1908 Sohmer Baby Grand Piano

Restoration Library / Sohmer

BEFORE

Before restoration: note how the old mahogany finish has chemically broken down over the years.

AFTER

The piano has been restored to like-new condition, inside and out, with historical accuracy.

Scroll down to see the piano restoration process!

About this piano: This piano was built by the famous Sohmer Piano Company of New York at the beginning of the 20th Century. Sohmer was known for building superior-grade, expensive pianos and the firm was celebrated by pianists and musicians worldwide. At the turn of century Sohmer was known for their use of elaborate woods and had a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship. This piano was definitely no exception to the firm’s reputation. Most of our customers are shocked to learn that their antique mahogany pianos were originally finished to look like the beautiful and rich piano in the “after restoration” photo and video examples.

Scroll down to see the piano restoration process!

Piano Restoration Process:

Assessment & Disassembly

Before the piano is disassembled, careful notes are taken on the original placement of the action while it is in the piano. Every part of the piano is carefully photographed and cataloged as the piano is disassembled. All unique features of the action’s geometry are noted before work begins to allow for accurate and historically correct rebuilding.

Piano Restoration Process:

Cabinet Repair & Refinishing

This piano’s original century old finish has deteriorated hiding the beautiful mahogany veneer underneath. After meticulously removing the old finish, the cabinet is professionally repaired and refinished.

Piano Restoration Process:

Soundboard Repair & Re-Stringing

Removing the strings and the harp from the piano allow access to the original Sitka spruce soundboard. Soundboard supports, called ribs, are reattached and prominent cracks are repaired. This part of the process requires a lot of time and patience.

Once repairs and refinishing are complete, new piano strings are installed.

Piano Restoration Process:

Action & Keyboard Restoration

Using notes gathered during the disassembly phase, the team is able to restore all of the elements of the action mechanism to a historically accurate, working order.

The piano’s original ivory keytops had been replaced with celluloid keytops decades ago. Our technicians carefully replaced these faded, lackluster celluloid keytops with new faux-ivory keytops.

After the action is fully restored it is installed and regulated to the strings by a senior technician.

PHOTOS OF PIANO

AFTER COMPLETE RESTORATION

After professional restoration, the piano looks and plays like it did when it was originally built in 1908!

SEE AND HEAR THE FULLY RESTORED PIANO!

Learn more about restoring your heirloom instrument!

Complete the submission field below and one of our experts will contact you with more information.

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You may also submit your request via regular mail. Simply print the completed submission form and mail it along with your photos to:

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

The more detailed information we have from you, the better we can answer your inquiry. Note that photos sent to us by mail will not be returned.
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