Complete restoration piano & grand piano: the rebirth of an instrument
A piano is often much more than an instrument – it is a family heirloom, a loyal companion, an emotional anchor. But what if the years have left unmistakable traces? When the sound is matt and tired, the action are worn out, the playing feel sluggish and the surface fades?
Many believe that such an instrument is “can no longer be saved”.
As a master piano technician, the complete restoration is my most passionate task. It’s not about a repair, it’s about a complete, true-to-original recovery. My goal is to preserve the soul of your instrument and bring it to a new, sonorous life for the next generation.
When is a complete restoration worthwhile?
This is the most important question that I first answer you transparently. A complete restoration is a significant investment in time and craft. It is particularly worthwhile in two cases:
- High quality branded instruments: Grand pianos and pianos of renowned manufacturers (e.g. C. Bechstein, Bösendorfer, Steingraeber & Söhne, Steinway & Sons, Blüthner etc.). The tonal and structural substance of these instruments is so excellent that after a masterful overhaul, they are often in no way inferior to a new instrument – or even surpass it with their mature sound wood.
- Invaluable heirlooms: The instrument has been in her family for generations. The ideal value is priceless. Here it is my goal to secure this value and to put the instrument back into a state that does justice to its history, both technically and visually.
The most important basis is my honest on-site assessment. I check the core substance (especially vocal stick and soundboard) and give you a clear, transparent recommendation as to whether the effort is worthwhile.
What does a complete restoration?
A complete restoration is the most profound process in piano making. All work takes place in my Dresden master workshop. Depending on the condition of the instrument, this includes:
- The acoustic system (the heart): Revision or repair of the soundboard and the bars. Complete renewal of the strings (steel strings and custom-made bass strings) and swapping the tuning vortex for perfect tuning.
- Mechanics & keyboard (the feeling): Complete disassembly, cleaning and revision of the game action. Renewal of all key felts and leather. Replacing the hammers and damping felts. The result is a precise, new feel.
- The surface (the aesthetics): Professional, loving refurbishment of the case. Whether renewing a traditional shellac polish on antique pieces or repairing modern polyester high-gloss surfaces.
Transparency from the first to the last step
A complete restoration is an absolute sign of trust. That’s why it runs for me after clear, transparent steps:
- Review & offer: I will check your instrument in detail at your site.
- Detailed offer: You will receive a written fixed price offer from me, which lists all work. You know exactly what to expect.
- Transport: I organize the professional and insured transport to my master workshop.
- Implementation & Documentation: All work is carried out personally by me as a master. If you wish, I will document important steps for you photographically.
- Graduation & Delivery: After the final tuning and regulation in the workshop, the instrument will be returned, acclimatized to you and voted by me for the last time on site.
Give your instrument a future
Let’s breathe new life into your heirloom together. Contact me for a non-binding initial consultation and a professional assessment.
Frequently asked questions about complete restoration
How much does a complete restoration cost?
This is the most common and most important question, but it is impossible to answer in general terms. It would be dubious. The costs depend entirely on the condition and scope of the necessary work – similar to the restoration of a classic car or a half-timbered house. Therefore, the first step is always my detailed assessment with a subsequent, binding cost estimate.
How long does a complete restoration take?
Quality takes time. A full overhaul that deserves this name is a process of several months. Materials must harden, new strings have to sit down before the final regulation can take place. I’ll keep you informed of the progress.
Why not just buy a new piano?
This is a valid consideration. The difference is the character. A high-quality, old instrument has “sinated” wood that has matured over decades, which a newer piano (often also in terms of price) cannot offer. A complete restoration creates a “vintage masterpiece” – an instrument with history, but with the precision and reliability of a new one. It is also the most sustainable form of owning an instrument.
Is the “soul” of my old piano lost in the overhaul?
On the contrary: it will be exposed. My work as a master is to restore the original instrument’s original character of the instrument, not to replace it with standard parts. The “tired” state that you may hear now is not the soul of the piano, but the wear that covers it up.
You will find more answers on the Frequently Asked Questions page.