About Paul Barnes
Over 30 years keeping pianos in tune across Lancashire and Greater Manchester (and beyond)
A Passion for Pianos
I've worked with pianos for over 30 years, but it wasn't always my career. For years I worked as an engineer — all while knowing that pianos were my real passion.
Eventually I decided to do something about it. I spent three years studying at Leeds College of Music, earning a BTEC National Diploma in Piano Tuning, Maintenance & Repair and a City & Guilds in Musical Instrument Technology specialising in Piano. By July 1994 I was fully qualified and ready to start.
What began with tuning pianos for family and friends quickly grew. Over the last 30 years I've tuned thousands of pianos across Bolton, Lancashire and Greater Manchester — in family homes, schools, churches, theatres, music studios, and 200-year-old country halls.
I've worked in some wonderful places along the way. Here are just a few:
Venues
Haigh Hall in Wigan. Mitton Hall in Whalley. Fairways Lodge in Prestwich. The Edge Theatre in Chorlton. And the Echo Arena in Liverpool — more on that in a moment.
Schools
Cardinal Newman College in Preston. Eagley Infants in Bromley Cross. Horwich Parish Primary. St Bernadette's in Shevington. St Mary's Catholic High in Astley. St Wilfrid's Academy in Standish.
Churches
Edgworth Methodist Church. Church of the Nazarene in Bolton. Bag Lane Methodist in Atherton.
Music Studios (and one unexpected venue)
Musical Strings in Leigh. A recording studio on Ashton Old Road in Manchester. And... Garth Prison in Leyland. Pianos turn up in all sorts of places.
Tuner For The Stars
Over the years I've been lucky enough to tune pianos at the Echo Arena in Liverpool for some incredible artists — including Bob Dylan, Alicia Keys, Guns N' Roses, Peter Gabriel, John Legend, and Michael Bublé. It's not something I take for granted.
Whether I'm tuning for a concert or for someone's front room, the job is the same — get it sounding its absolute best.
Going the distance
Most of my work is local, but over the years I've travelled further and further afield. First across to the other side of Manchester, then Liverpool, then as far as Prestatyn in North Wales. There was even one job in France.
What My Customers Say
"As you may have gathered, the piano is quite dear to me and I'm glad it's in such good hands. Have had a little play on it — very impressed."
— Barend
"Paul has tuned our piano for many years now. He's always professional, friendly, and our piano sounds wonderful after every visit."
— The Thompson Family
"Excellent service from start to finish. Paul clearly knows his craft and takes real pride in his work."
— Margaret
Ready to Book?
You don't need to be an international superstar (or live in France) to get your piano tuned.
Whether you'd prefer to call or book online, I'll get back to you as soon as possible to arrange a convenient time.