OK. You’ve decided to keep Aunt Betsy’s piano. Besides, it looks rather nice in that corner of the living room. But since you (or the kids) are also thinking about starting lessons, is the piano up to the task?
First, the bad news: Many “heirloom” pianos have been neglected, and need some work to sound like their old selves again.
But the good news is that the cost of restoration is often quite affordable. While complete rebuilding (or re-manufacturing, as some technicians call it) is not a process to be taken lightly, reconditioning has the dual advantage of lower cost and quicker turnaround.
The differences are as follows:
Piano Reconditioning
Reconditioning includes the following steps:
- Thorough cleaning inside and out.
- Repairing of broken strings, action parts, and trap work.
- Basic action regulating.
- Pitch raising and tuning.
The end result is an instrument that is fully functional. Most of the reconditioning steps are done in the home. The steps that require shop work can often be completed within 10 working days.
Piano Rebuilding
Rebuilding, on the other hand is much more extensive and includes the following steps:
- Pinblock replacement and restringing.
- Replacement of worn action parts and trap work.
- Repair or replacement of the soundboard.
- Cabinet refinishing.
- Full action regulating.
- Three tunings within the first year after rebuilding.
The end result is an instrument that looks and plays like a new instrument. All steps are done in our shop. Turnaround time for a full rebuilding is in the 2-3 month range.
Cost Considerations
The cost of reconditioning is considerably less than that of rebuilding, and will vary from instrument to instrument. The best candidates for reconditioning are pianos that are less than 40-50 years old. Due to the considerable costs of rebuilding, it is generally only recommended for high quality brands such as Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Baldwin, Chickering, and Knabe.
Please call for further information and a detailed estimate.