WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REPAIR AND RESTORATION?

The workings of a piano are called the ‘action’. Small breakages here and there are easily sorted out by a piano tuner and only cost a few pounds. Where whole sets of parts begin to wear out we get into the realm of piano restoration.

Piano restoration can be broken down into four main categories:

Action, Stringing, Casework and more rarely, Structural.

ACTION RESTORATION
After decades of service, the following parts of a piano action are likely to benefit from replacement:

Felts

Hammers

Tapes

Springs.

Replacement of some or all of these is relatively inexpensive and improves the performance of the instrument greatly.

Complete overhaul of a piano action is value for money in that it extends the life of the piano and increases its worth.

We specialise in overhauling piano actions and offer highly competitive rates and quality of service. Please contact us for a quote. This work can be done in your own home, or we can remove the action to our workshop.

Specialist parts such as Bechstein and Steinway are available and we are experienced in restoring these quality instruments.

REGULATION

Once a piano has had its parts replaced, there begins the process of regulation. This involves accurate mechanical adjustments, which enable the piano to function at peak efficiency and give a fine responsive touch.

STRINGS

There are two fantastic things about restringing an entire piano. Firstly, the difference in tone can at times be almost miraculous. Secondly, we get to replace all those crumby loose tuning pins with a brilliant gleaming set of larger rock firm pins, which does no end for tuning stability. Bass strings are custom made for our clients to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Again, Steinway and Bechstein strings can be placed on special order where available.

CASEWORK

The outsides of clocks and pianos are called cases. Casework involves making good any damaged areas, possibly renewing veneer , then french polishing which can be seen at www.pianofrenchpolishing.co.uk . We do a variety of colours and finish types including handpolishing to a high gloss finish.

STRUCTURAL

Sometimes it is necessary to replace structural items such as the tuning block, the soundboard or the bridges. We can advise on this and quote accordingly.

COSTS
Part restoration begins around £50. A complete action overhaul will be around £300 - £800. Full restoration is typically £2000-4000. Very detailed restoration with top name parts can cost more and full quotes are available on request.

WHY RESTORE?

Brand new pianos from the east are coming in at £1500, see www.pianogallery.co.uk. So the question do you bother to restore is important?

There are four main reasons people come to us:

They have a tremendous piano which to replace with a new instrument would cost literally thousands or tens of thousands of pounds.

They come by a piano, which may have cost next to nothing but has outstanding potential as an instrument.

Pianos with beautiful period cases in quality wood will grow increasingly rare as many find their way to the tip each week. There are no more being made, and for some people this is the only type of piano that will set off other period furniture in their home.

Or finally, the piano is part of their family history. It was simply always there and marked every milestone in their life. It has been played into the ground. Disposal is not an option. It must be restored. For more information please email or phone and ask for Chris or Christine Welch.

To email Click on the Contact Us heading above Please allow 24 hours response time

To phone Call 07000 INTUNE , that's 07000 468863. It is routed to where we are working and it is easy to remember !

Or phone our local landline 02392 468084. Take care! They are not the same 46 number.

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