It was my pleasure to try two outstanding Ritmuller grand pianos at my recent concerts: the Ritmuller GH 188 R on the Up for Arts Series at University Place and the Ritmuller GH 170 R at Bethany Presbyterian Church Series in Tacoma.

I had never played a Ritmuller before, and was very curious about this relatively new brand from Pearl River. I was extremely surprised to find a very responsive action and excellent sound quality in both instruments. Dan Skelley of Skelley Piano did absolutely superb work as the technician for both as well. Both models had medium/light touch with the type of up-weight buoyancy that propels and supports you to the next key, with the GH 170 having just a bit more resistance, which is just my preference, with the down weight. Both had a very quick repeating action for something like the Scarlatti sonata K. 141, which is often a challenge for many pianos. The GH 188 had a remarkably big sound, helped along by the Hall's live acoustics. The bass was rich, middle range even and treble voicing bright, but not overly so. Pedals for both models were quiet, easy to operate and sensitive to various levels. The GH 170 had a lovely warm tone, also helped along by the church's acoustics with carpeted floor and high ceilings. In short, I found both pianos to be outstanding examples of their brand and greatly look forward to playing a Ritmuller grand piano again!

Kind regards,

Robyn Carmichael

We called Dan Skelley for piano service on the recommendation of our son's piano teacher in Puyallup. We inherited a baby grand piano that is now over 90 years old and, though well cared-for, hadn't been serviced in well over a decade. Five very well-deserved stars for Mr. Skelley: easy to communicate with, arrived on time and prepared, friendly yet unintrusive, efficient and thorough, exceptionally experienced, and all for a very reasonable price. I will hire Dan Skelley until his retirement forces me to someone else.

I purchased the piano and it needed voicing. I called on a Friday; Mr. Skelley came the next Tuesday! Amazingly quick service, and he didn't leave until it sounded right in the room. Very competently done.

I highly recommend Skelley Piano! I'm a private piano teacher and I was looking for a high quality grand piano. We looked at other piano stores but Dan's skill and attention to detail exceeded our expectations. My husband and I just bought the Ritmuller GH160R and we love it's clear and warm tone. Dan is very patient and worked with us to find the right instrument, and even met with us outside of the store's usual hours. We wouldn't go to anyone else to service our new piano, and I would not hesitate to recommend Skelley Piano to any of my friends, family, or students!

What a delight to buy my piano through Dan Skelley. There was never any pressure, just good information, lots of time to try different pianos, many answered questions, and unmatched customer service. Dan's biggest priority was that I was happy with whatever it was that I selected. His five-year warranty on my piano proves that he wants customers to be satisfied in the long-term. Highly, highly recommended for anyone looking for a used or new piano.

Dan Skelley is my favorite piano tuner! I love the quality of his work - he does magic with the sound of my 1921 Steinway M, knowing just what to tweak to find the inherent beauty of this instrument. For that I am extremely grateful, but he also provides the professional support for my private piano studio as well. I am confident to refer him to my clients for the care of their home instruments. I can always call him for suggestions, or small favors (such as rehearsing on 2 pianos at his shop). Dan is just a good guy!

Dan is so knowledgeable and professional. I had someone else tune my piano, but they couldn’t get the pedal to stop thumping. Dan knew exactly how to fix it. Every time Dan tunes my 100-year-old piano, he works on the voicing, and it just gets better and better. I love my piano now. Dan is reliable and a real expert.

Consummate attention to detail and a genuine interest in the customer’s experience makes Dan by far the best I’ve ever encountered over many years. Though this may sound cliched, he really does go beyond expectations, pointing out ways to further improve the instrument’s tone and touch. I feel fortunate to have found him. Five stars!