We are proud to rebuild and restore pianos with an unparalleled level of craftsmanship.

Our experts maintain the integrity of historic pianos by preserving as much of the instrument as possible. In other words, we ensure a better piano by only replacing parts that need to be replaced.

What goes into rebuilding a piano?

A piano that has been properly rebuilt may offer performance close to that of a new piano. Proper rebuilding is an involved, exacting process that should be done by qualified technicians in controlled facilities. It should take about six months (less by very good technicians) and it is not an inexpensive undertaking.

Rebuilding is required when the pinblock dries out and constricts, causing the tuning pins to become loose and the piano will no longer hold a tune. The only permanent repair for this condition is to replace the pinblock. If the plate hasn’t been removed, the piano hasn’t been rebuilt.

Other repairs, such as to the soundboard and bridges, can be done while the plate is removed. The plate and soundboard can also be refinished while the plate is out of the piano. It is usually a good idea to refinish the piano’s case at the same time, however, a piano does not have to be refinished to be considered rebuilt.

Note: Our family defines “rebuilt” as a piano that has had – at minimum – a new pinblock and strings installed. However, there is no legal definition of “rebuilt.” Most pianos sold as “rebuilt” have old pinblocks and more than half of the pianos that we rebuild were improperly “restored” by someone else. Only a qualified technician can tell for certain if a piano has been properly rebuilt.

When the plate is removed, the action (key and hammer assembly) is also removed. Action do not always need to be rebuilt at the same time as the “belly,” and often only action regulation (adjustment) is required. Hammers may need to be completely replaced or only voiced. Complete action rebuilding involves replacing and calibrating thousands of intricate parts. The older the piano, and the more use it has had, the more likely the action will need replacing. This is a very gray area and the astute consumer will need to ask a lot of questions.

A piano that has been completely and properly (including action) rebuilt and refinished is likely to cost as much as a new piano. While most large cities have only one or two qualified piano rebuilders, it is important to be aware of the capabilities of the technician. It’s impossible to properly rebuild and refinish a piano for less than $20,000. Beware of “rebuilt” pianos sold below this price.

Attempting to save money by purchasing a piano and supervising the rebuilding yourself is a risky proposition. This always costs more and is more frustrating than buying a completed piano. Some piano technicians get very excited at the idea of rebuilding a substandard old piano, especially if somebody else is paying the bill. Good, ethical rebuilders never suggest you buy a piano before it is completed… they know there is no guarantee you will like the sound of the piano when the work is done.

Once you find your completed piano, hire an independent expert to evaluate the instrument before you put any money down. Then make your decision based on sound, touch, aesthetic appeal and cost relative to new pianos.

If you already own a really good piano that needs rebuilding, it is safe to have the work done by a competent technician, as long as you know that you like its tone.

About Rebuilt & Restored Pianos:

• If someone tells you a piano has been rebuilt, ask a lot of questions.
• You will save money and aggravation by hiring a technician(not a tuner) to evaluate any used or rebuilt piano you consider purchasing.
• It is almost never makes economic sense to rebuild uprights.
• Beware of stores that claim to ‘specialize’ in rebuilt pianos or have more than a few of them around.
• Good used and rebuilt pianos are never sold online.
• The best rebuilders will only take select pianos to rebuild and will always want to sell them in the town where they do business.
• If it doesn’t say Steinway & Sons (or a very short list of other names) on the plate, the piano is probably not worth rebuilding.
• Antique pianos are like antique cars – they’re fun to own and drive on Sundays, but they’re not practical for daily use.

We’ve only skimmed the surface of a very complex topic. Feel free to ask any other questions you have on the topic and we’ll be happy to respond.