Should I have my piano rebuilt or should I buy a new one?

There are 3 main reasons to rebuild a piano:

• It's possible for an older high quality piano to play and sound as good (or better) than new, look fantastic, and last for a lifetime at a fraction of the cost of a new piano. The most important thing is the original quality of the piano. The best examples of this type piano are - all Steinway grands, most Mason & Hamlin and Baldwin grands, some Chickering and Knabe grands, and some other grands 5'7" or larger. It's best to keep the cost of a rebuilt piano below approximately 70% to 75% of the cost of a comparable new piano. A word of caution when buying a "rebuilt piano" - piano rebuilding varies greatly from rebuilder to rebuilder and from job to job, so investigate carefully the quality of any repairs.
• The piano owner has an emotional attachment to the piano. Some people want a piano restored no matter the replacement value because of sentimental reasons.
• The piano has artistic, styling, or historical importance. Art case pianos, pianos with unique cabinet styling, pianos owned by celebrities, and historically important pianos may justify rebuilding because of their unique character.

  Piano rebuilding can cost $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 or more. The most important thing with piano rebuilding is the extent and quality of the repairs. A rebuilt piano should perform and last as long as a new piano. Too many pianos that are "rebuilt" have too many parts that were not replaced. In an attempt to save costs parts that are barely possible (or worse) are not replaced. Sometimes the entire job has to be done again in a few or several years.

  A few tips on piano rebuilding:

  • Get a written contract with an itemized list of all repairs to be done. Bids with such phrases as "repair or replace misc. worn part, etc." are to vague to have any value for repairs over a few hundred dollars.
  • Try to see an example of the rebuilders work. If that is not possible get a list of references.
  • Do some home work on the subject. Larry Fine's book "The Piano Book" has some good information on the subject.
  • Also, please check out "REBUILDING -grand & upright" on the main menu of this web site. return to main menu