Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Piano Care Experts in Utah
Since 1951, Barrus Pianos has established itself as Utah's premier provider of comprehensive piano care services. Founded by Ralph Barrus after graduating from the School of Piano Technology at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, we have built a legacy of excellence spanning seven decades. Our team of certified technicians specializes in piano moving, tuning, repair, rebuilding, and sales, serving the Wasatch Front and surrounding areas with unmatched expertise. We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to address both routine maintenance and complex restoration projects, ensuring instruments of all brands maintain optimal performance.As Utah's most experienced piano service provider, we serve private owners, educators, and professional musicians, offering climate-controlled storage, flexible rental options, and cutting-edge player piano systems. Our full-value insurance policies during moves, specialized equipment for challenging relocations, and detailed post-service consultations demonstrate our commitment to client satisfaction. Recognized as industry leaders by local dealerships, concert venues, and piano manufacturers, we continue the family tradition started in 1951 while investing in ongoing technician education to maintain our position at the forefront of piano technology.
Services
Piano Moving
Storage
Tuning
Repair and Rebuilding
Sales
Rentals
Player Pianos
Details
- Year established: 1951
Highlights and features
- We have over 70 years of experience in piano technology and services.
- Our registered technicians specialize in grand and upright piano moving.
- We offer climate-controlled storage facilities for instrument preservation.
- We provide full-value insurance during piano transportation.
- Our family-owned business combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
What people say
Very professional
No damage
Excellent job
Affordable
Punctual and courteous
Services
Piano Moving
Our specialized moving crews utilize dollies, padding, and climate-controlled trucks for safe piano relocation. We handle local moves, long-distance transportation, and challenging access scenarios including stairs and narrow spaces. Each move includes full-value insurance and preparation of instruments for transit.
Piano Tuning
Certified technicians perform precision tuning, regulation, and voicing services for all piano types. We address climate-related tuning instability and offer bi-annual maintenance plans. Our service includes key action servicing and post-move tuning adjustments to preserve tonal quality.
Piano Repair and Rebuilding
From minor key repairs to complete instrument reconstructions, our craftsmen restore structural integrity and sound quality. Services include soundboard replacement, pinblock adjustments, and refinishing. We maintain original instrument characteristics while applying modern piano technology for lasting performance.
Piano Storage
Our climate-controlled facility protects pianos during temporary or long-term storage. Each instrument receives protective padding and secure placement. We offer prorated rate options and include pickup/delivery services with all storage arrangements.
Player Pianos
We install PianoDisc and QRS systems that convert traditional pianos into automated instruments. Services include system integration, MIDI recording capabilities, and silent practice options with headphone compatibility. Our technicians provide ongoing support and maintenance for player piano systems.
People
Ralph Barrus
Founder
Established Barrus Pianos in 1951 after graduating from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Recognized as Western U.S. piano technology expert who expanded services to include Yamaha piano sales in 1960s.
John Barrus
President
Son of founder who developed piano moving division in 1978. Expanded operations to serve Salt Lake Valley dealerships and maintain relationships with Steinway & Sons, Fazioli, and Kawai brands.
Questions
What piano moving services do you offer?
We handle local and long-distance moves for all piano types using specialized equipment, padding systems, and climate-controlled trucks with full-value insurance coverage.
Do you service all piano brands?
Yes, our technicians work with all makes and models including Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, Kawai, Fazioli, and vintage instruments requiring restoration.
How often should I tune my piano?
Annual tuning is recommended for residential pianos, bi-annual for frequent use, and immediate post-move or storage adjustments are advised for optimal performance.
What storage options are available?
Our climate-controlled facility offers prorated monthly storage with protective padding, secure placement, and included pickup/delivery services.
Do you sell player piano systems?
We install PianoDisc and QRS systems with MIDI recording capabilities, providing modern automation features while maintaining traditional instrument quality.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout Utah including Salt Lake City, Wasatch Front communities, and surrounding regions.
Reviews (4)
J. Harris
Jun 13, 2022
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Very professional, caring, friendly, hard-working family that deserves a 10-star. They have moved my piano about six times with no damage whatsoever, including storing it long-term. I would highly recommend them without any hesitation. Great people to work with!
Myra Boardman
Apr 22, 2022
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I booked tuning and they were about 2 weeks out before I could get a tune. I found somewhere else that could tune in about 3 days. I totally forgot to cancel the appointment with this company but remembered the day of (20 mins before my appointment unfortunately) quickly called and asked if it was too late to cancel. I didn't remember what time the appointment was. Anyway the person I spoke with was very mad at me understandibly, but still shouldn't be rude to your customers.
He said the tech was already on his way, so I said ok. I told him it was already tuned and asked what else they could do. I was thinking if I could get the action regulated or if it needed hammers shaped or If they can make my bass strings sound better. He was stuck being shocked at how ridiculous it was that I forgot the appointment, rather than tell me what other services they do. I'd be happy to pay for action regulation or other services with my appointment. The technician didn't show up?
He said the tech was already on his way, so I said ok. I told him it was already tuned and asked what else they could do. I was thinking if I could get the action regulated or if it needed hammers shaped or If they can make my bass strings sound better. He was stuck being shocked at how ridiculous it was that I forgot the appointment, rather than tell me what other services they do. I'd be happy to pay for action regulation or other services with my appointment. The technician didn't show up?
Mariya Coleman
Feb 20, 2022
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This business is the BEST! Dave did an evaluation of quality and values of the pre-owned piano before we bought. He was very thorough which left us feeling confident in our purchase. Then John and Alex flawlessly delivered the piano to our home, and helped us place it just right. It seemed like they had a very good system to packing and moving to keep the piano safe and sound. All three had good professional pointers about teachers, equipment and just general advice to get our family started on our new hobby. Everyone we have worked with from this company is courteous, professional and timely. I would say the pricing of their services is fair as well.
Brad C.
Feb 19, 2022
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We've had to move pianos a couple times and these guys are the best around. They are extremely professional and take great care to not damage your piano or anything in your home. I wouldn't trust anyone else to move our piano.