With over 12,000 parts in the typical piano, there is a lot to consider when restoring a piano. And yet they are amazingly durable instruments that after decades of use can be brought back to like new condition, and this process can be repeated several times in their lifetime. Restoration means different things to different people. To some it means doing whatever it takes to make the piano just like new. To some it means making an old, neglected instrument playable again within a budget. And to many it falls somewhere in between. Whatever your needs, with over 40 years of experience, I can work with you to make your piano what you want it to be. And of all the things I do in my business, I am most passionate about pianos. In the "Golden Age" of the piano industry before radio and television, factories employed artisans who took genuine pride in making fine instruments. There was fierce competition among the major manufacturers to produce the best instruments they could, and craftsmen made lifelong careers out of their craft. I never fail to get excited about bringing an instrument back to it's potential. Here you'll get to see the steps involved in a full restoration.
If you have any interest in restoring or refinishing your piano, please take a few moments to look through the pages on piano restoration and refinishing (click the tabs at the top of the page). In addition to the photo gallery of completed instruments, you can see all the steps involved in bringing a piano back to a level of great performance. You can also appreciate the sheer volume of my experience, and know that I have the skill and knowledge to make your piano what you want it to be. Then, if you have any questions, please call me (951-255-6138) to discuss your project, where we can discuss pricing and what you want done.
People are typically more passionate about their antiques than most people are about their regular furniture. Antiques have a history, and acquiring them usually takes time and effort to find just the right piece. Each one is unique and has a character of it's own, but they also require special care to repair and refinish. Often we are dealing with something that may be fragile because of it's age. Loose joints are a common problem because of the animal hide glue used in the past. Antiques often require the fabrication of missing or damaged pieces, then need refinishing to match the surrounding finish. Many people prefer to maintain the existing "worn" finish, so matching that finish can be challenging, but I can usually create a very convincing match. All these reasons and more mean choosing the right technician is more critical than with conventional furniture.
If you have an antique that needs work, I urge you to click on the "Antique Restoration" page at the top of this page to look at some of my work. There are many examples of both basic and complex restorations with the required procedures. Then, if you would like an estimate for your project, just email some photos and I will get back to you with an estimate.
Whether you just want to change the color of your furniture, or have pieces that are worn and need refinishing, I can help you create the look you want. From basic refinishing to custom finishes, 40 years of experience and a passion for what I do gives me the ability to bring older furniture back to life. If you have furniture that was built before the great import explosion, the chances are that what you have is probably better built than most of what is available today. Real wood rather than "engineered" wood (particle board or MDF), and beautiful hardwoods that just aren't available today makes many older pieces well worth bringing back to life, and can truly be called heirloom pieces.
Please take a moment to look at my work by clicking the "Furniture Refinishing" tab at the top of this page. This will give an idea of what can be done. And for a better understanding of the different types of finishes, the "Finish Types" tab will help you decide exactly what type of finish you want. Then, if you would like an estimate, just email some photos of your project and I will get back to you with an estimate. Also, if you would like to discuss your project, just call me I will be happy to discuss it with you.
