Piano Restoration and Rebuilding for Indianapolis
Restoring pianos for Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis is home of the American Pianists Association, so the standard expected of an instrument here is high.
We rebuild fine pianos for Indianapolis owners, Steinway, Baldwin, Mason & Hamlin and many others, at our own facility: restringing, pinblock and soundboard replacement, complete action rebuilds and hand refinishing.
What we take on for Indianapolis customers
Major repair and full restoration only, at our shop in Buffalo. No tuning, regulation or minor repairs in Indianapolis: those belong to a technician near you, and we would rather say so than sell you a long-distance callout. Getting the piano here is our problem, not yours. See how our service area works.
Working with central Indiana
A city that hosts a major piano competition develops an ear. Between the Indianapolis Symphony at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, the university music schools and the teaching studios that feed both, there is a real population of people who can hear when an action is uneven.
That is the level a rebuild has to reach. Action regulation is not a finishing touch, it is what determines whether the pianist can control the sound at all, and it is the last thing we do before a piano leaves.
At roughly 490 miles, an Indianapolis collection is a planned run. Because a rebuild ties up months of shop time, the transport remains a small part of what you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
My action feels uneven. Is that a rebuild or a regulation?
Sometimes regulation alone, sometimes not. On a structurally sound instrument regulation can be worth doing on its own; where the hammers, shanks and wippens are worn out it is money spent on parts that need replacing. We will tell you which you are looking at.
How do you decide what a piano needs?
By measuring, not guessing. Downbearing is measured to plan the seating of the plate, string height is measured against hammer height so regulation can be worked out, and the plate is examined for stress cracks before anything comes apart.
Can I visit the shop while my piano is there?
You are welcome to. We are at 2940 Main St. in Buffalo, and seeing an instrument mid-rebuild tells you more about the work than any description. Call ahead so the right person is in.
What if the piano turns out not to be worth rebuilding?
We will say so before you commit. The assessment comes first, and we would rather lose the job than take payment for work that does not make sense on that instrument.