Piano Restoration
We offer piano restoration of the highest possible standard with over thirty years of experience. Specialising in fine restoration of top quality grand pianos using the best German piano parts and traditional French polishing or modern polyester refinishing.
Why Restore a Piano?
Piano restoration is a highly skilled craft that brings new life to instruments with history and character. While restoration can take time and may be a significant investment, it makes sense when there is a strong attachment to a unique instrument or a piano with family or historical value. In many cases, restoring a piano preserves not only its tone and touch but also its sentimental worth. Restoration keeps the story of your piano alive for the next generation, preserving both its music and its history.
Before beginning a restoration, we encourage clients to browse our stock of high-quality pianos. Often, an alternative instrument may be a better option. If you do not find a suitable replacement, restoration becomes a meaningful way to keep your piano playing and sounding its best for generations to come.
What Restoration Includes
Every restoration project is unique, but our team is equipped to handle the full range of piano rebuilding services, including:
- Refinishing the cabinet to restore or change the look of your instrument
- Replacing action parts such as hammers, shanks, and dampers for precise control
- New strings and pinblock installation for stability and long-lasting tuning
- Key work and regulation to ensure an even, responsive touch
- Voicing adjustments to shape the piano’s tone to your preference
From minor refinishing to full rebuilding, our craftsmen approach each step with care and attention to detail.
The Restoration Process
- Initial inspection & estimate – We thoroughly assess the instrument, checking action parts, strings, soundboard, and cabinet, then provide a detailed estimate.
- Disassembly and evaluation – The piano is carefully stripped down, parts removed and documented, with precise measurements taken.
- Action rebuilding – New hammers, dampers, wippens and keys as needed, aligned and adjusted for even response and regulation.
- Cabinet refinishing – Stripping, repair and refinishing to restore original beauty or create a new look.
- Reassembly and final tuning/voicing – Reassembly, new strings stretched, and final adjustments for a clear, balanced tone. Follow-up tunings are arranged after delivery.
The Value of Restoration
Restoring a piano can transform an aging or damaged instrument into a beautiful, reliable piano with decades of life ahead. While the cost may be significant, it is often far less than replacing a comparable handmade or high-end instrument. More importantly, restoration allows you to preserve the unique sound and feel of the piano you already love.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does piano restoration take?
Restoration can take a long time due to the availability of parts, our queue of jobs, and the limits of daily work. It may take upwards of six months, sometimes longer if the shop is busy. To help during this time, we can often provide a simple upright piano on loan.
How much does restoration cost?
The cost of piano restoration depends on the level of work required. Minor repairs or refinishing might be affordable, but full restoration can be a significant investment. Each case is different, and we provide tailored estimates after inspection.
What’s the difference between repair, reconditioning, and full restoration?
- Repair: Small fixes, often handled in a single service call (e.g., replacing a string, adjusting pedals).
- Reconditioning: Light work on the action, touching up regulation, or replacing small parts like bushings. This might take 1–7 days of shop work.
- Full Restoration: A comprehensive rebuild, stripping sections down to the core, possibly including restringing, soundboard repair, hammer and wippen replacement, refinishing the cabinet, and more. Full restoration usually requires months in the shop.
Is it better to restore or replace my piano?
In many cases, replacing a piano may be more cost-effective, sometimes at one-third of the cost of a full restoration. However, restoration is the right choice if your piano has sentimental value, historical significance, or was built with older, superior materials. We can help you evaluate whether replacement or restoration makes the most sense for your situation.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re considering restoring your piano, we’d be glad to talk. Whether you’re looking to preserve a family heirloom, revive a historic instrument, or simply bring your piano back to life, our team can guide you through the process.
Piano Restoration Service
Expert piano restoration services to bring your instrument back to its original beauty and performance. Submit your restoration request to begin the journey.
Piano Restoration Request
Comprehensive Restoration Services
Action Restoration
Complete Action Rebuilding
Full restoration of the piano's mechanical action including hammer replacement, regulation, and voicing to achieve optimal touch and response.
Typical cost: £2,100 - £3,100
Hammer Re-facing
When sufficient felt remains, re-facing existing hammers can provide significant improvement in tone and touch.
Typical cost: £300 - £650
Toning & Voicing
Fine-tuning of hammer tension and response for optimal sound quality across the entire keyboard range.
Typical cost: £400 - £700
String & Tuning Restoration
Tuning Pin Replacement
Replacing loose tuning pins with larger ones to restore tuning stability, especially important for pianos in central heating environments.
Typical cost: £1,300
Complete Restringing
Full string replacement including soundboard and frame refinishing for pianos requiring comprehensive restoration.
Typical cost: £1,900 - £3,000
Pin Block Replacement
Complete pin block replacement combined with restringing and soundboard repair for severely damaged instruments.
Typical cost: £3,700
Case & Finish Restoration
French Polishing
Traditional French polishing technique using shellac for authentic vintage appearance and superior depth of finish.
Polyester Refinishing
Modern polyester finishes for durability and contemporary aesthetics while maintaining professional quality standards.
Casework Repair
Restoration of damaged casework, veneer repair, and structural reinforcement to restore the piano's original beauty.
Specialised Services
Ivory Key Restoration
Professional repair and replacement of damaged ivory keys, including yellowing treatment and chip repair.
Practice Pedal Installation
Fitting of practice pedals (celeste mute) to older upright pianos for quiet practice capabilities.
Typical cost: £250 + VAT
Music Desk Upgrades
Installation of traditional music desks with book holders for improved functionality and aesthetics.
Understanding Piano Touch & Regulation
Touch Characteristics
Touch refers to the smoothness, responsiveness and weight of the piano action. Top quality pianos can be customised to achieve excellent performance in all aspects, while fundamental improvements require extensive restoration work.
Down-weight
The weight needed to depress keys, typically 50 grams in the middle range, graduating to 40 grams in treble and 52 grams in bass. Can be adjusted from 40-52 grams based on player preference.
Up-weight
The force that returns keys to rest position, ideally between 20-25 grams. Affects friction and geometric balance, crucial for consistent touch response.
Regulation Process
Proper regulation ensures even touch response across the entire keyboard, adjusting key travel, hammer blow distance, and let-off for optimal performance.
- Key height and travel adjustment
- Hammer blow distance optimisation
- Let-off and repetition adjustment
- Damper timing and regulation
Ready to Restore Your Piano?
Contact us for a comprehensive assessment and detailed quote. Our experienced technicians will evaluate your piano and recommend the most appropriate restoration approach.