Buyer's Information
Making the decision to buy a piano can be difficult. We want to give you all the information that you need to make the right decision. Below you will find information to help you decide whether to buy a restored piano or a new piano.
Should I buy a restored piano?
Typically, a reputably-named restored piano will have a superior tone compared to most modern pianos (see "FAQs"). Reputable brand pianos include: Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Knabe, Chickering, Baldwin, and Heintzman to name a few. Restored pianos have elegant cabinets, beautiful veneers, and often intricate engraving. These pianos hold their value better and are not made with chipboard, nor do they have plastic components.
Many of these older makes have real ivory-covered keyboards, and were built by craftsmen who knew the importance of good, solid wood. Because of their high standards of craftsmanship, these pianos have a life-expectancy of 80-100 years before needing restoration. However, not all traditional pianos meet these high standards. Many lesser-known makes and models are not sturdy, or lack the musical craftsmanship necessary to give them a good sound. Selection of the proper piano is of the utmost importance.
Should I buy a new piano?
Sadly, many of today's piano manufacturers do not have the dedication that made their ancestors' pianos such beautiful and durable instruments. Many of today's pianos are mass-produced in the Far East, or sometimes in China, USA, or Russia. There are, however, a number of smaller manufacturers in Western Europe who still build pianos. Mass-production of pianos often takes place on an assembly-line, and parts of lesser quality are sometimes used to keep manufacturing costs down. Kilns can be used to artificially "season" wood, and multi-laminated wood has been used for soundboards, which dulls the quality of sound. Additionally, new pianos lose their value more quickly. They tend to lack much of the character of their older counterparts. The cabinets are often less intricate, and there is a certain aesthetic that is lacking from a mass-produced piano.
Our Commitment : Your Satisfaction
The acquisition of a piano is a major household purchase. We offer you peace of mind :
For 5 years your piano is fully guaranteed, and you can easily upgrade to suit your musical abilities. We believe in the quality of our craftsmanship.
Our pianos also come with a bench - For more details see Our Showroom
Pianos available for restoration
If you do not own a piano, you can choose your favourite model from our selection of older quality pianos (uprights and grands) ready to be brought back to life, and restore it with a choice of colour and finish.
As experienced technicians working in a shop, we offer you…
- Free technical guidance in your decision of purchasing and/or restoring a piano.
- The privilege of seeing every step of the rebuilding of your piano.
- The possibility of finding exactly what you are looking for.
Two basic factors influence the choice of one particular model over another :
- Adaptation of the instrument to the actual player
- Long term investment as a family heirloom
The positive sides of these two basic factors are :
- Adaptation : respect of pre-determined budget, pleasure in discovering musicality along with discovering the different capacities of a higher quality instrument.
- Long term : enjoyment of a higher quality instrument immediately, attachment to a valuable heirloom.
Pianos available immediately in our showroom:
Available immediately in our showroom is a selection of slightly used, refurbished, partially restored or fully restored pianos. We categorize our pianos into several pianistic levels. Our prices start at $1500 for a refurbished fully guaranteed instrument.
Have other questions? Feel free to contact us!
