Antique Piano Restoration

PRESERVING PART OF HISTORY

PRESERVING FAMILY HEIRLOOMS AND HONORING ANTIQUE CRAFTSMANSHIP

At Bradfield Piano, our work begins with the piano itself. Every antique instrument has its own construction, materials, and history, and those factors determine what can — and should — be done. We evaluate each piano on its merits rather than applying a standard rebuild formula.

The goal is to restore reliable function, musical balance, and long-term stability while preserving the qualities that define the instrument. Decisions are made based on what will serve the piano well over time, with careful consideration given to both structure and playability.

TRUSTED BY RENOWNED CLIENTS

PROUD TO HAVE WORKED FOR MANY PRESTIGIOUS CLIENTS

What Antique Piano Restoration Involves

Antique piano restoration covers a range of mechanical and structural work, depending on the instrument’s condition and intended use. Some pianos require limited intervention, while others benefit from more involved repair or rebuilding. The appropriate scope is determined through inspection and discussion, not assumptions.

Below are examples of the types of work that may be involved in antique piano restoration.

Structural and soundboard work
Addressing issues related to the soundboard, bridges, pinblock, and plate when needed to restore stability and proper tension.
Action and keyboard work
Repairing or rebuilding action components, keys, and related mechanisms to restore reliable response and control.
Stringing and scale-related work
Replacing strings, correcting scale-related issues, and addressing tuning stability where appropriate.
Case and cabinet work
Repairing or refinishing cabinets when necessary, with care taken to preserve original details and proportions.
Evaluation and partial restoration
In some cases, targeted repairs or phased restoration are more appropriate than full rebuilding. We help owners determine what level of work makes sense for their piano.

Our Restoration Process

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN RESTORING A PIANO

Antique piano restoration is not a one-size-fits-all process. Below is an outline of how a typical restoration project progresses, with adjustments made as needed based on the instrument and scope of work.

EVALUATION AND DISCUSSION
We begin by evaluating the piano’s condition, construction, and history, along with how it will be used going forward. This may involve an in person inspection or an initial discussion with photos and documentation. From there, we outline realistic options and scope.

TRANSPORT TO THE WORKSHOP
For local clients, we handle safe transport of the piano to our workshop. For instruments outside the Dallas Fort Worth area, we coordinate appropriate shipping and handling to ensure the piano arrives safely.

RESTORATION WORK
Restoration work is carried out according to the agreed scope, which may include structural repair, action work, soundboard related work, stringing, or other mechanical components. Work proceeds methodically, with attention to fit, function, and long term stability rather than speed.

RETURN AND SETUP
Once restoration is complete, the piano is returned to the client’s home and properly set up. Final tuning and adjustments are made after delivery to account for the new environment.

FOLLOW UP AND ONGOING CARE
After delivery, we remain available for follow up service and guidance as the piano settles and is put back into regular use.

PARTS AND MATERIALS

Replacement parts matter in antique piano restoration, but compatibility matters more than labels. Older instruments were built around specific materials and tolerances, and modern parts don’t always behave the same.

When replacement parts are needed, we source materials appropriate to the instrument and the scope of work. We maintain working relationships with major manufacturers and suppliers, allowing us to obtain suitable parts when required.

Part decisions are based on fit, function, and long-term performance. In many cases, original components can be preserved or rebuilt and are considered before replacement. The goal is a piano that works consistently within its original design.