| If you are in the market for a piano or you have found | | | | find a reputable piano dealer who is familiar with your |
| a great deal on one that needs some work, it is likely | | | | make and model. You may also want to research |
| that your local piano dealer can help you out. Not only | | | | your instrument on your own so you have a little |
| do they sell a variety of styles, but most of them also | | | | background on its history and craftsmanship. Piano |
| deal in restoration and repair of instruments. | | | | restoration is tedious and time consuming and you |
| Not all pianos are created equal and not all of them | | | | want a technician who is very knowledgeable about |
| warrant the time and cost to have a complete | | | | your instrument. Basically, the process is like building the |
| restoration. Why is that you ask? The answer is | | | | piano in reverse. Every component is removed, |
| because many newer brands and models have fallen | | | | inspected and repaired or replaced. The hammers, the |
| prey to assembly-line mass production. Less attention | | | | soundboard, the keys, the pedals, the strings, |
| is paid to sound quality and superior materials and | | | | everything is suspect to intense scrutiny during the |
| more is paid to getting a nice-looking piece of furniture | | | | process. The outside is also refinished in its original |
| into the market. Sound quality and materials tend to fall | | | | color and given a sheen that will make you think it just |
| by the wayside in this case. Now, not all new pianos | | | | came from the factory. |
| are victim to this practice and your piano dealer can | | | | Make sure that the piano dealer and the technician (if it |
| help you choose the right model for you. | | | | is a different person) understand that you want the |
| When it comes to restoring a piece, anything that is | | | | parts that are replaced to be of the same quality as |
| less than 40 or so years old is not really a great | | | | the original. There are no standards when it comes to |
| investment. The best quality pieces will be at least 100 | | | | restoration, but a reputable dealer will have his own |
| years or more and well worth the time and cost to | | | | standards. Unfortunately, some will try to cut costs by |
| return to its original state. That being said, if the | | | | using cheaper materials that will lessen the expected |
| instrument has been in your family for years and | | | | sound quality. The Piano Technicians Guild recognizes |
| parents, children and grandchildren have learnt to play | | | | those who meet their criteria and pass their exams, |
| on it then restoration for sentimental reasons is | | | | but that should not be your only reason for choosing |
| definitely worth it. But, for a truly fine piano built back in | | | | someone. Shop around, get estimates, seek out |
| the early 1900's, experienced restoration can bring | | | | referrals and interview the dealer before deciding on |
| back the original sound and look that it had on the day | | | | who you want to handle your precious piece of history |
| it was built. | | | | or family heirloom. Quality usually costs more, but you |
| What does the restoration process involve? This is | | | | will be much happier with the results and you will also |
| where it is extremely important that you research and | | | | have made a great investment. |