Piano Restoration Buffalo NY
Rebuilding fine pianos since 1961
Since 1961, Illos Piano Restorations has influenced the development of the piano restoration industry. Our facility is equipped with state of the art tools and manned by a proficient staff. This combination makes the restoration process affordable and competitive at a regional level, with the thought in mind that your piano is a memento of your family heritage.
We can ship pianos all over the country at low rates, making it financially feasible to restore your piano no matter the distance to our location in Buffalo, NY. Call today for a quote.
Check out the Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin Complex piano restoration project.
How we rebuild a piano
Rebuilding a piano begins with a series of tests before the piano is disassembled. The downbearing is measured to aid in the proper seating of the plate. A measurement for string height in relation to the hammer height will allow work to begin in action regulation. The plate is examined for stress cracks. If necessary cracks are repaired, and the repair has a 10-year guarantee.
Once the piano is disassembled, an inner frame inspection takes place and the ordering of needed parts begins. The old finish is hand stripped and washed in preparation for grain filling, sealing and lacquering. At this time the soundboard and pinblock markings and measurements can be taken.
Action work begins with new keytops and bushings. Hammers, shanks, flanges and wippens are installed. Action regulation follows, which allows the pianist to communicate with the strings and soundboard with efficient expression.
Our pin blocks are meticulously drilled to insure a consistent fit and provide decades of service. The block is fitted to the flange of the plate and all gaps are eliminated, insuring stability.
The soundboard is the soul of the piano. Replacement demands great skill, care and patience. It is a most rewarding job, and it allows the opportunity to bring to life the internal beauty and sound of the piano.
Finally, the piano is refinished in your choice of stain or color. We hand-rub our finishes for life-long durability and elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a full piano restoration actually involve?
Rebuilding starts with tests before anything is taken apart. We measure downbearing to seat the plate properly, measure string height against hammer height so action regulation can be planned, and examine the plate for stress cracks. Once the piano is disassembled we inspect the inner frame and order parts. The old finish is hand stripped and washed, then grain filled, sealed and lacquered, while the action is rebuilt with new keytops, bushings, hammers, shanks, flanges and wippens.
How long does a rebuild take, and what does it cost?
A full rebuild is measured in months rather than weeks, because each stage has to cure and settle before the next begins. Cost depends entirely on what your instrument needs, so we inspect it and give you a written quote before any work starts. Call 716-832-0013 to arrange an assessment.
Do you guarantee the work?
Yes. Where a cracked plate has to be repaired, that repair carries a ten year guarantee. Before you approve the quote we will tell you exactly which parts of your piano are being replaced, which are being repaired and which are sound enough to reuse.
I do not live near Buffalo. Can you still restore my piano?
We ship pianos all over the country at low rates, which usually makes restoration financially feasible no matter the distance from Buffalo. Because the instrument spends months in our shop, freight is a small share of the total. We handle collection and return delivery ourselves.
What finishes can you apply?
High-gloss polyester, satin lacquer and natural wood finishes. We strip by hand rather than dipping, so veneers and glue joints are not loosened in the process, and original hardware is restored wherever it can be saved.
Which makes do you specialise in?
Steinway, Baldwin, Mason & Hamlin and other quality vintage instruments are our core work. See the full list of manufacturers we rebuild, or read about our restoration of the Steinway concert grand at Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin Martin Complex.