1918 Armstrong Upright Player Piano

BEFORE

The piano arrived in the shop with decades of wear. The exterior finish was dark and did not allow the beautiful wood beneath to shine through. The interior was dull and faded.

AFTER

The player piano was restored to like-new condition inside and out with historical accuracy. The player system was repaired and reinstalled. The interior and exterior now shine and show the beauty of the original craftsmanship.

Scroll down to see the piano restoration process!

About this piano:

Player pianos like this one were once common in homes throughout the United States. In fact, long before the radio or phonograph, it was the player piano that introduced music to society on a large scale. Prior to the introduction of the player piano, the only way our ancestors knew the melody of a song was to learn it from a friend of family member, hear it played live on an instrument or by an ensemble, or to read it on a piece of printed music! It really is incredible to consider how important the player piano was to our ancestor’s culture and society.

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, sealer and lacquer. Each coach is painstakingly sanded smooth for luster and clarity. The Armstrong label 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 and the soundboard is restored and refinished. The bridges are repaired and the piano gets a new pin block. 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 old ivory keys are restored to perfection and look new again. 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

After a total restoration, the piano and player mechanisms look, function and sound like they 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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