Piano restoration process

A restoration of a piano is a serious undertaking.

It may take two to five months and require highly skilled labour.

1) To start, I perform a thorough inspection of the piano and formulate a plan which will satisfy your musical expectationas as well as the client's budget.

2) CABINET RESTORATION: The case is restored to your specifications using the finest materials. Veneers are matched as closely as possible to the original. Modern finishes are applied to ensure a high quality of work.

3) KEYS RESTORATION: Whenever possible, the ivory key tops are restored and polished.

4) FRAME RESTORATION: The cast iron plate is removed, stripped, then carefully re-sprayed. The soundboard and bridges are sanded, repaired and refinished to their original lustre.

5) PINBLOCK RESTORATION: It might be replaced depending on its condition. After receiving two coats of clear lacquer, the pinblock is drilled, just prior to repining and/or stringing. The strings I use are of the finest quality, the same as those found on today's Steinway pianos.

6) ACTION RESTORATION: The piano action is removed. All parts (including hammers) are reconditioned, rebuilt or replaced as needed.

7) Finally, the entire assembly is set up, regulated and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications.

Piano restoration includes many aspects.:

• Soundboard repairs.
• Fine cabinet finishing.
• Re-pinning.
• Complete action repair and regulation.
• Restringing with reproductions of the original strings
• Changing hammers, shanks and flanges.
• Replacing action felts, and springs.
• Tuning to achieve A 440 Hz stability.
• Hammer repair.
• Voicing.

Restringing process is done with reproductions of the original strings. Tuning is performed to achieve A440Hz stability. Hammer repair and voicing performed to get the final tone and touch.