07 Jul How to Choose a Piano Rebuilder: Questions to Ask
Rebuilding a fine piano is a significant investment, and the result depends as much on who does the work as on the instrument itself. Two shops can quote the same job and deliver very different pianos. Before you hand over a piano you care about, it is worth asking the right questions so you know exactly what you are getting.
Here are the questions we encourage every piano owner to ask any rebuilder they are considering, including us.
Is the work done in-house or sent out?
Some shops subcontract the difficult parts of a rebuild to third parties, which can make quality harder to control and accountability harder to pin down. Ask where the work actually happens. At Ford Piano, rebuilding is done in our own shop, so the same team is responsible for the piano from evaluation to final voicing.
What parts will you use?
Parts matter, especially on premium instruments. Ask specifically which components will be replaced and what parts the shop intends to use, and get the answer in writing. On a valuable piano it is fair to ask whether original manufacturer parts are being used and to understand any substitutions. A rebuilder who is confident in their work will be happy to explain their choices.
Is this a full rebuild or a partial restoration?
The word “rebuild” is used loosely in this trade. Make sure you and the shop mean the same thing. A complete rebuild replaces the major tone-producing and structural components such as the pinblock, strings, and action parts, and typically includes refinishing. A partial restoration or reconditioning does less. Ask for an itemized scope so you can compare quotes fairly.
Can I see examples of your work?
Experience shows. Ask to see pianos the shop has rebuilt, and if you can, visit in person to see and play a finished instrument. A visit also tells you a lot about how a shop operates. Our showroom in Yorktown Heights is open to anyone who wants to see restored pianos firsthand.
What warranty do you offer?
A rebuild should come with a clear warranty. Ask what is covered, for how long, and what the shop will do if something is not right after the piano comes home. A written warranty is a sign that the rebuilder stands behind their work.
How much experience do you have with my piano’s brand?
Different makers were built differently, and rebuilding a Steinway is not the same as rebuilding a Mason and Hamlin, a Yamaha, or a Baldwin. Ask how familiar the shop is with your particular instrument. Our family has worked on fine pianos from the most respected makers for four generations.
Can I get a written estimate and timeline?
Before any work begins, you should have a written estimate that spells out the scope, the cost, and a realistic timeline. Beware of a quote that seems far lower than the rest, since it often means corners will be cut or the scope is narrower than a true rebuild.
Red flags to watch for
- Vague answers about what will actually be replaced
- No written estimate, scope, or warranty
- Pressure to decide quickly
- An unwillingness to show past work or let you visit
- A price that is dramatically lower than every other quote
Why an established, local shop matters
A rebuild is a relationship that lasts well beyond the day the piano is delivered. Working with an established local shop means the people who rebuilt your piano are still here to tune it, service it, and answer for their work years down the road. Ford Piano has been part of this community for generations, and we serve Westchester, New York City, and the surrounding tri-state area.
If you are considering a rebuild, we welcome these questions and are glad to answer them. You can request a rebuilding quote, call us at (914) 739-1224, or visit our showroom at 650 Lee Blvd. in Yorktown Heights to see restored pianos for yourself.
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