Steinway Piano Restoration & Rebuilding

Restoring the performance, touch and voice of fine Steinway & Sons grand pianos.

Butler& Sons Piano Restorations provides comprehensive Steinway restoration and rebuilding, from precision action work and regulation, touch-weight redesigns, to soundboard, bridge, pinblock replacement and stringing work.

Every restoration begins with a careful evaluation of the individual instrument. The goal is not simply to replace worn components, but to preserve the character of the piano while restoring the performance, responsiveness and tonal qualities expected of a fine Steinway.

Action Restoration & Regulation

A finely regulated action allows the pianist to control the instrument with precision and ease. We restore and regulate Steinway actions with careful attention to geometry, friction, touch weight, repetition and evenness across the keyboard.

Depending on the needs of the instrument, this may include replacement or restoration of hammers, shanks, flanges, repetitions, key bushings, brand new keysets when needed and other action components, along with detailed regulation and voicing.

Soundboard & Bridge Restoration

The soundboard and bridges are at the heart of the piano’s tonal structure. We carefully evaluate their condition to determine wether restoration or replacement will best preserve the musical character and long term stability of the instrument.

Soundboard work may include repair of cracks and separations, rib repair, or complete soundboard replacement when necessary. Bridges are carefully restored or replaced as needed, with close attention to bridge pinning & spacing, string bearing and proper termination.

Pinblock & Restringing

The pinblock and stringing system are essential to tuning stability and the structural integrity of the piano. We carefully evaluate the existing pinblock, tuning pins and strings to determine what work is appropriate for each instrument.

When replacement is necessary, a new pinblock is carefully and painstakingly fitted to both the plate and case, drilled and prepared for proper tuning pin fit and torque. The piano is then restrung with new music wire and custom-made bass strings, with careful attention being paid to string scaling, bearing and termination.

Hammers & Voicing

The hammers have a profound influence on the tone, color and dynamic range of a piano. Hammer selection is carefully matched to the individual instrument, taking into consideration its scale, action geometry, weight, and tonal character we are working to achieve.

After installation, the hammers are carefully shaped and weight prepped. We can then begin action regulation. Hammers are then fitted to the strings and voiced. Voicing is approached gradually, working throughout the instrument to achieve an even, responsive tonal palette with clarity, warmth and a wide range of expression.

Does my Steinway Need to be Rebuilt?

Not every older Steinway needs a complete rebuild. Some instruments may only need action work, regulation, voicing or other targeted repairs, while others have reached the point where more extensive restoration is appropriate.

The decision begins with a careful evaluation of the entire piano- including the soundboard, bridges, pinblock, strings, action and dampers- as well as how the instrument is being used and what the owner hopes to achieve. From there, I can recommend a scope of work that makes sense for that particular piano.

The goal is not to do the most work possible. It is to do the right work for the instrument.