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

Refinishing Testimonials

“When my grandmother’s Mason & Hamlin arrived after decades in storage, its once-beautiful mahogany case was scratched and damaged. Piano Artisans’ refinishing work transformed it completely. The high-luster satin finish now showcases the figured mahogany with incredible depth. Their Slack channel allowed us to watch the entire process, making our connection to this family treasure even stronger. Their craftsmanship is simply unparalleled.”

— Elizabeth M., Newport Beach, CA

“As a professional musician with exacting standards, I researched extensively before choosing Piano Artisans to refinish my century-old Steinway. They didn’t just refinish the piano – they studied its history, matched the original color perfectly, and used techniques that honored the original craftsmanship. The Brazilian rosewood now exhibits a subtle glow that reveals its exceptional figuring. Piano Artisans understands they’re not just refinishing furniture, but preserving cultural artifacts.”

— Dr. James W., San Marino, CA

“Our Chickering baby grand had been in our family for three generations, but years of sun exposure had severely damaged its walnut finish. Piano Artisans not only restored it beautifully, they revealed stunning grain patterns we never knew existed. The refinishing has transformed it into the showpiece of our living room. What sets them apart is the perfect balance between historical authenticity and modern durability. The value they’ve added to our family heirloom is immeasurable.”

— The Kimura Family, Palos Verdes, 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