Pianos are a collection of hundreds of moving parts. Keeping these moving parts working is
the function of regulation. When parts stick, jam or break, repair work is needed. Repair work
involves replacement or repair of existing parts, keeping the piano in original condition. Most
repair work can be done in the home, however major replacement work such as repinning and
restringing, falls under the restoration category, and should be performed in a fully equipped
piano repair shop.
Repair work includes repairing broken action parts such as hammer shanks, butts, wippens,
damper levers and flanges. Keytops are frequently chipped or removed, requiring repair. Case
parts, such as moving panels and keyboard covers, can jam or become damaged requiring repair
and finish touch up. Loose tuning pins can be replaced with oversize pins, providing that the
pinblock is is good shape. Soundboard cracks and separations can be repaired using careful
woodworking techniques. Broken strings are a frequent problem, especially on older pianos, and
individual replacement is a common repair. Piano casters are frequently jammed or damaged,
and are in need of lubrication, shimming, or replacement. Last, but importantly, cleaning the
piano action and inside case are frequently overlooked repairs that are easily done.
A good piano technician carries equipment for most in home repairs, from spot replacement of
parts to string repair. Most repair work on newer pianos stems from abuse or poor
manufacturing. On older pianos, repair work is more commonly needed, arising from many
situations from neglect and abuse to parts failure due to age.
Piano Restoration
Restoration work involves complete replacement of piano parts. This is the process of
rebuilding an old piano with new parts, essentially restoring the piano its condition when new.
Many fine turn of the century instruments can be successfully rebuilt, giving a second life to
the instrument.
When parts are replaced, care is taken to match the new parts as closely to the old parts as
possible, such as hammers, dampers, strings, flanges, butts and wippens. Pinblocks and
soundboards can be replaced as well, but are usually done only on finer quality grand pianos, as
this involves considerable work and expense. Case refinishing is done to match the original
finish, as many pianos have darkened over time, and the wood grain has become hidden.
Not every piano is worth restoration, as manufacturer quality varied then as it does now, and
the cost of restoration sometimes eclipses the value of the instrument. Careful evaluation of
the instrument is needed to see whether the piano is a candidate for restoration, or needs
repairs instead, which is usually a cheaper option that results in a perfectly playable
instrument.
Piano restoration should not be undertaken lightly, it is a considerable investment in the
piano, and should be handled by an experienced piano rebuilder. This type of work is
performed in a fully equipped piano rebuilding shop, and requires the piano to be brought in
for a considerable length of time. Ask for references from your prospective piano rebuilder, as
well as professional qualifications and workmanship guarantees.
