Expert Piano Restoration and Refinishing

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  • Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
  • Get our free Piano Restoration FAQs report at: goo.gl/GcwkSP
    This video, made by Grand American Piano in Moscow, Idaho, provides a brief history of the Golden Era of the American piano, followed by a detailed description of the piano-restoration process. In real-time and time-lapse segments, Clint Hughes (piano restoration expert and owner of Grand American Piano) demonstrates the important steps involved in disassembling, restoring, and reassembling a classic American piano made by the Kershner Piano Company. The video ends with a demonstration and explanation of the piano-tuning process.
    Grand American Piano provides full and partial piano-restoration services, and sells classic pianos including contemporary grands, baby grands, uprights, and period-style instruments of the Louis XV, French Provincial, Spanish, and Victorian Era.
    Contact Clint Hughes at 877-742-6677 to discuss your restoration project.
    Grand American Piano specializes in restoring pianos from these original manufacturers: Baldwin, Chickering, Knabe, Mason & Hamlin, Sohmer, Steinway, and many more. Learn more at our website: www.GrandAmeric...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 85

  • @georgequalls5043
    @georgequalls5043 7 місяців тому +2

    Did this in my dad’s shop. Have many memories of working on grands and uprights.

  • @garyhawkins-pianoteacherpi6490
    @garyhawkins-pianoteacherpi6490 4 роки тому +26

    What an amazing video. As a professional pianist. I happen to consider the skill, dedication and patience of piano restoration is equal to that of learning a new piano concerto !

    • @OE1FEU
      @OE1FEU 3 роки тому +1

      No, it's alike to learning all Mozart concertos, at least 2 Rachmaninoff concertos and "The People United Will Never Be Defeated" on top. Oh, and Gaspard de la Nuit.

    • @garyhawkins-pianoteacherpi6490
      @garyhawkins-pianoteacherpi6490 3 роки тому

      Peter Lemken no, Just no!

    • @buckkylem
      @buckkylem 3 роки тому

      It’s like composing concertos, no, symphonies

  • @sarbachpiano
    @sarbachpiano 4 роки тому +19

    i aprececiate that you repair the soundboard. I see many restorers replacing a soundboard even with only a few cracks, instead of just repairing it. An original soundbaourd form the golden times of piano building is worth of being taken care of.

  • @chopsjazz1
    @chopsjazz1 Рік тому +1

    As a fellow piano restorer I took a "busman's holiday" and watched from beginning to end. Yep, lots of work. And the part about the finish work of the piano being at the top of the range of furniture finishes is spot on.

  • @johnreid5814
    @johnreid5814 5 років тому +30

    This is my dream job.

    • @MARTIN201199
      @MARTIN201199 4 роки тому +1

      John Reid I’ll be your partner

    • @burnttoast2615
      @burnttoast2615 3 роки тому +2

      Is there a school for this? I’d love to learn.

    • @johnreid5814
      @johnreid5814 3 роки тому

      @Salvador Emery You're absolutely insane!

  • @SunnyGale57
    @SunnyGale57 Рік тому

    What a beautiful thing to learn about! I’m so glad that people are still playing The Great Piano!

  • @DanielFoucachonfoucachon
    @DanielFoucachonfoucachon 10 років тому +8

    Diamonds in the rough! Love the Golden Era pianos!

  • @studentjohn35
    @studentjohn35 3 роки тому +5

    (a) as far as cheap modern pianos, even the high end ones will fade. But even the most expensive Yamaha CFX or Shigeru Kawai has aluminum action rails, particle board in the lid, rubber bushings because they're cheaper than proper bushing cloth. Not a problem, though: when the piano wears out, just buy a new one. There's lots more where they came from. Meanwhile, Old Bechstein, Steinway, Bosendorfer (as well as pre 1928 Knabe grands) will come up magnificently with expert restoration. (b) In this video, you glossed over the action restoration part. Would have been nice to see just one repetition lever or one sostenuto tongue....

    • @gonzalogarcia-atance5840
      @gonzalogarcia-atance5840 3 місяці тому

      I teach engineering and material science. Kawais milenium III with composite is a clear plus to me. Much better and cheaper than wood.

  • @milesalleven7471
    @milesalleven7471 5 років тому +5

    This is my favorite video on the internet.

  • @eddielozada3694
    @eddielozada3694 4 роки тому +4

    Beautiful video. Lot of details were not explained but I guess it was for time issues. Thanks!!

  • @justy1337
    @justy1337 4 роки тому +7

    I always wished I could do something like this.

  • @superpeluso1
    @superpeluso1 3 роки тому +2

    I remember when I used to restore pianos in the Mexican border because labor was cheaper when I was 16 and man those Steinway pianos was something else!!! They were some how proud fully to restore! Long time ago... I still got it by the way 🤔

  • @charpnatl
    @charpnatl 3 роки тому +2

    This was SO enjoyable to watch!

  • @klrdto3250
    @klrdto3250 2 роки тому

    Thank you for actually playing it

  • @davidpostma9862
    @davidpostma9862 Рік тому

    You should explain about loss of crown to the soundboard and the need to replace them with original crown. Also recapping old bridges. This to bring to original beauty

  • @phenoydnunley8738
    @phenoydnunley8738 5 років тому +2

    Great video Mr. Hughes I am impressed

  • @myboibill
    @myboibill 5 років тому +39

    Would be nice after all of this work to let us see and hear the piano played. Very disappointing at the end of what was a good video. Maybe you might remember edit this .

    • @katewelch2476
      @katewelch2476 Рік тому +1

      I read this comment before watching the video thanks I will not be watching it now

    • @Vandalfoe
      @Vandalfoe 6 місяців тому

      It's about the process in general, not a how-to based on a specific piano.

  • @AnneckMulemwa-nw5gj
    @AnneckMulemwa-nw5gj 10 місяців тому

    Thanks

  • @luifi
    @luifi 3 роки тому +2

    Cool!! Next time let us hear the piano! :)

  • @LostMountainRestoration
    @LostMountainRestoration 6 років тому +2

    Outstanding video and work!

  • @1trucxhondamov589
    @1trucxhondamov589 6 років тому +6

    Lot of the fine details are missing but otherwise great video!
    PROBLEM: WORKED IN A FURNITURE SHOP---PEOPLE EXPECTED US TO FIND TUNE AND RESTORE A GRAND PIANO ON A VERY TIGHT BUDGET!
    THEY WANTED US, A FURNITURE SHOP, TO FIX REVAMP AND FINE TUNE A GRAND PIANO!
    However REFUSED 2 PAY FOR BASIC PARTS!

  • @EdGutierrez69
    @EdGutierrez69 6 років тому +1

    Wow you guys are artists!

  • @RYN988
    @RYN988 4 роки тому +1

    This is art!

  • @caleblauber1441
    @caleblauber1441 11 місяців тому

    NICE!

  • @OE1FEU
    @OE1FEU 4 роки тому +2

    Sitka spruce only came after Appalachian red spruce was felled without a sustainable forestry established. My 1886 Steinway is not Sitka and the bridges are capped with boxwood.

  • @ResetDoitAgain
    @ResetDoitAgain 3 роки тому

    Excellent video. Thank you!

  • @99Grigor
    @99Grigor 6 років тому +3

    Nice video but dampers should never be razored off damper heads. This risks gouging the wood and creating an uneven surface for the new damper heads. They are supposed to be soaked off with a mild wallpaper remover type solution. Also, dampers should always be glued onto the heads IN the piano, meaning the dsmper is place in the piano damper rail with set screw losse, then the damper heads are glued on. Later, after the correct damper tray height is determined we tighten each set screw. Of course wire bending must happen during this process as well.

    • @DavidHughesPiano
      @DavidHughesPiano 3 роки тому +3

      Gregg, damper felts should be glued onto the heads at the workbench, so they are true and square to the heads. I know of no global grand piano manufacturer who glues damper felts on in the piano. If felts are glued onto the heads in the piano this assumes all wire bending is perfect at the time of installation, a rarity. Once the glue has set at the bench, it is THEN time to install the dampers in the piano and perform all wire bending. If the heads are not perfectly centered on each unison center line when felts are glued on in the piano there is the temptation to glue them on off-center/skewed to center over the unisons when the heads are not yet centered. This makes for hideous looking and functioning damper work. Also, with wet glue between the felts and heads how can you bend wires without disturbing the "set" you have just created? Visit any factory - felts are glued to heads at the bench, before the manufacturer has even established which piano the set of heads will be installed in.

    • @99Grigor
      @99Grigor 3 роки тому

      @@DavidHughesPiano Ok. I do see your point and fully agree. Wire bending should correct alignment errors. However, I still would never " razor off" old dampers.

    • @DavidHughesPiano
      @DavidHughesPiano 3 роки тому +1

      @@99Grigor : Thank you, Gregg. Yes, I concur that damper felts should not be scraped off damper heads with a knife of some sort. We soak them off with hot water in a rather elaborate homemade fixture that permits the water to saturate the felt and dissolve the original hide glue, yet not wet the wooden heads to the point of damaging the original factory paint job.

    • @99Grigor
      @99Grigor 3 роки тому

      @@DavidHughesPiano Well, the video depiction I observed was of a guy scraping of the old damper heads with a utility knife-exactly what is NOT recommended.

    • @christianwouters6764
      @christianwouters6764 Рік тому

      Why do a lot of bending of the damper when there is no need for it? I glue the damper felt for the treble and register on the damper heads out of the piano, but for double and single strings in the piano. If this is carefully done the damping is perfect right away with no need for the bending tool.

  • @cannadineboxill-harris2983
    @cannadineboxill-harris2983 Рік тому +1

    Hello why couldn't you Try Remaking A Daddy Grand Piano by putting on 88 Tuning Forks like what you did on an Upright Piano, Please do the Same Thing on a Daddy Grand Piano For Most of us UA-camrs, It will be a much Better Idea For us so we can Try and See and Hear It Grand American Piano Thank You.

  • @pamelag7553
    @pamelag7553 2 роки тому

    The Golden era pianos are truly a treasure but the common household does not have the excess funds required to restore them.

  • @Cherfield-D-Blessedman
    @Cherfield-D-Blessedman Рік тому

    Very good video. Just asking some help what type of key tops brand that is really good replacement, please?

  • @itimchanly3586
    @itimchanly3586 3 роки тому +1

    Where can i buy a cheap Steinway piano in poor condition for a restoration ?

  • @alexlatiff4198
    @alexlatiff4198 3 роки тому

    Excellent

  • @Thedonnyyyyy
    @Thedonnyyyyy 4 роки тому +1

    this is amazing :o

  • @davidpotter2245
    @davidpotter2245 7 років тому +1

    great video!

  • @jessieabrudeanu1497
    @jessieabrudeanu1497 3 роки тому +1

    What kind of starck is this? I think i have the same one, I’ve just known what to call it.

  • @vincentj.martinez8611
    @vincentj.martinez8611 3 роки тому

    Amen

  • @ashleybritney5974
    @ashleybritney5974 4 роки тому +1

    Where I can order gold Bronze powder for the plat color.thank you very much.

  • @pavendax
    @pavendax 2 роки тому

    the job that I want

  • @AcheampongEugene-dj7mr
    @AcheampongEugene-dj7mr 9 місяців тому

    Good one boss, please I want to learn how to restore the piano, please am in Ghana, please how can I contact you ?

  • @AtomicRollingStone
    @AtomicRollingStone 5 років тому

    Good video

  • @jeffreylebowski4927
    @jeffreylebowski4927 3 роки тому

    So how much does such a restauration cost? Ty

  • @johnunderwood3132
    @johnunderwood3132 3 роки тому +1

    Did I see a Bernese

  • @smokeme2890
    @smokeme2890 Рік тому

    How much?

  • @EricHansenSpringfield
    @EricHansenSpringfield 5 років тому +1

    YES YOU CAN Remove the harp with string on it! HERE'S HOW: ua-cam.com/video/5soepI6ul_U/v-deo.html

  • @chuckotto7021
    @chuckotto7021 3 роки тому

    A thorough display of restoring a piano by an expert , sadly for fellow experts. The lack of commentary left us marveling , but with no chance of an improved understanding.

  • @hiahiahihaihai
    @hiahiahihaihai 2 роки тому

    How to spell it? Is it stain?

  • @floridian2023
    @floridian2023 2 роки тому

    W.O.W.

  • @bellaamoros3814
    @bellaamoros3814 5 років тому +2

    I do not understand the spraying. The hand-polishing with shellack is the right and autentic varnish.

    • @JS-rp7qb
      @JS-rp7qb 5 років тому +4

      Both achieve the same level of finish, spraying just lets you lay on more layers faster.

  • @asvarien
    @asvarien 4 роки тому +9

    The narrator isn't wrong about the cheap, mass manufactured crap we accept now-a-days.

    • @ralphrestubog5519
      @ralphrestubog5519 3 роки тому +1

      Cheap mass-manufactured "crap" made by Japanese manufacturers has made acoustic pianos more accessible and sometimes even better. The best example is the Millennium III Action made of Carbon-ABS plastic that is just as good if not better than Renner actions. Unless of course you're talking about crappy Chinese pianos.

  • @elguarogozon1
    @elguarogozon1 5 років тому

    What king of finish remover are you using please?

  • @forgotten320
    @forgotten320 3 роки тому +2

    My brother's father in law just passed and they're going to throw the baby grand piano cause someone said it can't be tuned

    • @michaelcoplo7567
      @michaelcoplo7567 3 роки тому +2

      if you can get it restored it definitely can its a common problem for pianos that where left out of tune for a while

    • @forgotten320
      @forgotten320 3 роки тому +1

      @@michaelcoplo7567 I just have no place for it sadly

    • @forgotten320
      @forgotten320 3 роки тому

      @@michaelcoplo7567 it's in southern California if anyone wants it.

    • @forgotten320
      @forgotten320 3 роки тому +1

      @@michaelcoplo7567 this is a John Broadwood and sons piano. The previous tuners have all said the same thing, they tune it but won't hold the tune. What type of repair would that be?

    • @michaelcoplo7567
      @michaelcoplo7567 3 роки тому +2

      @@forgotten320 hmm not sure but i know someone who had the same issue and I think they had their tuning pins and strings replaced and that helped/fixed it but i think it's possible they did a couple other things

  • @theochasid8996
    @theochasid8996 3 роки тому

    47k views only 200 subs :0

  • @theID2
    @theID2 10 місяців тому

    interesting except for the crap music they chose to use. also it would have been nice to know the cost of this restoration.

  • @UltiametsIgsmas
    @UltiametsIgsmas 2 роки тому

    you literally just replaced and rebuilt the entire piano

  • @nickbruce6859
    @nickbruce6859 9 місяців тому

    You could've chosen any other type of music
    Why pick horrible rag time "piany" music? The entertainer is sooo bad

  • @darioc2076
    @darioc2076 4 роки тому

    A little to patriotic

    • @alanmlkbanda
      @alanmlkbanda 4 роки тому

      Ano Nymus as it should adequately be. Got a problem with that ?

    • @MARTIN201199
      @MARTIN201199 4 роки тому

      FlyBr0 I am not patriotic. Got a problem with that?

    • @Therebesquare
      @Therebesquare 4 роки тому

      Or we could not fight about something so trivial

    • @paxwallace8324
      @paxwallace8324 Рік тому

      A little (too) patriotic.

  • @richardeagan3156
    @richardeagan3156 5 місяців тому

    @richardeagan3156
    0 seconds ago
    Our church received as a gift a small Baldwin upright piano. The piano is in good condition in that it stays pretty much in tune between tunings. The issue is that there isn't that flow between notes due to a poor restrain. I have adjusted the pedal several times, but that in itself doesn't seem to really help. The pads are not touching the strings, but apparently enough that we are not getting the flow that I/we are looking for. In short, the issue seems to be somewhere other than at the pedal itself, Any suggestions?
    Reply