Restored Traditional Pianos

Why choose a traditional restored piano (built 1890-1940)?

A traditional piano (Lipp)

The best ones have a superior tone compared to most modern pianos;
They have more elegant cabinets, more beautiful veneers - sometimes with intricate marquetry;
They hold their value better;
Traditional pianos are NOT made with chip-board or 'MDF' board, nor do they have any plastic components;
Many have real Ivory-covered keyboards;
They were built by craftsmen using solid, seasoned wood to a high standard and thus have a life expectancy of 80-100 years before the need for restoration.

BUT...

Not all traditional pianos are worthy or restoration: many lesser-known makes/models are not sturdy enough or musically good enough, musically, to justify the investment.

Selection, therefore, is paramount.

What makes of Traditional Piano are favoured?

The 'Big Four' - famous makers highly regarded throughout the world. They are Bösendorfer, Steinway, Bechstein and Blüthner. We are experienced in the restoration and retail of all these makes, however we are C Bechstein specialists.
The better-known German makers. They include Grotrian Steinweg, Richard Lipp and Rud. Ibach etc.
The better-known English makers, such as Broadwood, Chappell, Brinsmead etc.
Other reputable makers, such as Erard, Pleyel and Anton Petrof etc.

For further information, see our guide to Piano makes and Models.

What is our view on Modern Pianos?

A modern piano (Calisia)

The majority are built in the Far East, but also in the USA, China and Russia/former Eastern bloc countries. A number of smaller manufacturers in Western Europe still build pianos.
The majority are mass-produced in assembly-line style factories. In order to keep manufacturing costs down, the quality of parts used varies, kilns are used to artificially `season' wooden parts and even soundboards can be made out of multilaminated wood !
Cabinets are usually lacking in character or refinement.
They lose their value quicker, compared to traditional pianos.
Be wary of cheaply-priced instruments with German-sounding names. They are likely to have been built in China or the former Eastern Bloc. In our experience, they are poorly constructed and have a limited life-expectancy.

However... Pianos built by the `Big Four', and smaller Western European companies, still offer reasonable value. Pianos made in Japan & South Korea also deserve consideration. Prices of these makes/models tend to be higher, but in our view these prices are usually justified.