Piano Repair and Restoration Services
Standard Concert Level Tuning: $250 | Pich Raise+Tune: $360
Restoration of Vintage Pianos
Restored pianos are a wonderful, cost saving alternative to buying new because pianos are so well engineered and constructed that they can be successfully restored to a like- or even better than – new condition. There are several factors to consider which include the worth or value of the piano after the work is done, assurance that your expectations will be met or surpassed and, most importantly, who will be doing the work.
Restoration incorporates three separate aspects of a piano: Case Refinishing, the Harp, and Action Rebuilding.
Refinishing
Refinishing a vintage piano is likely to result in a better finish than the piano had originally. When pianos are manufactured, one of the biggest concerns for the factory is how much time is spent at each stage of the process. Finishing the case is one of the areas they can shortcut and this won’t be noticed for several years after delivery. We spend more on time and materials than the factories do, with hand sanding, polishing and many coats of real lacquer.
Harp &
Soundboard
Restringing is much more than replacing the strings. In grand pianos the iron harp is lifted out of the case, re-guilded, lettered and receives new aggraffes. If needed, the pin block may be replaced to bring the tuning stability back. The soundboard is rejuvenated, new decals are placed and any artwork is retouched. The harp is then reinstalled and strung with custom manufactured bass strings by JD Grandt and Roslau treble wire. Finally, new damper felts are installed.
Action Rebuilding and Regulation
Action rebuilding normally includes all new action parts, Back Action repair or replacement, all new under-key felt, key rebushing and meticulous reinstallation of the action back into the piano. Then, much attention is given to fitting hammers and voicing.
When all this is completed, you have your piano back – or one of our restorations we offer for sale – in a condition and at a level of performance satisfying to the most discerning player.
Tuning and Maintenance
It’s been said that “Any piano is only as good as the last person to tune & work on it “. This is so true. This ongoing commitment of the tuner-technician and the owner/player includes Tuning, Action Regulation & Hammer Voicing.
Out of curiosity, for a period of time I asked some tuning customers and prospective buyers visiting our showroom, “How many strings does the hammer strike when playing a single note in the treble?” A surprising number of them had no idea, and some of them were good players. When you consider how basic a question this is, then it is no surprise that the many complex mechanical and aesthetic relationships involved in the proper function & tone qualities of a piano are unknown to them as well.
For over sixty years, The J-B Piano Company has been committed to achieving the highest level of performance in the pianos we sell or work on in homes, studios and concert halls. We like to inform those interested to know what those possibilities are. Many people are very pleasantly surprised at how great a difference and improvement can be made for reasonable cost to them.
Concert Tuners and Techs
Currently, we have two seasoned piano tuners with long lists of high profile accounts and clients including music conservatories, symphonies, concert halls, and recording studios. We would love to get your piano sounding and playing to your liking. Piano repair and restoration on a smaller scale can often be done onsite, in your home, so when we discuss your piano and your desires we can advise you on what is possible, short of moving your piano to our shop.
Appraisals in the Home
One of our J-B Piano Company staff will come out to your home and appraise your piano’s value.
You may have inherited a piano, are thinking of selling it, need insurance for it, list it in your estate or
use it for a trade in on a better piano or to find out what work it legitimately may need to perform to it’s potential.
We are best able to help you with this process because:
1. We know the market for used pianos
2. We are in the business of restoring pianos and trying to keep the cost under the value of the piano when finished
3. We do appraisal work for insurance companies as well as private clients, and provide a physical certificate which would help determine a resale value.
4. We charge for our time and expertise, which varies in cost depending on location and extent of the documentation required.
However, we can often help you over the phone with an initial call or email with a photo. If you decide to invest in piano repair and restoration, the cost of appraisal is applicable towards restoration work.
We service the entire San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Action rebuilding normally includes all new action parts, Back Action repair or replacement, all new under-key felt, key rebushing and meticulous reinstallation of the action back into the piano. Then, much attention is given to fitting hammers and voicing.
When all this is completed, you have your piano back – or one of our restorations we offer for sale – in a condition and at a level of performance satisfying to the most discerning player.
Visit Us
Tuesday: 9:30am–5pm
Wednesday: 9:30am–5pm
Thursday: 9:30am–5pm
Friday: 9:30am–5pm
Saturday: 10am–5pm
Sunday: By Appointment