Piano Restoration: More on rebuilding, refinishing, refurbishing an old piano

Piano Restoration Tips: Commonly asked Piano Rebuilding, Refinishing, Refurbishing & Restoration queries and their possible solutions. How much does it cost, what tools are involved, where you should get it done…read all about it here…

Have an old grand piano lying in your house and want to get it back to its earlier glory, to match the beautiful tone and acoustics that a grand piano should produce?

Was an old piano bequeathed to you by one of your close ones, and has great sentimental value? Would like to rebuild the piano in somebody’s memory?

Piano refurbishing and refinishing can be expensive, as piano technicians need to put in lot of efforts and it requires lot of skills to fully restore a piano. But it’s the only way you can transform your piano to its former glory, to make it look visually stunning, to get that perfectly responsive action, and to make the sound quality beautifully rich and bright.

Restoration of piano is a tedious task and hence hiring an expert piano restoration technician is the safest bet to get your job done in a reliable and timely manner. As an owner of the piano, you need to have patience on your part and you also need to realize that it won’t be cheap. However the grandeur of a restored piano will return back to almost new condition (enhanced in some case) which can then be passed on to the new generations.

So it is important that you ask the right kind of questions before you decide to go ahead with the Piano Rebuilding.

Why Used Classic Restored Pianos vs. Buying New

One good reason for buying a used classic restored piano vs. buying new is that you may get it cheaper and secondly if it’s a big name grand piano like Steinway, Baldwin, Mason & Hamlin, etc. then the piano could be worth much more today.

Asian piano manufacturers, which mass produce pianos, seem to focus more on new sales more and are not so keen on selling parts for their used instruments.

So for the same price, if you are able to own a completely restored classic vintage American grand piano then it could be worth the price.

VIDEO: The Baldwin: The Story of a Piano Restoration – a film by Benjamin Rogers

When Does a Piano need Rebuilding / Reconditioning?

So when does a piano need Rebuilding / Reconditioning? This depends on many factors including the piano. Some may need rebuilding after twenty years whereas some other after forty-fifty years.

Over a period of time, every piano goes through changes. With age the tone, touch, and appearance will start degrading.

If regular cleaning, voicing, regulating, and tuning is not providing satisfactory performance then it means the piano may require rebuilding/reconditioning.

It is always best to check with a qualified piano rebuilder for expert advice, considering that rebuilding your piano won’t be cheap.

How to Restore Rebuild Your Old Player Piano

Player Piano Restoration requires lot of patience and is not for the faint-hearted, in case you are thinking of doing it yourself.

But if you are a person who enjoy fixing things, and have a small quantity of handy tools then by all means you should give it a try.

In case you are serious about doing it yourself, consider buying a good book that gives a comprehensive overview of every aspect of piano rebuilding.

Antique Piano Restoration – Piano Restorers of Fine Antiques and Pianos

Is Antique piano restoration the alternative to buying a new one?

In today’s economy, from a cost perspective, it definitely is an alternative to buying a new one.

Many inexpensive pianos are also available nowadays, but then most of them use inferior parts on their cabinets such as saw dust board. Hand-made Antique pianos are made up of far better wood quality.

Furthermore, many beautiful veneers and craftsmanship that is available on Antique pianos are no longer available on modern pianos today.

And what about the worth of a restored antique piano? A well restored antique piano’s worth can be several times (can go up to 20 times) that of the un-restored value.

Besides restoring an antique piano, than buying a new one, is also good for the environment since no trees have to be cut down.

So you should definitely consider restoring an Antique piano and give your piano a second life.

In most cases, you will need to move your piano to the restoration shop so look for those which are around the place where you live.

Should I Refurbish My Piano or Not?
Friends, I need ideas and suggestions on whether to refurbish my piano or not. I have a Baldwin Spinet Piano and want to know if it is worth the refurbishing when I can buy a new piano? My piano is almost 30 years and it carries a lot of sentimental value. It was a very expensive instrument when my parents bought it and over the years it has gone through a lot of abuses and turmoil. Have wanted to refurbish the piano for a long time now, but it just kept getting out of my mind. Another reason for it is that the cost put me off. I was told a refurbish will cost upwards of $3,000, assuming I don’t have to any restring. Can somebody please provide more information, pros and cons of doing a piano refurbish? – Jay