Frequently Asked Questions!
Is my piano worth restoring?
There are a few factors to consider when trying to answer this question – its age, its condition, whether it will continue to be played, its sentimental value to you, and more. Once we have all the information we will provide you honest feedback about whether it’s a good candidate for restoration. We are selective with the projects we take on because want to be able to guarantee that your piano will last for at least another 40 years. Learn more about the key factors we look into on our Restoration page.
Do you buy or take unwanted pianos / pianolas?
Unfortunately we do not have the resources or capacity to remove and/or take them in. However if you have a Steinway, Bluthner or Bechstein, you’re welcome to get in touch.
We often suggest to people who might still have some sentimental value attached to a piano, is to consider talking to a company called Pianos Recycled, where they can use the wood to create new furniture, art, timber gifts, or else harvest the parts for future restorations. It’s a wonderful way to help keep beautiful pianos and pianolas out of landfill! Check them out here – https://www.pianosrecycled.eco/
Do you do in-house servicing / repairs?
We don’t provide in-house ‘service and tune’ type services. We specialise in more comprehensive restoration work where pianos are brought to our workshop in Cranbourne West.
If you only have minor issues e.g. sticky keys, your best starting point would be contacting a local piano tuner to have a look at it. They often have some technician experience and can carry out basic servicing. Or at the least, they can advise the extent of the work that is required if it can’t be completed in-house.
What parts do you use when restoring your pianos?
We use the world’s finest parts sourced from Germany, USA and even locally in Australia that are used today in top brands such as Bluthner and Steinway.
How long would it take to have my piano restored?
It depends on the work required. It could be as little as 1 month for internal restorations, to 3 months for a full restoration (internals and exterior cabinet repair and French polish).
Is a warranty supplied following restoration?
If I have my piano restored, do you supply a piano in the meantime?
If you wish, we can arrange loan piano until works on your piano have completed (charges apply).
Why should I buy a restored piano versus a new one?
- Have a superior tone compared to most modern pianos
- Mostly were hand-made
- Have more elegant cabinets, more beautiful veneers – sometimes with intricate engravings
- They hold their value better than new pianos
- are NOT made with chip-board or ‘MDF’ board, nor do they have any plastic components
- Many have real Ivory keytops
- Were built by craftsmen using solid, seasoned wood to a high standard and thus have a life expectancy of 80-100 years before the need for restoration
New Pianos:
- The majority are mass-produced in assembly-line style factories.
In order to keep manufacturing costs down, the quality of parts used varies, kilns are used to artificially ‘season’ wooden parts and even soundboards can be made out of multi-laminated wood - Cabinets are usually quite plain and lack character.
- They lose their value quicker, compared to traditional pianos.
How old is my piano?
By e-mailing enquiries@classicpianorestorations.com.au with your pianos serial number and make, we will be able to get back to you with the year your piano was made. You should be able to locate your serial number on an upright piano by lifting the top lid and it is usually printed on the frame or soundboard around the top close to the top lid. On a grand piano it is usually printed on the soundboard underneath the strings or on the frame near the tuning pins. It is usually between a 4 and 6 digit number.
If your question isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us!