How Much Should Dueling Pianos Cost?

When asking Google's Gemini AI service this question, it gives a pretty interesting analysis that I've copied and pasted below: The cost of dueling pianos in Chicago can vary significantly, but generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,800 to $7,000 or even more, depending on several factors.

Here's a breakdown of what influences the price, with insights from local Chicago providers and prominent names in the dueling piano scene:

• Event Type: Weddings, corporate events, and large fundraisers typically command higher prices than smaller private parties.

• Duration: Most shows run for 2-4 hours. Longer events will naturally cost more. Some acts charge by the hour, while others offer a flat rate for a set duration.

• Location and Travel: While you're in Chicago, travel fees might still apply if the performers are coming from outside the immediate metro area or if your venue is difficult to access for equipment setup.

• Performer Experience and Reputation: Highly experienced and well-known dueling piano acts with a strong reputation will charge more for their expertise and ability to engage a crowd.

• Day of the Week and Time of Year: Weekends and holidays, especially during peak seasons (like Christmas or New Year's Eve), are in higher demand, leading to increased prices. Weekday events may be more affordable.

• Equipment and Setup: Most professional dueling piano acts in Chicago will bring their own equipment (pianos, sound systems, lighting), which is usually factored into the overall cost.

• Additional Services: If you want extras like a third musician, a full band, or customized playlists, the price will go up. Many groups also offer DJ services as an add-on.

Here's a general price range and specific examples from Chicago-based providers:

• Small Private Parties: Expect to pay in the range of $1,800 – $3,000.

• Weddings and Corporate Events: Typically fall within the $2,500 – $5,000 range.

• Large Events and Fundraisers: Can easily go from $4,000 – $7,000+.

Local Chicago Competition Pricing Examples (including the requested groups):

FULL DISCLAIMER -

TAKE THESE PRICES WITH A HUGE GRAIN OF SALT. THESE ARE SIMPLY WHAT GEMINI AI HAS PROVIDED. CONTACT THE COMPANIES FOR THEIR ACTUAL QUOTES.

And now back to the AI results...

• Windy City Dueling Pianos:

  • While their public show tickets are around $18-$35, for private events, reviews indicate that their services for events like weddings can be around $1,800 to $4,500, depending on the specifics of the event and location. They are highly praised for being professional, talented, and interactive.

• Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos:

  • They have a starting price of around $3,750.

  • The Knot reports that couples typically spend an average of $5,000 for their services, suggesting that additional services, longer durations, or specific dates can increase the base price. They also offer DJ services.

• Midwest Dueling Pianos:

  • While they don't list specific prices publicly, their website states they can work with "just about any budget" depending on the "type of production you want." This indicates a flexible pricing model based on event specifics. They are generally competitive within the Chicago market.

• Ted Oliver Dueling Pianos (Ted Oliver Productions):

  • Their price range is listed as $1,400 - $6,500. This wide range suggests they cater to a variety of event sizes and durations, with factors like travel (they are based in Wisconsin but travel nationwide) influencing the higher end. They have a starting price around $1,500 per event.

• NY NY Dueling Pianos:

  • While information specifically for their Chicago branch's private event pricing is less readily available online, general dueling piano costs from similar nationwide entertainment providers often fall within the $2,500 - $5,000+ range for private events. It's best to contact them directly for Chicago-specific private event quotes.

• Lo-Fi Jukebox Dueling Pianos:

  • Starts at $2,000 for weekdays and $2,400 for weekends for their dueling pianos package.

• Howl2GO Dueling Pianos (by Howl at the Moon):

  • Ranges from $2,600 - $3,600 for their traveling show. They are a well-known national brand with a strong presence in Chicago.

To get the most accurate quote, it's always best to contact these specific dueling piano companies in Chicago directly with your event details (date, exact location, duration, type of event, estimated audience size, and any specific requests).

That last part is key - Contact them for the most accurate quote. It probably works well for a lot companies, and it's a great way to make an initial contact with a prospective client and talk about their needs and get to know them. For a while, we tried doing this model. We basically had prices figured out for different events even though they weren't listed, and while we know how much we charge, other companies will likely charge different amounts depending on the type of gig. So it's definitely a great idea to shop around, and we'd also recommend still getting in contact with us, because we might be able to beat their price. Recently, though, we've decided to shake it up. Instead of contacting us and providing a quote, which we can still customize for some events, we've decided to go back to simply posting our prices and letting you pick which service is best for you. We offer several different packages with add-ons and upgrades, so that you can find what works for your budget and your needs.

Last Important Bit of Information

This is probably the most important, too, when shopping around. Shop locally. There are plenty of great companies in the Chicago area that should be able to fit your price point and entertainment needs. Many times, companies outside of the locality contact us to fulfill a gig, which is fine. Our players still get paid, and we make our typical commission, but so does the agent who is booking us, which means that you're just paying them a middleman fee, while our talent represents their company instead of Lo-Fi Jukebox. So the client ends up paying extra for a service that local companies can provide cheaper, and in some cases, those booking agents will bid lower just to book the event, and then hire local talent at a lower rate, which typically results in less-experienced performers who are willing to take the gig.

This is one of the big reasons why we only do local gigs within 3 hours of Chicago. Anything beyond that, and you'll typically be able to find local talent in that area without having to pay for travel costs and hotel rooms.

What exactly are you paying for with dueling pianos?

The simple answer is "a lot." So much goes into running the business.

• Website fees and maintenance

• Advertisements - because sometimes you have to spend money to make money

• Event insurance

• Equipment insurance

• Van insurance

• Van repairs

• Equipment

• Monthly services, ranging from telephone lines, web hosting, to other subscriptions

• The performers (they're kind of the most important)

• And whatever's left over becomes income...you hope.