I could play a ppp with ease. I was impressed with his professionalism, easy going manner, and caring attitude. ”