This page will follow the progress of a Bechstein Model B grand piano restoration in our factory at 184 St Ann’s Road, Tottenham, London N15 5RP. The piano was originally made in Berlin circa 1907.
We start the full restoration of a grand piano by disassembling the piano. Here we can see that the frame and strings are severely corroded and in a rather poor state.
We restore the frame and the soundboard by removing the frame and making repairs to the soundboard.
The soundboard needs to be perfect in order to maintain the pianos sound character.
The frame needs work to correct any problems caused by this pianos long and eventful life.
The soundboard and bridge needs further work in the next phase of the restoration.
The soundboard must be sealed with a combination of spray treatments.
Replacing the piano strings is not as simple as you may think. The bass strings have to be specially made and wound to the exact specifications of the original instrument, this ensures that the tone is as faithfully restored to the original as closely as possible.
The image above shows the custom made bass strings.
Well, that’s as far as we have got to-date. Please check back regularly to see the progress of this grand piano restoration.