Piano Shop News:
CM Pianos Showroom Renovations
Central Michigan Pianos is nearing the end of the extensive show room renovations! Check out these recent pictures of our progress....
Central Michigan Pianos' New Sign!
Current Projects:
1905 Starck Upright
Being Restored for a client in Lake Orien, Michigan
1962 Baldwin SD-6 Concert Grand
Being restored for AMRO Music in Memphis, TN
Since 1984, Central Michigan Pianos has been restoring fine quality instruments for
individuals, schools, churches and civic organizations.
Many of the older pianos such as Steinway & Sons, Mason & Hamlin, Baldwin, Chickering, Knabe, Bechstein, Schiedmayer, Bösendorfer, and others were built with such quality that the life span of these instruments are sometimes as long as 50-80 years before needing restoration. After restoration and with proper care, these same pianos will last another 50-80 years. We stress the word proper because it is of the utmost importance that the same quality materials and workmanship that originally went into the piano must go into the same instrument when it is restored to achieve this longevity.
Thankfully, the necessary materials are available through notable firms such as Steinway & Sons and Schaff Piano Supply. These include Klinke tuning pins from Germany, Charles House felts, Ronsen hammers from New York, and many other materials of the highest grade. Mohawk Finishes provide excellent lacquers, varnishes, stains and other refinishing supplies to provide the restorer with professional results. Mapes String Co. supplies the rebuilder with some of the world's best music wire. All of the above, combined with old world craftsmanship produces the finest restorations.
Piano
restoration -or
as we prefer to
describe it, the
"remanufacturing"
process- can be
separated into
four distinct
groups:
1. Complete Disassembling
When a piano first arrives, the various case parts are disassembled and examined to determine which parts can be repaired, and which parts need to be replaced. The hardware and screws are carefully catalogued and set aside to be polished or re-plated. Thorough measurements are then taken of the soundboard, bridges, and pinblock to ensure precise re-installation of these components. Any inaccuracies from the factory are noted, and appropriate corrections are made.
2. Bellywork
After disassembly, the original pinblock and soundboard are then removed from the piano. The new pinblock is carefully fit to the plate flange; tuning pin holes are then marked and drilled. The new MaxCrown soundboard, which has been constructed from either Sitka Spruce or Alaskan Cedar, is then installed. The plate or "harp" is then mated with the new Qm7TM pinblock, bridges, and soundboard to achieve correct down bearing. After the down bearing has been accurately set, the plate is prepared and re-guilded. After plate is reinstalled, the piano is then re-strung.
3. Finish
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4. Action
Remanufacturing an action properly requires paying close attention to detail, and an uncompromising dedication in achieving the perfect touch. The keys are carefully cleaned, or in some instances, completely replaced with a new keyboard. Bushings are replaced and new key tops are installed. Proper dimensioned back checks, hammers, repetitions, and hammer shanks are selected to maximize the effectiveness of the action. The completed action assembly is then installed in the piano, and the painstaking process of regulating, tuning, and voicing is then performed.
