Restoring your piano to it's former glory

Own a vintage piano? You might want to decide whether to keep a family heirloom or antique piano as-is or to restore it to its former glory.

Many individuals are unaware of the fact that spending money to restore a priceless antique piano is much more inexpensive than purchasing a new piano with comparable worth. For instance, Steinway & Sons pianos are among the few handcrafted pianos still created in the US today. A Steinway can be fully restored for far less money than purchasing a new one. Old or damaged parts of your vintage Steinway can be upgraded with new, Steinway-certified parts, and the exterior can be refinished to seem brand-new. The result is a new piano functionality and aesthetic without the price tag of a new piano.

The additional years of life that a piano gains from being restored to the near-new condition can range between 50 and 70 years. The “life” of a piano is defined as the overall condition of sound quality, and interior and exterior elements that influence its playability. That said, the life of a piano is relative to its use, but adding 50-70 years of playability and beauty is a worthwhile investment to keep a valuable, handmade piano alive. Additionally, a new piano drops in value like a brand-new car would. Restored pianos hold their value longer than brand-new pianos.

Pianos are subjected to a number of conditions over time that can result in wear and tear, broken or decaying parts, and even diminished sound quality. A piano's potential lifespan is determined by how it is manufactured; a handmade piano will always outlive a mass-produced piano. A piano's condition and longevity can also be affected by where it resides and how it is played. In comparison to a piano on display in a foyer played just infrequently, a piano played hourly by students in a studio will see significantly more wear and tear. The piano's history must be taken into account during the restoration consultation process because some sections of a piano may require replacement while others may not. Each piano's needs and the needs of the consumer are taken into account during restoration.

The cost is one of the most important decision elements for consumers when deciding whether to restore their piano. What are the costs and is it worthwhile? The price of each restoration varies because every unrestored piano has individual requirements for replacement parts, polishing, and rebuilding. Speak with our piano specialist to get a quote today.

Many piano owners place a high priority on preserving a piano's historical integrity. For many clients, the thought of a piano having new parts raises the question of whether the piano is still true to its original design. We always use certified parts for replacement.

One of the most common misconceptions about the act of restoration is that it is taking away from the historical integrity, and therefore reducing the value of a piano. Similar to a painted masterpiece, if it is left to decay and the colors to fade, the value of that piece is far less than if it had been carefully kept in good condition. Piano restoration works in the same way – a 1900s-era Steinway that has been installed with new Steinway parts and given a freshly refinished cabinet is going to shine in a room instead of wasting away in a corner.

We would love to hear more about your piano, including what makes it special, how you came to own it, and your restoration goals. Our team of piano specialists at Absolute Music Services can provide guidance on the best next measures to take to guarantee satisfaction with a restored piano. Contact us today.