FAQ's

Is my piano worth restoring?

Not every piano is a candidate for full restoration, but many high-quality instruments are. Pianos built by makers such as Steinway & Sons, Blüthner, Bechstein, Bösendorfer, and similar European manufacturers were constructed with exceptional materials and craftsmanship.

When assessing whether restoration is worthwhile we consider:

• The original manufacturer and model

• The structural condition of the soundboard and frame

• The condition of the action and keyboard

• The musical potential of the instrument

We are happy to advise honestly if restoration would add value or if another route would be better.

What is the difference between restoring and rebuilding a piano?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they can mean different things.

Restoration generally refers to returning the piano to its original musical and aesthetic condition while preserving as much original material as possible.

Rebuilding is a more comprehensive process that involves replacing major structural and mechanical components to return the instrument to factory-level performance.

A full rebuild may include:

• New soundboard

• New tuning plank

• New strings and pins

• New action components

• New hammers and dampers

• Keyboard restoration

• Case refinishing

At Piano Restorations Ltd we specialise in complete structural rebuilds, ensuring the instrument performs as it did when new.

Why choose Piano Restorations Ltd?

Piano restoration is one of the most complex crafts in the musical instrument world. A successful rebuild requires a deep understanding of acoustics, engineering, woodworking, and musical performance.

Piano Restorations Ltd has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading piano rebuilding specialists. Our work is trusted by concert pianists, recording studios, composers and collectors across the UK and internationally.

Our rebuilds are unique because we specialise in structural restoration, including the replacement of soundboards and tuning planks — a level of work many technicians do not undertake.

Our instruments are played by artists including internationally recognised musicians and have been installed in some of the UK’s most prestigious studios and venues.

Each piano is rebuilt with the same philosophy:

• Respect the original character of the instrument

• Use the finest traditional materials

• Restore the full tonal potential of the piano

The result is an instrument that often rivals — and sometimes exceeds — the performance of many modern pianos.

Why do you replace soundboards?

The soundboard is the acoustic heart of the piano.

Over decades the wood slowly loses elasticity as the cellulose and lignin structure breaks down. This reduces the board’s ability to vibrate efficiently.

When this happens the piano can develop:

• Weak tone

• Reduced sustain

• Poor projection

• Sluggish action response

Many rebuilders restring and replace hammers but leave a tired soundboard in place.

By replacing the soundboard we restore:

• Proper acoustic impedance

• Resonance and sustain

• Dynamic response

• Overall tonal richness

This is why many historic instruments regain their extraordinary voice after a full structural rebuild.

How much does a piano restoration cost?

The value of a piano depends on several factors:

• Manufacturer and model

• Age and condition

• Musical quality

• Cosmetic condition

• Market demand

Many older pianos have limited resale value unless restored, but high-quality instruments from prestigious makers can be extremely valuable once rebuilt.

We are happy to provide informal advice or a professional valuation.

How long does a full rebuild take?

A complete restoration is a highly specialised craft process.

Most full rebuilds take:

6–12 months

This allows time for:

• Precision woodwork

• Soundboard fabrication

• Action rebuilding

• Stringing

• Regulation and voicing

The result is an instrument built to perform for decades.

How much is my piano worth?

Costs vary depending on the type of instrument and the level of work required.

Typical examples:

Concert Grand Full Rebuild

• £30,000 – £50,000

Grand Piano Rebuild

• £18,000 – £35,000

Upright Piano Rebuild

• £8,000 – £18,000

Every piano is different, so we always recommend a professional assessment before providing a quotation.

Yes.

We regularly assess instruments across the UK and internationally.

We can:

• Visit in person

• Provide an initial assessment from photographs

• Arrange transport to our workshop if necessary

To begin, simply send:

• Photos of the piano

• The serial number

• Any known history of the instrument

Do you offer tuning and servicing?

Yes.

In addition to full restorations we offer:

• Piano tuning

• Regulation

• Voicing

• Action servicing

• Concert preparation

Many of our clients include recording studios, concert pianists and private collectors, so we understand the importance of maintaining instruments to the highest standard.

Will you come and assess my piano?

A properly restored piano can last another 50–100 years with correct care and maintenance.

Many of the instruments we rebuild today were originally made over 100 years ago, demonstrating the longevity of well-built pianos.

Can you customise the appearance of my piano?

Yes.

Many clients choose to personalise their piano with:

• Custom finishes

• Exotic veneers

• Unique leg designs

• Specialised hardware

• Bespoke cabinetry

We have produced many one-off bespoke pianos for private clients, studios and interior designers.

Can you help sell my piano?

Yes.

We regularly sell restored instruments on behalf of clients and can advise on:

• Market value

• Restoration potential

• Consignment sales

• Private sales

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes.

All major restoration work carried out by Piano Restorations Ltd is covered by a comprehensive 5 year rebuild warranty, giving clients confidence in the longevity of their instrument.

Why not simply buy a new piano?

For many musicians and collectors, the finest instruments ever made were built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

During this period manufacturers such as Steinway, Blüthner, Bechstein and Bösendorfer produced pianos with remarkable craftsmanship and tonal character.

Over time the internal components of these instruments wear or fatigue, which is why restoration becomes necessary.

A properly rebuilt piano allows you to combine:

• The soul and character of a historic instrument

• With the precision and reliability of a modern piano

The cost of a full rebuild is significantly less than purchasing a brand new piano from that manufactur, while delivering a uniquely rich and individual sound.

What makes your piano rebuilds different?

Many piano rebuilds focus mainly on replacing visible or worn parts such as:

• Strings

• Hammers

• Action components

While these elements are important, the acoustic structure of the piano is what truly defines its sound.

At Piano Restorations Ltd we specialise in rebuilding the entire acoustic system of the instrument, including:

• Fabricating new soundboards

• Installing new tuning planks

• Correcting bridge and structural geometry

• Rebuilding the action and keyboard to precise tolerances

By addressing the complete structure of the instrument, the piano regains:

• Greater sustain

• Stronger projection

• Faster action response

• A richer and more complex tonal palette

This comprehensive approach is why many musicians are astonished by the transformation when a piano is fully rebuilt.

Can a rebuilt piano really outperform a new one?

In many cases, yes.

Older instruments from prestigious manufacturers were often built using slow-grown spruce, seasoned hardwoods and hand-crafted components that are difficult to replicate today.

When these instruments are structurally rebuilt using modern precision and high-quality materials, the result can be an extraordinary combination of:

• Historic craftsmanship

• Modern engineering accuracy

• Unique tonal character

For this reason many professional pianists actively seek out rebuilt historic instruments.

Can I visit the workshop?

Yes — and we encourage it.

Clients are welcome to visit our workshop in Buckinghamshire to:

• See instruments during the rebuilding process

• Play completed pianos

• Discuss their own piano with our team

Seeing the process first-hand often gives clients a deeper appreciation for the level of craftsmanship involved in restoring a fine instrument.

Do you rebuild Steinway pianos?

Yes.

We regularly restore and rebuild Steinway & Sons grand pianos, over 50% of our work is rebuilding Steinway & Sons

Steinway instruments are particularly well suited to restoration because of the quality of their original construction. When rebuilt correctly they can produce an exceptional tone and performance.

Our rebuilds may include:

• New soundboard

• New tuning plank

• New strings and pins

• Complete action rebuilding

• New hammers and dampers

• Keyboard restoration or New Kluge Official Keyboard

• Precision regulation and voicing

The aim is always to restore the instrument so it performs as the maker originally intended.

How do I know if my piano needs rebuilding?

Yes — and we encourage it. There are several signs that a piano may require more than routine servicing:

• The tone is weak or lacks sustain

• Tuning stability is poor

• The action feels uneven or sluggish

• The soundboard has lost its crown or has structural damage

• The piano has not been rebuilt for many decades

An experienced technician can determine whether the piano would benefit from partial restoration or a complete rebuild.

How long will a rebuilt piano last?