- A Note From Piano Artisans
- Customer Testimonials
- Before & After: Heirloom Series Restorations
- Before & After: Museum Quality Restorations
Preserving Musical Heritage, Restoring Family Legacies
When a piano matters — to a family, to history, to the musicians who played it — it deserves more than a repair. It deserves a restoration. Piano Artisans is the nation's premier destination for fine piano restoration, bringing museum-quality craftsmanship to antique, vintage, and heirloom instruments across the United States.
Piano Restoration Rooted in Decades of Mastery
Piano Artisans carries forward a tradition of piano restoration that traces back to the 1970s. Our founder trained directly under one of the craft's most respected figures, inheriting time-tested techniques and refining them over nearly two decades of dedicated practice. Every method we use today is the product of that living lineage — not a shortcut, not a trend, but a perfected process passed down and continuously improved.
Explore our Restoration Portfolio to see the results of that tradition firsthand.
What We Restore
We specialize in museum-quality piano restoration for antique and vintage instruments, with particular depth of expertise in:
Grand Piano Restoration — From Steinway concert grands to beloved family baby grands, we restore these instruments to their original voice, touch, and beauty. Every restoration honors the original craftsmanship while ensuring reliable performance for today's musicians.
Player Piano Restoration — We specialize in the full restoration of player piano systems from America's golden age, including Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte mechanisms, returned to authentic operation.
Heirloom and Vintage Uprights — Instruments with personal and generational significance, restored with the same museum-quality standards we apply to every pian
o we accept.
Our piano restoration work serves clients nationwide. Whether your instrument is in California or New York, we have the infrastructure and experience to take on your project.
The Craftspeople
Behind Every Restoration
True piano restoration demands more than technical skill. It requires reverence for history, obsessive attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. Our specialists bring that standard to every instrument we accept:
- Brian — The Refinisher — Founder and Master Refinisher
- Amber — The Orchestrator — President and Client Relations
- John — The BellyMan — Principal Fabricator, Soundboard & Pin Block Specialist, and Player Piano Master
- Denny — The Stringer — Action Restoration, Pneumatic Rebuilding Specialist
- Michael — The Regulator — Action Regulation and Tuning Specialist
- Our Apprentices — The next generation of restoration craftspeople, trained hands-on under our master specialists
From Our Clients
"Working with Piano Artisans was a masterclass in how a true premium service should operate. Amber's communication was impeccable from start to finish, the attention to detail was extraordinary, and the results speak for themselves. In a world where craftsmanship is increasingly rare, Piano Artisans stands as a shining exception." — Michael Thornton, New York, New York
A Selective Process That Protects Quality
Piano Artisans maintains a curated selection process for all piano restoration projects. We accept a limited number of instruments each year to ensure every piano receives the full, undivided attention of our master craftspeople. This is not a production shop — it is an atelier, and your instrument will be treated accordingly.
Browse our Restoration Portfolio to understand the standard every project is held to before we accept it.
Begin Your Piano's Restoration Journey
If you have a piano worth preserving, we want to hear about it. Whether you're considering a full museum-quality restoration of a grand piano or player piano, seeking an expert appraisal, or exploring secure climate-controlled storage for a valuable instrument, Piano Artisans is ready to help.
The finest piano restoration in the country starts with a single conversation.
Restoration Excellence
"When my grandmother's 1895 Steinway came into my possession, it was in desperate need of restoration. Piano Artisans transformed this family treasure into a breathtaking instrument that sounds as beautiful as it looks. Brian's attention to the finish details and John's incredible work on the player mechanism exceeded every expectation. The piano isn't just restored—it's been given new life for our children and grandchildren to enjoy."
— Margaret H., Winnetka, IL
"Our Chickering grand piano had been in the family for three generations but hadn't been playable for decades. The team at Piano Artisans approached the restoration with such reverence for its history while bringing modern expertise to the mechanics. The before and after videos they shared throughout the process made us feel connected to every step. When they delivered the finished piano, I was moved to tears. It's now the centerpiece of our home."
— James & Elizabeth T., Greenwich, CT
"As a professional pianist, I was skeptical that my 1912 Mason & Hamlin could ever return to concert quality. I've worked with several restorers over my career, but Piano Artisans stands in a class of their own. The tonal quality and action response Brian and his team achieved is remarkable. They didn't just restore my piano—they revealed its true voice."
— Dr. Robert K., Concert Pianist, Boston, MA
"After consulting with several restoration shops in Southern California, we chose Piano Artisans for our 1890s Steinway parlor grand. The difference in their approach was immediately apparent—they treated our piano as a historical artifact rather than just another project. Their meticulous attention to the original details while updating the playing mechanism has resulted in an instrument that exceeds our expectations. The finish Brian achieved is simply flawless, and the sound is extraordinary. Worth every penny and the wait!"
— The Anderson Family, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA
Player Piano Expertise
"Our 1920s player piano had been silent for over 40 years. Multiple technicians told us it was beyond repair or would cost more than it was worth. John at Piano Artisans saw the potential where others didn't. His expertise with these mechanical systems is truly exceptional. Watching our piano play by itself again brought back cherished memories of family gatherings from my childhood. The craftsmanship is museum quality."
— Thomas W., Lake Forest, IL
"I inherited a rare Welte reproducing piano that had significant historical value but was in poor condition. The restoration by Piano Artisans was nothing short of miraculous. John's knowledge of these complex systems is extraordinary, and the team's dedication to historical accuracy was impressive. They even researched the original materials and techniques to ensure authenticity. It now plays the original rolls exactly as intended nearly a century ago."
— Victoria S., Historian and Collector, San Francisco, CA
"As the curator of a private collection in Laguna Beach, finding craftspeople who understand both the historical and mechanical aspects of antique player pianos has been challenging. Piano Artisans exceeded all expectations with their restoration of our 1915 Ampico reproducing grand piano. Their documentation process throughout the restoration allowed me to share the journey with our benefactors, and the final result has become the crown jewel of our collection. John's expertise with these complex player mechanisms is truly world-class."
— David L., Private Collection Curator, Orange County, CA
In-Home Services & Appraisals
"After discovering a player piano in my aunt's estate, I had no idea of its value or condition. Piano Artisans performed an in-home appraisal that was thorough, educational, and surprisingly affordable. Their expertise helped us make informed decisions about restoration, and their detailed written appraisal proved invaluable for insurance purposes. Their knowledge of these instruments is simply unmatched."
— Patricia D., Denver, CO
"When our antique player piano stopped working before a family gathering, Piano Artisans sent a technician to our home on short notice. Their in-home service saved the day, and their player piano expertise was evident in how quickly they diagnosed and resolved the issue. Professional, knowledgeable, and reasonably priced—I couldn't ask for more."
— The Morrison Family, Philadelphia, PA
Piano Storage
"When we needed to store our Steinway during an extensive home renovation, we were extremely concerned about potential damage. Piano Artisans' climate-controlled storage facility gave us complete peace of mind. Their detailed intake process, regular status updates, and the obvious care they showed for our instrument made a stressful situation much easier. We've recommended their storage services to everyone we know with fine pianos."
— Richard & Catherine P., New York, NY
"After inheriting my mother's baby grand piano while living in an apartment, I needed storage until we moved to a larger home. Piano Artisans not only provided exceptional storage but also offered a restoration assessment and plan for when we were ready. The online portal made it easy to manage everything, and their transparent pricing was refreshing. I wouldn't trust my family heirloom with anyone else."
— Michelle L., Chicago, IL
Overall Experience
"Working with Piano Artisans was unlike any service experience I've ever had. From Amber's attentive communication to the incredible craftsmanship of the entire team, every interaction reflected their passion and expertise. They don't just restore pianos—they preserve history and create legacies. The value they delivered far exceeded the investment."
— Jonathan H., Seattle, WA
"As someone who has restored vintage automobiles for years, I recognize exceptional craftsmanship when I see it. Piano Artisans demonstrates an uncompromising commitment to quality that's increasingly rare today. Their documentation of the entire process, attention to historical detail, and the sheer beauty of their work puts them in a category of their own. Our 1909 Knabe has been transformed from a deteriorating antique into a stunning, concert-quality instrument."
— William B., Collector, Dallas, TX
Our Finished Work
Our Restoration Work
Mason & Hamlin, 1923, Model AA, Mahogany Semi Gloss Finish Varnish
Mason & Hamlin, 1923, Model AA, Mahogany Semi Gloss Finish Varnish
Steinway & Sons, American Walnut, Carved Case, Satin Walnut Varnish Finish, Duo-Art Player Piano System, 1927 original woodworking by the Bianchi family
Steinway & Sons, American Walnut, Carved Case, Satin Walnut Varnish Finish, Duo-Art Player Piano System, 1927 original woodworking by the Bianchi family
Steinway & Sons, American Walnut, Carved Case, Satin Walnut Varnish Finish, Duo-Art Player Piano System, 1927 original woodworking by the Bianchi family
Steinway & Sons, American Walnut, Carved Case, Satin Walnut Varnish Finish, Duo-Art Player Piano System, 1927 Restored Ivory & Ebony Keytops
George Steck, Honduran Mahogany, Baby Grand, High Luster Classic Satin
George Steck, Honduran Mahogany, Baby Grand, High Luster Satin
Steinway & Sons, Model B, Honduran Mahogany, Satin Finish
One of our Restored Steinway Model B, Honduran Mahogany, 1920, Victorian Style
Chickering Square Grand Piano Rosewood, High Polish Varnish, 1860
Chickering Square Grand Piano Rosewood, High Polish Varnish, 1860
Steinway & Sons, Model B, Brushed satin ebony. Classic Steinway style
Steinway & Sons, Model B, Brushed satin ebony. Classic Steinway style
John T Wells, English Upright, High Luster Varnish, Burl Walnut Veneer, Restored Ivory, Brass Accents
John T Wells, English Upright, High Luster Varnish, Burl Walnut Veneer, Restored Ivory, Brass Accents
Baldwin Model M, Modern Ebony Satin, Brass Hardware
Baldwin Model M, Modern Ebony Satin, Brass Hardware
Steinway & Sons, Model XR, 1923, Duo Art, Italian Carvings
Steinway & Sons, Model XR, 1923, Duo Art, Italian Carvings
AB Chase, Burl Walnut, Satin Varnish, Upright, Victorian, Restored Ivory & Ebony, Nickel Accents, Music Rack Filagree
Schiller Upright, Tiger Oak, Satin Oil Finish
Schiller Upright, Fully Restored, Satin Oil Finish, Tiger Oak
Mason & Hamlin, 1928, Model AA, Walnut, Satin Finish Varnish
Mason & Hamlin, 1928, Model AA, Walnut, Satin Finish Varnish
Wm. Knabe, Conservatory, Victorian Grand, Rosewood, Satin
Wm. Knabe, Conservatory, Victorian Grand, Rosewood, Satin
AB Chase, Burl Walnut, Satin Varnish, Upright, Victorian
AB Chase, Burl Walnut, Satin Varnish, Upright, Victorian, Restored Ivory & Ebony, Nickel Accents
Steinway & Sons, 1922, Fully Restored, Satin Mahogany, Model O
Steinway & Sons, 1922, Fully Restored, Satin Mahogany, Model O
Chickering Square Grand Piano Rosewood, High Polish Varnish, 1860, Restored Ivory & Ebony, Beehive clawfoot stool
Chickering Square Grand Piano Rosewood, High Polish Varnish, 1860, Restored Ivory & Ebony, Beehive clawfoot stool
Steinway & Sons, American Walnut, Carved Case, Satin Walnut Varnish Finish, Duo-Art Player Piano System, 1927 original woodworking by the Bianchi family
Steinway & Sons, American Walnut, Carved Case, Satin Walnut Varnish Finish, Duo-Art Player Piano System, 1927 original woodworking by the Bianchi family
Story & Clark, Grand Piano, Satin Mahogany
Story & Clark, Grand Piano, Satin Mahogany, Fully Restored Action and Interior, Brass Accents
Steinway B, Full restring, Soundboard fully restored
Steinway B, Full restring, Soundboard fully restored
Our proprietary Ebony Mahogany Finish. A fresh concept on a stunning 1918 Steinway.
Our proprietary Ebony Mahogany Finish. A fresh concept on a stunning 1918 Steinway.
Steinway & Sons, Duo-Art, Louis Case, OR Satin Walnut
Steinway & Sons, Duo-Art, Louis Case, OR Satin Walnut
Wm Knabe, Rosewood Grand, Victorian Era, High Polished Varnish
Wm Knabe, Rosewood Grand, Victorian Era, High Polished Varnish
Steinway & Sons, American Walnut, Carved Case, Satin Walnut Varnish Finish, Duo-Art Player Piano System, 1927 original woodworking by the Bianchi family
Duo-Art player system. Fully restored and ready for enjoyment.
John T Wells, English Upright, High Luster Varnish, Burl Walnut Veneer
John T Wells, English Upright, High Luster Varnish, Burl Walnut Veneer
Our Rebuilding Process
How to sell my piano
Wondering how to sell my piano? This guide covers appraisals, the best online platforms, pricing strategies, and listing tips to help you sell your piano fast and for top dollar.
The Chickering Legacy: Crafting Pianos for the Presidents
A piano for legends.
The Rise of Player Pianos: Creation and Popularity until 1940
Worthwhile insight about the world of player pianos.

