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We’ve been rebuilding and restoring pianos for over half a century, melding the latest in sophisticated technology with old world craftsmanship.
Grand pianos – some with priceless art case cabinetry – are returned to their original beauty. Interior workings are completely redone to original specifications. And in a dedicated quiet voicing area, our voicers and regulators work to bring back the original sound and touch.
The result is an irreplaceable instrument that looks new inside and out. Its original sound and touch have been restored for the enjoyment of another generation.
From simple reconditioning to complete restoration, let us help you enjoy your cherished piano for another generation. Contact us for more information.
This 5’101/2” Steinway Model “O” Grand in mahogany finish, built in
New York in 1913, received a complete restoration in our shop.
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Our state-of-the-art piano shop features the equipment, extensive parts inventories, and skilled craftsmen and technicians capable of performing everything from simple reconditioning to complete piano restoration.
BELLY WORK: All tuning pins and strings were removed. The plate was removed, sanded and refinished. The pin block was removed and replaced with a new Steinway Hexagrip pin block. The soundboard was repaired, sanded and refinished. The piano was restrung with 2/0 pins, Roslau wire and Steinway bass strings.
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ACTION: The old hammers, shanks and flanges, repetitions, back checks and under levers were removed and replaced with new original Steinway & Sons New York parts. All keys were rebushed, recovered and new side trim was applied.
New balance rail and front rail punching was installed, as well as new damper felts. All new parts were aligned and regulated, strings were leveled, and the piano was tuned and voiced.
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CABINET: All parts were chemically stripped before being repaired and sanded. Finishing included a wash coat, paste wood filler coat, three coats of lacquer which were then sanded smooth before four final coats of lacquer were applied, after which the piano set to dry for two weeks. It was sanded with 400 and 600 grit sandpaper and rubbing oil. The final hand rubbing brought out the high luster of its exquisite mahogany finish.
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In 1966 Steinway & Sons of New York sold piano Model B in American walnut, serial number 396710. In 1970, it was donated to the Governor’s Residence in St. Paul, Minnesota. The years took their toll on this piano, as happens with any much-played, much-loved instrument.
In 2001, thanks to the combined efforts of the Minnesota Governor’s Residence Council, the funding donors and the leadership of then-Governor and Mrs. Ventura, the piano was completely restored by Schmitt Music.
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The three areas addressed were the ‘belly’ of the piano (soundboard, bridges, pin block and strings); the action (hammers and all associated parts); and the casework (cabinetry). The goal was to take the piano back to 1966 in appearance and performance – to make it look and play like new again.
Then the metal frame that holds the enormous tension in the piano was hoisted out, allowing access to the soundboard – the heart of the instrument. Over the years the soundboard had become discolored and patchy. The old finish was removed from the board and the bridges. The bare wood was cleaned and refinished. The plank of wood holding the pins (which in turn hold the strings) was removed. A new pin block (or wrest plank) was installed – crucial to preserving the life of the piano. The cleaned and re-sprayed metal plate was hoisted back into the piano, bolted down and secured. New strings were installed – steel for the treble and tenor, and copper-wound strings for the bass. The piano was tuned many times to gradually bring the tension back into the strings and for the tuning to remain stable.
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The action was removed from the piano. The keys and all the moving parts of the action were removed from the frame that holds them all together. The action brackets were checked for wear and welded. All action parts were replaced using only genuine Steinway & Sons parts. The repetition parts, the hammers and shanks, the dampers and all wooden and cloth parts were replaced. All non-replaceable parts were cleaned and checked for durability. The keys were cleaned. The cloth bushing parts that help the keys fit snugly were replaced. Finally, the action was re-assembled and the meticulous regulation process begun. Schmitt’s technicians made the many measurements and tested extensively – hammer blow distance, key dip, let-off distance, damper lift – all the aspects necessary for high performance. Steinways are fine instruments that respond beautifully to fine regulation.
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Finally, the action was set aside and the casework was stripped down to bare wood. Dents and knicks were repaired. The first layer of lacquer was applied and left to dry for two weeks to form a solid base for the layers to come. All work was done meticulously by hand – a true labor of love. Many layers of lacquer were sprayed on and rubbed down until a deep, glorious texture was built up. Finally a little color was added to blend the color of the piano with the colors that would surround it at the Governor’s Residence. Final work gave the finish a wonderful luster, heightening the unusual wave in the grain of the walnut wood. The keys were polished. All brasswork, including pedals and hinges, was cleaned. All pedal trapwork cloth and bushings were replaced to ensure complete function of the pedals. A new Steinway & Sons decal was applied to the fallboard.
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For the journey home, the legs and pedal lyre were removed, the piano was turned onto its side, and wheeled into the truck. Once in place in the Governor’s Residence, the legs were reattached and the piano set up into position. The rich and productive life of Steinway 396710 is again assured for decades. Thanks to those who supported its restoration and to the craftsmen who performed the work, this magnificent piano is back.
From simple reconditioning to complete restoration, let us help you enjoy your cherished piano for another generation. Contact us for more information.
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| Schmitt Music Company, with stores located throughout the Midwest, also owns Wells Music - Colorado’s premier piano retailer since 1919. We offer the area’s largest selection of new and used pianos. Home to the world’s top piano lines, including exclusive authorized representatives for new and used Steinway & Sons pianos, Boston and Essex pianos. Knowledgeable, professional sales consultants. “Best Price” guarantee. In-house warranty and technical service. Home and special event piano rentals. We support our communities’ educators and host the recitals of thousands of students and performers each year. Schmitt’s is one of the nation’s premier sellers of musical products, education and services. Our reputation for quality music and personal service goes back to 1896. We offer instruments, accessories, music, lessons and service for everything we sell. No matter what your age, interest or skill, we offer you expertise to help select, learn to play, and care for your musical investment. |
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