1872 Chickering Grand Piano

BEFORE

The piano arrived in the shop with decades of wear. The exterior finish was dark and faded, and the case was damaged in several places. The old keytops were damaged or missing, the soundboard had several large cracks, and many of the action parts were worn out.

AFTER

The piano was restored to like-new condition inside and out. The soundboard was repaired to work like it did when the piano was first produced, and the piano was cleaned up and fixed inside and out.

Scroll down to see the piano restoration process!

About this piano:This piano was the largest full-size concert grand piano that Chickering offered in 1872. During this period, public venues like theatres and concert halls were extravagantly decorated. This piano, with its lavishly carved case of Brazilian Rosewood and lighter Burl Walnut accents, would have been equally at home in some grand theatre or Baronial country estate house. This piano was one of the finest and most expensive instruments money could buy in 1872 and no expense was spared in its manufacture. Chickering pianos from this period are some of the finest and most well-made instruments we see come through our shop. They are some of the finest pianos in American history!

Scroll down to see the piano restoration process!

Piano Restoration Process:

Assessment & Disassembly

The piano is carefully disassembled and every individual piece is carefully recorded and labeled. All hardware and screws are removed, and the action and keyboard are removed and disassembled. Our crew assesses the instrument to see which parts and pieces will need to be custom made in-house for the instrument.

Piano Restoration Process:

Cabinet Repair & Refinishing

The old, faded finish is removed. Our crew fixes any damage caused by years of use and wear and tear. Broken and missing pieces are repaired and replaced. The instrument then receives multiple coats of stain and sealer. Each coach is painstakingly sanded smooth for luster and clarity. The Chickering decal is replaced above the keyboard with historical accuracy during the refinishing process.

Piano Restoration Process:

Soundboard Repair & Re-Stringing

The brittle, old strings are removed from the piano. The harp is removed, the soundboard is restored and refinished, and the bridges are repaired. The harp is re-gilded with gold lacquer and the new strings are installed.

Piano Restoration Process:

Action & Keyboard Restoration

All distinctive features of the action’s geometry are noted before work begins to allow for accurate and historically correct rebuilding.

The keys are re-bushed and new keytops are installed. The old worn felt and leather is replaced, and new hammers, shanks and flanges are installed. The rest of the piano action is rebuilt so that the instrument performs like new again.

PHOTOS OF PIANO

AFTER COMPLETE RESTORATION

Professional restoration has made for an amazing transformation. After a total restoration, the piano looks, functions, and sounds like it did when the piano was factory new.

SEE AND HEAR THE FULLY RESTORED PIANO!

Learn more about restoring your heirloom instrument!

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Antique Piano Shop, Inc.,
1158 Lane Drive,
Friendsville, TN 37737

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