Rebuilding "Every project is a self-portrait of the person who did it." -Norman Rockwell
Rebuilding is a term used differently, it seems, by every technician and piano owner. To us, rebuilding refers to craftsmanship demonstrated in the series of steps needed to return a piano to like-new condition. These steps can include, but are not limited to, replacing or repairing the soundboard, the pinblock, bridges, action, keytops, finish and strings. Taken individually, these steps are repairs. When done together, and well, they transform an instrument into a musical joy.
Making a piano like new again is a rewarding process to both the owner and to us. We put a lot of ourselves into the instruments that we take into our shop.
Pinblock
The key to tuning stability, a full rebuild is not complete without replacing the pinblock. However, many pianos can be restrung with the original pinblock. Reliable, cost effective solutions are available for a wide spectrum of pianos.
Strings
We use US-made, customized bass strings in our work. The industry's current ability to customize a set of strings is amazing, giving a deeper, richer sound to all piano makes and models. Röslau plain wire finishes out the piano.
Bridges
The bridges' purpose is to transfer sound from the strings to the soundboard. Repairs are sometimes needed to make this part as solid as possible.
Soundboard
The heart of the tone-producing elements of the piano. If possible, we prefer to save the original soundboard of the piano. A premium soundboard is frequently worth the effort of repairing. If the soundboard is not salvageable, full in-house replacement is available.
Action
The action is the playing mechanism of the piano, and gets a lot of direct wear. Rebuilding it will bring the touch of a piano back to where it was when new. An action can even be customized to be better than new, with a faster repetition, better control, and offering clearer tone.
We often have one or more of our rebuilt pianos nearby, to demonstrate the details of our work. Additionally, there are often high quality project pianos in the shop that we rebuild on the side. They will be offered for sale when completed. If you are looking for such an instrument, call us for current inventory! We can accommodate requests to customize the rebuilding of one of these instruments to fit your vision in touch, tone, and finish.