Player Piano Rebuilding
Player Piano Restoration
“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
Unparalleled Expertise in Mechanical Musical Instruments
At Piano Artisans, player piano restoration stands as our signature specialty. We restore 8-10 player pianos annually, encompassing the full spectrum from standard pneumatic players to the most sophisticated reproducing systems ever created. Our reputation for excellence in this specialized field is built on meticulous craftsmanship, historical understanding, and an unwavering commitment to authentic performance.
Our Player Piano Restoration Philosophy
We approach each player piano restoration with two fundamental principles:
- A player piano can only perform as well as its underlying instrument. The piano’s action, hammers, and strings must be in excellent condition to achieve optimal player performance.
- Player pianos are two integrated machines. Both the piano mechanism and the player system require expert restoration to achieve authentic musical reproduction.
The Piano Artisans Difference
What distinguishes our player piano restorations:
- Guaranteed Quality: All our player piano restorations carry a 10-year guarantee
- Museum-Quality Materials: We use only premium materials including split hide leather for gaskets, rubberized pneumatic cloth, Zephyr Skin, Kid Skin valve leather, and superior neoprene tubing
- Meticulous Adjustment: We spend 3-14 days on final system adjustments to achieve authentic musical expression
- Historical Accuracy: All restorations are completed with historical perspective while ensuring reliable modern performance
- Comprehensive Testing: Every reproducing piano is tested with over 25 different rolls before delivery
Reproducing Piano Expertise
Our specialization in reproducing pianos (Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte) places us in a league of our own. These sophisticated instruments were designed to precisely capture and reproduce an artist’s original performance with all its nuance and expression.
A properly restored reproducer should make it sound as though the original artist is playing in your living room, with delicate pianissimos and thundering fortissimos faithfully reproduced. Our painstaking restoration and regulation process ensures these remarkable instruments perform exactly as their inventors intended.
1915 Duo-Art, Steinway & Sons Model “AR”, Mahogany Veneer
Access to Thousands of Rolls
Today’s player piano owners enjoy access to thousands of music rolls, including both historic recordings and contemporary music. Virtual roll technology has made this vast library of music even more accessible and affordable.
Our Notable Restorations
Our team has successfully restored some of the most complex and rare player pianos in existence:
Reproducing Grand Pianos:
- Steinway & Sons Model OR (Duo-Art)
- Steinway & Sons Model AR
- Steinway & Sons Hamburg (Welte)
- Mason & Hamlin BB (Ampico B)
- Wm. Knabe (Ampico A & B)
- Kranich & Bach Grand Reproducing Player
- Stroud Duo-Art (1933)
- Marshall Wendell (Ampico B)
Orchestrions and Specialty Instruments:
- Aeolian Orchestrelle Model “F”
- Wurlitzer Model CX Orchestrion
- Wurlitzer Butterfly Petite Grand
- Wurlitzer Model “L” Nickelodeon
- Mills Violano Bow Front
- Divina Welte
- Brinkerhoff Upright (double player action)
Standard Player Pianos:
- Weber Pianola
- Gulbransen Upright Player
- Cable Nelson Upright Player
- Reichardt Upright Player
- Farand Cecelian Upright Player
Expert Restoration Process
Our comprehensive player restoration includes rebuilding of all:
- Pumps and exhausters
- Valves and valve assemblies
- Pneumatics and bellows
- Locks and cancels
- Expression systems
- Tubing and channels
- Tracker bar and transmission
Each component is meticulously restored to like-new condition using historically appropriate materials and techniques, ensuring reliable operation for decades to come.
Begin Your Player Piano’s Renaissance
Whether you own a rare reproducing grand piano or a beloved family player upright, our team has the specialized expertise to bring it back to its full musical potential. Contact us today to discuss your player piano restoration project.