A Brief History of our Piano Shop:

In 1984, Alex Kapteyn started in the piano business as an apprentice to Royal Akin, an established piano technician from northern Michigan. Working with Royal, Alex learned the foundational techniques of tuning and regulating a piano's action. In 1986, Alex began his own business servicing and rebuilding  pianos.

In 1988, Alex was hired as a piano technician at Michigan Piano (now known as James Reeder Pianos) in Lansing Michigan. Many valuable techniques were learned concerning piano restoration during Alex's time at James Reeder's, and his overall skills dramatically improved. Also during this time, Alex's association with the renowned Interlochen Arts Academy began.

In 1991, Alex left James Reeder Pianos to establish his own full time piano service and restoration business, which included sound board replacement, bridge recapping, action replacement and all other facets of piano restoration. Several performance pianos from Interlochen Arts Academy were also restored during this period, and much invaluable experience was gained. Also, concert tuning for some of the world's finest pianists who visited Interlochen further sharpened Alex's skill as a technician.

Due to Alex's expanding business, a larger facility was needed. In 1996, the business was moved to its current location, which was originally constructed as a 2,400 sq.ft restoration facility. Early American Drywall and Concrete was the decor, but served well as the foundation of things to come. Proper machinery and tools were installed, and the business continued to grow as Alex's two older sons Sam & Erik Kapteyn became involved in the family business.

In 1997, the Kapteyns began selling new pianos in order to meet the demand of their customers. Also during this year, Carter Hicks, who now handles most off sight piano tuning and repair, began apprenticing with Alex.

In 2001, the Kapteyns decided to change the business name to Central Michigan Pianos, Inc. to better serve their growing international customer base.

An expanding business required a 2,900 square foot addition which was completed in spring 2004.

In 2008, the manufacture of Qm7 and Qm5 pinblocks as well as MaxCrown Soundboards began.

In 2009, Central Michigan Pianos, Inc. celebrated their 25th anniversary by designing a commemorative 1916 Steinway O special edition.

Central Michigan Pianos continues to strive for excellence in our restorations. Our reputation for quality is becoming known worldwide, and as a result, more and more of our pianos are being shipped all over the USA and the world. In a very challenging economy, the standard of quality we are known for will still be upheld and even improved. Thanks to all of our loyal customers who have supported us these past twenty five years!

	Alex Kapteyn, President Aside from managing the everyday affairs that come with running a business, Alex is also the chief piano technician here at Central Michigan Pianos. His goal is to ensure that every piano leaves our restoration shop perfectly prepared in every detail.
	Julia Kapteyn, Vice President An accomplished pianist with a discerning ear for a piano's touch and tone, Alex's wife Julia plays an important role in the final tone inspections here at the piano shop. She is also an active consultant concerning many business decisions.

	Samuel Kapteyn, Managing Foreman Alex's oldest son Samuel oversees all production and manufacturing processes at Central Michigan Pianos. Designing production tools, manufacturing replacement parts, and managing quality control are among his many talents.
	Savanah Wood, Office Manager Savanah performs the secretarial and accounting duties for Central Michigan Pianos, as well as designing and maintaining the website. Savanah also teaches piano lessons from her home studio near the piano shop.
	Nathanael "Nat" Kapteyn, Piano Restoration Technician Nat is apprenticing here at Central Michigan Pianos as a piano restoration tech. Some of his areas of expertise includes plate refinishing, soundboard manufacturing, and bridge making, just to name a few.  He is working part time when he's not in school or playing softball.
	Heidi Kapteyn, Piano Action Technician Heidi works in the piano action department of the shop. Rebushing keys, cleaning dampers and installing new felts, polishing Steinway action frames, agraffes, as well as numerous other action related duties.
	Hans Kapteyn, Piano Restoration Technician Hans is working part time alongside his older brother Sam, learning the ropes of piano restoration. Hans' primary responsibilities are the initial dissassembling of the piano, and plate refinishing. He also makes a great cup of coffee!
	Titus, Official Malamute "Titus" is officially the best dog ever, and has been given the well deserved title as "Official Malamute of Central Michigan Pianos" Way to go, Titus!