Piano Restoration & Rebuilding

Pianos are complex mechanical instruments. With use and time, they deteriorate to a point where more than a standard home visit may be required.

This can range from replacing worn felts or broken springs to complete rebuilding or even re-manufacturing of components. In many cases, the piano action (mechanism) can be removed for restoration work, though sometimes it is necessary to move the entire instrument.

Why Restore a Piano?
Although it can be difficult to fully recoup the cost of restoring an older piano, people commonly choose to rebuild for the following reasons:

The piano has sentimental value
The piano was originally of high quality and the cost of rebuilding is still lower than purchasing a new piano of similar quality. Remember that new upright pianos in the $4-6k range are considered "entry level" and are generally not of high quality!
The piano has an interesting case design or veneers that are not available on modern pianos
The owner enjoys the tone and touch of their piano but wants it to perform like new

(As a guide, new upright pianos in the $4,000–$6,000 range are generally considered entry-level and are not typically of high quality.)

Workshop & Capabilities
I have one of the most well-equipped workshops in the county. This purpose-built space includes:

A general restoration area
A dedicated woodworking room with a wide range of tools & machinery
Metalworking area with an engineer’s lathe for making parts & jigs
A bass string manufacturing room
A spray booth for finishing work (assembled when required)

With a wide variety of tools, jigs, and an extensive range of materials, there is very little in the way of piano and player piano rebuilding that I cannot undertake.

Examples of Restoration Work