GRAND PIANO RESTORATION

WHAT IS A RESTORATION?

My philosophy on restoring any piano is to retain the original manufacturer’s sound that came from the structure of the piano design. This means, I do not replace the original soundboard of any piano neither do I re-design aspects of the iron frame or structural casework that would be out of keeping with it’s manufacturer’s intention. Each manufacturer uses specific wood at the time of construction and over time that becomes an identity feature. My instinct when working with any piano is to honour the intention of the manufacturer and retain what the original artisans created in that masterpiece.

I use traditional techniques that are in keeping with each brand where possible, and only step away from that when new improved materials are available that will give a longer lasting result. 

I have noticed it is now increasingly popular to do generic restorations where a ‘one size fits all’ policy takes place. This is becoming more widespread. Changing construction parts unnecessarily can radically change the piano’s character forever or invalidate it’s tonal fingerprint. 

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Initially, I personally perform the inspection of the piano with the client.  This gives me the opportunity to explain fully what the restoration will entail and any specific options that I believe the client needs to know. 

Each restoration is sympathetically considered with the client to achieve the desired outcome, whilst retaining the authenticity of the manufacturer’s original intentions.

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I personally do all the technical and artisan work myself. Polishing of the casework is a specialist skill within the industry. Consequently, I use specialist piano polishers for the desired result.

As a restoration can be a lengthy process, I restrict how many restorations I take on per year to guarantee my professional level of quality.

A restoration of a sixty year old instrument may involve everything to be done, a newer instrument may only require new hammers to be fitted, regulated and voiced.  Each aspect of restoration is costed accordingly in advance and does not change once the work has been started. Each piano is voiced in situ by myself to guarantee the correct sound to the room acoustic.

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