FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions, answered.
Buying a piano, arranging a restoration and caring for your instrument. If you have another question, please get in touch.
Buying
Can I play a piano before choosing?
Yes. Arrange a workshop viewing with Paul to experience the instruments in person. Visits to Three Bridge Mill are by appointment.
How do I confirm availability and price?
Contact Paul about your chosen piano. Listings with unconfirmed availability are labelled accordingly; sold pianos are kept in a separate archive.
What are the delivery and warranty terms?
Piano Restorations offers a five-year guarantee and free UK delivery. Ask Paul for the written guarantee and agree the delivery arrangements for your instrument.
Can you help me find a particular instrument?
Ask Paul about the maker, model, sound and space you have in mind. A sold listing can be a starting point for sourcing a similar piano.
Restoration
Is my piano worth restoring?
An assessment considers the make, condition, structure and your musical or personal reasons for keeping the instrument. Contact the workshop with photographs and any known history.
What is the difference between restoring and rebuilding?
Restoration can address particular areas. A full rebuild considers the instrument as a whole, including its structure, acoustic components, action and finish. Ask for an itemised record of the proposed work.
How long does a full rebuild take?
Paul will confirm a schedule after assessment. The original pages list different rebuild timescales, so no fixed duration is promised here.
Will every soundboard be replaced?
The workshop assesses the individual instrument before agreeing the work. Ask Paul why a replacement is recommended and how it relates to your piano’s condition.
Can I customise the finish?
The workshop discusses custom finishes, veneers and cabinetry as part of bespoke projects. Agree the scope and quotation before work starts.
Do you rebuild Steinway pianos?
Steinway & Sons is among the makers restored by the workshop. The specification is agreed for each instrument.
Can I visit during the work?
Visits can be arranged with Paul. Please agree a time in advance.
Care
Do you offer tuning and servicing?
The workshop lists tuning, regulation, voicing, action servicing and concert preparation among its services. Contact Paul to discuss your instrument.
How do I know if my piano needs more than tuning?
Uneven touch, poor tuning stability or a change in tone can be reasons to seek a technical assessment. A technician can advise whether servicing, targeted repairs or rebuilding would be appropriate.
How long will a rebuilt piano last?
Its condition over time depends on the instrument, environment and continuing care. Ask the workshop for care advice specific to your piano.