One Piano at a Time, One Client at a Time
In my rebuilding work, I have dedicated myself to providing one of a kind restorations, suited specifically to the taste and needs of each client, individually. In my work I believe the restoration process is an opportunity to create an instrument that is a perfect match for it's owner. It is the time for me to use all my skills, all my craftsmanship and caring, to create an instrument that is musically and aesthetically exquisite. This "one piano at a time, one client at a time" approach allows me to focus all my efforts on exactly what each individual piano requires. No two pianos are exactly the same, and no two pianos need exactly the same treatment. I am dedicated to finding exactly what you and your piano need, and allowing your piano to achieve it's fullest potential. When people speak of piano restoration, it can mean so many different things from one person to the next. I've heard the term "restoration" used to refer to anything from a few minor repairs, to a basic regulation, to a complete remanufacture. When I speak of piano restorations as a piano technician, I classify the restoration based upon the level of restorative work undertaken. There are four general categories of restoration that I've come to use: Repair, Reconditioning, Rebuilding, and Remanufacturing. |
Repair: Fixing isolated or individual problems that a piano may have - e.g. a broken hammer shank, a non-functioning key. Restoring/Reconditioning: Improving the overall quality of a piano by cleaning, lubricating, resurfacing, or replacing worn felts or leathers, but not replacing parts, per se. Rebuilding: Improving the overall quality of a piano including new parts. Rebuilding may or may not involve refinishing the case. Remanufacturing: Improving the overall quality of a piano, including new parts, soundboard, refinishing the case, and possibly making design changes.
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A recent project, completed and awaiting delivery |
This is why I love what I do. This 8'9" 1904 Henry F. Miller was full of surprises and challenges. In the end it was a truly spectacular instrument. |
Original soundboard and bridges, resurfaced and ready for refinishing |
New Pinblock After tightly fitting the new pinblock to the plate flange, it is glassed with epoxy for a seamless, airtight fit, clamped and screwed into place until dry. |
Original soundboard with a new decal, just refinished |
Rear Aliquots from a Steinway & Sons piano. Top - condition when it arrived. Bottom - after cleaning and polishing. |
The Cast Iron Plate - All the dings and scratches are filled with body filler. Then the plate will be sanded smooth and refinished. |
Close-up of a section of the cast iron plate, after refinishing. |
