Will All Piano Dealers Say The Same Thing About Rebuilding a Piano?

Will All Piano Dealers Say The Same Thing About Rebuilding a Piano?

Sometimes the best piano to put on display in your home is one you already have access to. 

“My mom has a piano she’d like to give to me. My kids are old enough to start playing, and I’d love to play again too. It was my grandmother’s before her, so it has a lot of sentimental value. But the keys sometimes stick, the finish is wearing, and depending on what note you hit, it’s wildly out of tune. Is there hope for it? Or should I just buy a new one?”

We get questions like this frequently. We also realize that if you ask a dozen different piano dealers the same question, you’re likely to get a dozen different answers. 

A lot of it stems from what the dealer specializes in. If they’re in business to sell pianos, they are going to push you towards buying new. That’s where they make their money, and they don’t want to lose a sale. 

That’s why it’s in your best interest to do your own research. Talk with a variety of piano specialists. Do you have someone who has tuned the piano before? They are often a great resource for the quality of your piano, and can give you a better idea of what’s possible if you choose to rebuild. 

Also, evaluate the condition of your piano. If it was neglected, how? There’s a big difference between a piano that has sat in the corner untuned for a few years, compared to one that’s been tucked into a basement and has sustained water damage. If it has been subjected to the elements for an extended time period, it probably is beyond repair. 

The best place to start when considering your options is to ask. Then ask again. If you start hearing a similar answer from multiple people, you can use that to determine the right steps to take. 

Have a question about rebuilding your piano? We’re here to help. Give us a call today. 

Rebuilding A Steinway Does It Have To Have Steinway Parts

Rebuilding A Steinway Does It Have To Have Steinway Parts

What do you do if you have an old Steinway piano filled with meaning, but it simply doesn’t play the way it used to? Rebuild it of course.

Rebuilding a piano is common practice in today’s world. Some of the best pianos in the world we’re made years ago. And through age and playing, they may need a little bit of work to continue being in peak condition. If you have a highly regarded, well made piano, why replace it when a little bit of work can have it in mint condition?rebuilding-a-steinway-does-it-have-to-have-steinway-parts

And in many cases, a top piano can have more value for resale than a new piano from today. Piano’s have history, that’s part of their desire. But rebuilding a piano can leave you filled with questions if you’ve never gone through the process before.

If you rebuild a Steinway piano, will it still be a Steinway?
This is one of the most frequent questions we receive. After all, a Steinway piano was originally created in house using parts and manufacturing processes exclusive to Steinway. If you use anything other that Steinway parts, is it still a Steinway?

The answer is yes. If you go with a reputable rebuilder, his first goal will be to repair your piano so it is in top playing condition. He won’t cut corners or use parts that will undermine the playability of the instrument. If Steinway parts are the best for the fix, they will be used. But in some cases, especially with older pianos, Steinway parts may not be available. In which case the most important thing is to use the best part for the repair.

Is there such a thing as imitation parts?
A Steinway piano has over 12,000 parts. A reputable rebuilder knows that to keep a piano in top condition, using the parts already there can be the best. If they are repairable, by all means use the existing parts.

But in some cases, a part is beyond repair. In order to be playable, it has to be replaced. But a part isn’t automatically inferior just because it doesn’t have “a name” on it. In all cases, the most important part of rebuilding is making sure everything fits and reacts perfectly together.

Do all parts need to be replaced?
Not always. Old hinges and hardware aren’t always broken or non-working. They simply have dulled with age. Polishing them up can make them look like new again. And because they were original to the piano, nothing will fit better on your piano. Besides, in order to be environmentally friendly, why throw away something that still works and can be made to look as good as new?

Have additional questions about rebuilding your Steinway? Give us a call or stop by today.