CHRISTOPHER RIS

Steinway Specialist

Serving Marin since 1973

christopher Ris - Ris Piano tuning and sales

Piano tuning and voicing
Custom touch and tone regulation
Full service restoration shop
Steinway and Yamaha trained
Quality vintage pianos bought & sold
Appraisals and consultations

Address:
43 Joseph Court
San Rafael, CA 94903

Email: Chris (a) RisPiano (dot) com

Phone: 415 454-9009

Registered Piano Technician

Christopher Ris is a Registered Piano Technician (RPT), having passed the certified examinations with the Piano Technician’s Guild and having been selected for both the Steinway and Yamaha week-long factory training seminars.

At Ris Piano we offer the highest level of tuning, voicing, regulation, repair and restoration. Although we specialize in Steinway and other professional level pianos we offer the techniques of concert grand preparation to all piano owners to achieve the highest potential of their instruments. We strive to create the optimum touch and tone on all instruments, from vintage to new pianos.

As our beloved pianos age, they lose the refinement of touch and tone for which we chose them; our service and restoration shop can return your tired instrument to its former glory with a precision touch and a wide palette of tonal colors that will inspire your musical expression. Please visit our Testimonials page to read the comments of our many happy clients.

Ris Piano also offers for sale a curated collection of fine vintage and more recent Steinway grand pianos as well as offering a consignment and brokerage service for those interested in selling their quality pianos.

Client Testimonials

Christopher . . . has an extraordinarily precise ear, tunes impeccably, and is fully expert at everything from minor regulation to full-scale rebuilding

“As a professional jazz pianist who tours internationally and has recorded over 30 albums, I am very particular about pianos and their maintenance. Christopher Ris has tuned and maintained my… … Read More “Christopher . . . has an extraordinarily precise ear, tunes impeccably, and is fully expert at everything from minor regulation to full-scale rebuilding”

Denny Zeitlin

Composer and pianist | Kentfield, CA

http://dennyzeitlin.com

Christopher is a fine piano technician. He has been doing it for a LONG time and it shows

Christopher is a fine piano technician. He has been doing it for a LONG time and it shows. The thing that puts Christopher over the top for me is the… … Read More “Christopher is a fine piano technician. He has been doing it for a LONG time and it shows”

Dan Zemelman

Composer and pianist | Fairfax, CA

http://danzemelman.com

I couldn’t recommend him more highly. . . he operates with the highest level of care and attention.

“I am a professional jazz pianist and during a recent move from Boston to San Francisco I was in need of purchasing a high quality, used piano. Christopher had a… … Read More “I couldn’t recommend him more highly. . . he operates with the highest level of care and attention.”

Ken Cook

Composer, performer, teacher, author

http://kencookmusic.com

The piano now exceeds the expectations that I had when I bought the instrument.

“Five years ago I purchased a rebuilt Steinway ‘A’ from a reputable rebuilder in Manhattan. Although rebuilt, the piano did not allow for much artistry when playing. I had two… … Read More “The piano now exceeds the expectations that I had when I bought the instrument.”

D’Arcy Reynolds

Pianist and teacher, San Francisco, CA

http://darcyreynolds.com

I have worked with many technicians over the years, and none have come close to Christopher Ris’ level of knowledge, expertise and integrity. . . His work has made my piano an effortless extension of my artistic voice.

“I have worked with many technicians over the years, and none have come close to Christopher Ris’ level of knowledge, expertise and integrity. I own a rebuilt Steinway ‘A’and was… … Read More “I have worked with many technicians over the years, and none have come close to Christopher Ris’ level of knowledge, expertise and integrity. . . His work has made my piano an effortless extension of my artistic voice. “

Gary Marks

Singer/songwriter, recording artist | Author of The Gary Marks Piano Method | Maui, HI

http://garymarksmusic.com

I can’t recommend Christopher Ris highly enough for anyone looking for someone to appraise, assess or rebuild a piano.

Christopher Ris was recommended to me when I needed a professional to take a look at a rare 1890’s era Steinway B I was considering purchasing. The musician who recommended… … Read More “I can’t recommend Christopher Ris highly enough for anyone looking for someone to appraise, assess or rebuild a piano.”

Vanessa B.

Palo Alto, CA

Christopher Ris is an incredible piano technician!

Dear Pianists, Christopher Ris is an incredible piano technician! The first time he met my Yamaha C-5, he took out the action, called me over, and pointed out many… … Read More “Christopher Ris is an incredible piano technician!”

Adam Domash

composer, performer, teacher, author | Fairfax, CA

http://thepianistssearch.com/

Chris is the best piano tuner I’ve encountered

Chris is the best piano tuner I’ve encountered. I am a professional piano teacher, I own an 1885 Steinway B, and have used many piano tuners over the years. Chris… … Read More “Chris is the best piano tuner I’ve encountered”

Joey Edelman

https://facebook.com/MarinCommunityMusicSchool/posts/10151794241183414

If Yelp was scored on a scale of 1-100, I’d give Christopher Ris 100

“After much agonizing, I decided to get rid of my fine grand piano and buy a Steinway. I found a model M being sold by Christopher Ris in San Rafael… … Read More “If Yelp was scored on a scale of 1-100, I’d give Christopher Ris 100”

Dylan Schaeffer

Oakland, CA

As a dedicated amateur pianist, returning to piano after many years, I can say that my enthusiasm and my devotion to further developing my technique are due largely to the magnificent Steinway Model O that I found at Christopher’s studio

I searched for six months, learning about my options, and fortunately, I came across Ris Piano, where I met with Christopher, who explained much of the technical side of restoration… … Read More “As a dedicated amateur pianist, returning to piano after many years, I can say that my enthusiasm and my devotion to further developing my technique are due largely to the magnificent Steinway Model O that I found at Christopher’s studio”

Georgia Cornell

Oakland, CA

Christopher Ris has worked miracles . . . He is a perfectionist.

“Dear Mr. B, When the technician you recommended to prepare the piano for my concert was finished trying to remedy several problems, the piano sounded worse than before. I immediately… … Read More “Christopher Ris has worked miracles . . . He is a perfectionist.”

Bridget Conrad

Concert pianist | Palo Alto, CA

https://pianoaccompanists.com/profile-bridget-conrad

He has transformed every instrument he has worked on

“In the nearly twenty years that he has been servicing our two Steinway concert grands and our Steinway and Baldwin teaching pianos, Christopher Ris has continually impressed our staff and… … Read More “He has transformed every instrument he has worked on”

Faith France

Pianist, Director, San Domenico School Conservatory | San Anselmo, CA

https://sandomenico.org/arts/music-conservatory

The piano sings like I could never have imagined

“Hi Ben (manager of Sherman Clay, Seattle), Just wanted to give you an update on my new Steinway D concert grand. As you know, it was a beautiful sounding D… … Read More “The piano sings like I could never have imagined”

Bob Dell

Tiburon, CA

I am especially pleased with your work on the actions. Both pianos now “float” under the fingers in a way that is extremely unusual and very special indeed.

“Dear Christopher, I want you to know how happy I am with the outcome of your work on the Mason & Hamlin and the Baldwin concert piano. These fine pianos… … Read More “I am especially pleased with your work on the actions. Both pianos now “float” under the fingers in a way that is extremely unusual and very special indeed. “

Jim Bisbing

Director, St John’s Episcopal Church Concert Series | Ross, CA

I had three other highly respected technicians work on my Yamaha C-7 unsatisfactorily. Mr. Ris immediately . . .and accurately diagnosed the problems. I am delighted with the sound and with the adjustments to the action.

“I am writing to recommend the work of Christopher Ris. I am a performer and teacher and have owned a Yamaha C-7 for seven years. For the last 3 or… … Read More “I had three other highly respected technicians work on my Yamaha C-7 unsatisfactorily. Mr. Ris immediately . . .and accurately diagnosed the problems. I am delighted with the sound and with the adjustments to the action.”

Peggy Rodgers Nance

Pianist and teacher | Former President of the Sonoma County Music | Teachers’ Association | Santa Rosa, CA

“There is just not enough I can say to praise the craftsmanship and understanding that Christopher Ris has for pianos.

“There is just not enough I can say to praise the craftsmanship and understanding that Christopher Ris has for pianos. As I watched him work on my Steinway ‘B’ and… … Read More ““There is just not enough I can say to praise the craftsmanship and understanding that Christopher Ris has for pianos. “

Elsmarie Norby

Pianist, composer and teacher | San Miguel deAllende, Mexico

We are so impressed with the restoration work you did on the Bosendorfer

“We are so impressed with the restoration work you did on the Bosendorfer we purchased from you. We spoke with a number of technicians (who knew the piano from the… … Read More “We are so impressed with the restoration work you did on the Bosendorfer”

Joan McMillan

Pianist, Palo Alto, CA

http://joanmcmillen.com/music/

My piano has never been so even in terms of the tone and relative volumes of its 88 notes — after he finished, it seemed as if I was playing a different, and far better, piano.

I have a 1939 Baldwin E 5’8″ grand piano, and had chronic problems with having it stay in tune. Christopher first addressed the problem with a dehumidifier that is fitted… … Read More “My piano has never been so even in terms of the tone and relative volumes of its 88 notes — after he finished, it seemed as if I was playing a different, and far better, piano.”

Rob Catterton

Sebastopol, CA

Ris Piano delivers high-wire performance in the most nonchalant manner

“Ris Piano delivers high-wire performance in the most nonchalant manner. Christopher Ris, a musician himself, not only tunes pianos, but services, restores, and rebuilds them too. My Mason Hamlin Model… … Read More “Ris Piano delivers high-wire performance in the most nonchalant manner”

Jason Schwager

San Rafael, CA

Thank you for the joy you have brought into our lives

“Thank you for the joy you have brought into our lives . . . I knew from our first meeting that I had found someone I trusted to do a… … Read More “Thank you for the joy you have brought into our lives”

Sue Scott

Pianist and teacher | San Rafael, CA

Superb and highly skilled piano technician!

“Our family is most grateful to Christopher Ris for the magnificent restoration work he has accomplished on our 1928 Steinway grand piano. The piano has been in our family for… … Read More “Superb and highly skilled piano technician!”

Betty Conner and family

Tiburon, CA

Those considering an action rebuild should talk to him about the Precision Touch System, it is an upgrade worth every penny.

Christopher Ris has restored our piano, a 1927 Steinway model A. First he listened to us, evaluated the pianos, explained to us about the options, did a marvelous job… … Read More “Those considering an action rebuild should talk to him about the Precision Touch System, it is an upgrade worth every penny.”

Tim Firman

San Rafael, CA

With care, precision, and tenderness he restored life and music to my fine old instrument. He is a skilled craftsman and a gifted artist.

“To any lucky prospective client of Christopher Ris: It is my great pleasure to write this letter recommending Christopher’s work. For eleven years I have owned a Steinway upright, built… … Read More “With care, precision, and tenderness he restored life and music to my fine old instrument. He is a skilled craftsman and a gifted artist.”

Deborah Robison

Berkeley, California

So now I have hands on proof of what you do to pianos, the action and tone were beautiful!

“I played on Mrs. W’s Steinway yesterday along with 25 other music teachers and pianists. I want to let you know how pleased we all were with it. I played… … Read More “So now I have hands on proof of what you do to pianos, the action and tone were beautiful! “

Barbara Vonk

Pianist and teacher | Former President of the Marin Music Teachers Assoc. | Mill Valley, CA

If you are looking for piano restoration, maintenance or tuning work, I strongly recommend Christopher Ris

” I inherited a Steinway ‘A’ that was in poor shape . . . One reputable technician advised me that the piano could not be economically rebuilt and that I… … Read More “If you are looking for piano restoration, maintenance or tuning work, I strongly recommend Christopher Ris”

Prof. Robert Leachman

Berkeley, CA

http://ieor.berkeley.edu/people/faculty/leachman

I will be forever grateful to my piano teacher for recommending Christopher, and I am certain that anyone who calls on his skill and artistry will be equally pleased.

“I am happy to include this letter of recommendation in the file of Christopher Ris. He recently worked on our 1902 Model O Steinway, and the tone and action are… … Read More “I will be forever grateful to my piano teacher for recommending Christopher, and I am certain that anyone who calls on his skill and artistry will be equally pleased.”

John Nicholson

Mill Valley, CA

Graphics and web development by Smart Works Intl. Photography by Christopher Ris.