Absent a catastrophic event like a fire or flood, the question of rebuilding is usually raised when your piano will no longer hold tune, or when the action (the mechanism of the keys and hammers) is so sluggish or worn out that it just will not play satisfactorily.

Piano rebuilding is not a ‘one size fits all’ operation, because each customer has a different set of needs and expectations.  My overriding goal is to fully satisfy every customer, and that means customizing each job.  After inspecting the piano at the initial consultation, I suggest different levels of service with approximate costs for each.  From high-end, all-inclusive projects to thrifty, need-specific jobs, I try to match each project to the customer.

Some projects require moving the piano to my workshop.  These include replacing or repairing the soundboard and bridges, and replacing the pinblock (the laminated hardwood plank that holds the tuning pins).  Most projects that involve the piano action can be accomplished without moving the piano.  These include replacing the hammers, hammershanks and/or wippins;  rebushing the keys;  and replacing worn or chipped keytops.

The term restoration is sometimes used synonymously with rebuilding, but it properly applied only to antique instruments that have historical value.  In restoration, parts are not replaced with modern equivalents, but rather cleaned and renewed wherever possible.  Any replacement parts must be made historically equivalent to the originals.  Reconditioning is a procedure short of rebuilding where one tries to make the original parts perform as well as they can.  Rebuilding always assumes the replacement of worn parts with new ones.  In most cases, rebuilt instruments will play better than they did when new because the replacement parts are usually better than the originals, and because more time and expert care are lavished on the instrument in rebuilding than were possible during the initial manufacture.

I have no employees.  Except for case refinishing, I personally perform all piano rebuilding procedures in my own workshop.  This gives me complete control over the quality of each operation.  I try to maintain the highest level of quality in all my work and am quick to remedy any deficiencies.  My guarantee is always complete customer satisfaction.