The Art of Piano Restoration

“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

Masterful Craftsmanship by Piano Artisans

Fully Restored Steinway & Sons, 1935, Walnut, Louis Scallop Case

At Piano Artisans Inc., we don’t merely restore pianos—we revive musical legacies. Our approach to piano restoration represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship in an age when mass production has largely replaced artisanal excellence. We stand as guardians of a tradition that marries historical authenticity with modern precision.

Our Distinguished Team

Our restoration studio is powered by a team of dedicated specialists, each bringing unique expertise to your piano’s transformation:

Brian, our founder and master refinisher, personally oversees every restoration project. With an exceptional eye for detail and deep knowledge of historical finishing techniques, Brian ensures each piano’s exterior reflects its original grandeur while incorporating period-appropriate materials and methods. His ability to match century-old finishes and recreate the patina of time is unmatched in the industry.

Amber, our president, serves as the vital connection between our artisans and our clients. She skillfully manages all office operations, client communications, and project coordination. Amber’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of your restoration experience is smooth and professional, from the initial consultation through the final delivery. Her dedication to client satisfaction and expert management of the business side of Piano Artisans allows our craftspeople to focus entirely on their restoration work.

John, our action and player piano master, brings scientific precision to the internal workings of your piano. His expertise in restringing, action regulation, and complex assembly ensures your piano doesn’t just look authentic—it plays with the musical voice its original makers intended. John’s methodical approach to mechanical restoration preserves the soul of your instrument while ensuring reliable performance for generations to come. His exceptional talent with player piano systems allows him to restore these intricate mechanical marvels to their original glory, bringing century-old self-playing mechanisms back to life with meticulous attention to detail.

Cora, our dedicated restoration specialist, possesses rare expertise in the internal components of antique pianos. Her painstaking attention to intricate mechanisms and delicate assemblies ensures every aspect of your piano’s internal structure is properly restored. Cora’s work represents preservation of both musical and mechanical history, with each restoration maintaining the precision and quality these instruments were designed to deliver.

The Piano Artisans Difference

What distinguishes our work extends far beyond technical competence:

Uncompromising Material Selection

We source materials that match or exceed original specifications. From select hardwoods to premium felts, leathers, and specialized adhesives, every component is chosen for both historical authenticity and longevity. We maintain relationships with specialty suppliers worldwide to access materials rarely found in modern manufacturing.

Documented Processes

Each restoration is meticulously documented through our proprietary client communication system. You’ll witness the transformation through regular updates, photographs, and videos, creating a comprehensive record of your piano’s journey back to excellence.

Period-Appropriate Techniques

Our restorations honor the methods and craftsmanship of your piano’s era. We employ traditional hand techniques alongside modern precision tools, ensuring authentic results without compromising structural integrity or longevity.

Historical Research

We research each piano’s historical context, manufacturing techniques, and original specifications to inform our restoration decisions. This ensures we remain faithful to the instrument’s heritage while implementing appropriate improvements where beneficial.

Our Meticulous Restoration Process

Our comprehensive restoration process leaves no detail unaddressed:

1. Initial Assessment and Documentation
   Every piano undergoes thorough examination to document its condition, unique characteristics, and historical significance before work begins.
2. Careful Disassembly and Cataloging
   Each component is systematically removed, labeled, and assessed, creating a detailed roadmap for the restoration journey.
3. Structural Restoration
   The piano’s foundation receives detailed attention, addressing any structural issues from case repair to soundboard restoration.
4. Action Rebuilding and Regulation
   The mechanical heart of your piano is meticulously restored or rebuilt, ensuring precise performance and touch sensitivity.
5. String and Soundboard Work
   The acoustic elements are carefully restored to achieve optimal tonal quality and resonance characteristics appropriate for your piano’s design.
6. Case Refinishing
   Multiple hand-applied finish coats using traditional materials bring the exterior back to its original beauty while preserving historical authenticity.
7. Final Assembly and Voicing
   Components are reunited with precision, followed by comprehensive regulation, tuning, and voicing to achieve optimal musical performance.
8. Comprehensive Documentation
   Your fully restored piano is delivered with complete documentation of the restoration process, historical information, and care instructions.

Restoration Philosophy

Our restoration philosophy balances historical preservation with practical functionality. We believe a truly exceptional restoration honors the original craftsmen’s intentions while ensuring the instrument performs reliably for modern musicians.

We recognize that each piano carries not just musical potential but family histories and personal connections. Our work preserves these intangible elements alongside the physical instrument, ensuring your piano continues to create meaningful musical memories for generations to come.

The Investment in Excellence

Piano restoration at this level represents a significant investment, but one that preserves both cultural heritage and family legacy. Our clients understand that true craftsmanship cannot be rushed or compromised. The thousands of hours of specialized labor, premium materials, and meticulous attention that define our work are reflected in our pricing structure.

When you choose Piano Artisans, you’re not simply restoring a piano—you’re preserving a piece of musical history with the level of excellence it deserves.

For detailed information about our restoration packages and pricing, please visit our Piano Restoration Costs page.

Begin Your Piano’s Renaissance

We invite you to experience the Piano Artisans difference. Contact us to discuss how we can breathe new life into your treasured instrument and preserve its legacy for generations to come.