How to Repair an Upright Steinway

Upright Steinway piano repairs take time and expertise.

Steinway and Sons is one of the most recognized names in piano manufacturing since they began operations in 1853. Each piano is handmade and requires an entire year to make. The upright version is frequently found in homes and in small music halls because they are less expensive and easier to move. These pianos last a long time and have an astounding resale value; in some cases more than doubling the original investment. Steinways, with original parts, have a greater value than those with replaced parts, which makes upright Steinway piano repairs worthwhile. Extreme caution should be taken when repairing this valuable instrument. If you do not know how to repair a Steinway, you should hire an expert.

Things You'll Need

• 1 Tuning hammer
• 1 Tuning fork pitched to either A or C
• 4 Felt or rubber strips
• 1 Key spacer
• 1 Damper regulator
• 1 Regulating screwdriver
• 1 Spring hook
• 1 Captsan screwdriver
• Replacement strings
• Replacement felt damper covers
• Felt adhesive

Instructions

1. 

   Piano tuning is an art.

   Tune your Steinway piano. Any piano sounds "broken" when it is out of tune. If you have a good sense of pitch, any ambitious enthusiast can attempt piano tuning with just a few tools. A tuning fork, pitched either to A or C, a special hammer or lever to turn the pins that tighten or loosen the strings thereby adjusting the pitch, and felt strips to muffle the neighboring strings and prevent them from vibrating in sympathy are indispensable tools for tuning the strings of your piano. Do not attempt to tune your piano yourself if you are a novice, as you could irreparably damage your Steinway and lower its value.

2. 

   Regulate the action parts of upright Steinway pianos.

   Regulate your piano. Re-space keys that are sticking and check the springs in the action parts for sticking and/or sluggish movement as well. The action of the hammers and dampers can also be regulated by the simple tightening of screws. These are all important aspects of regulating the action and response of the keys, as well as the pitch of your Steinway piano. Use specific piano repair tools, like the key spacer, the damper regulator and the regulator screwdriver for effective upright Steinway repairs.

3. 

   Preserve the original parts of your upright Steinway as best you can.

   Inspect the sound board and piano bridges. If the soundboard or one of the bridges has hairline cracks or cracks in areas of less stress, it can be effectively repaired with a special piano wood adhesive that is strong, and at the same time conducts the vibration of the instrument without marring the quality. However, more intense damage than that requires professional replacement of the parts, especially to preserve the quality of your Steinway piano.

4. 

   Replace original ivory keys with legal ivory.

   Replace broken "ivories." If your Steinway piano has real ivory keys from before they were banned, it is possible to replace broken keys with highly valuable pre-ban legal ivory keys. Take great care in inserting the new ivories--the supply is finite and becomes more expensive as the supply diminishes.

Tips & Warnings

• Upright Steinway repairs are highly technical requiring skill and expertise. Unless you know what you are doing, hire a professional. The money that you spend on the piano tuning, regulating and repairs is an investment in the longevity of your Steinway and its continuing value.

• Research piano repair companies and technicians. Make your choice based on proven history of success. A piano repairman inexperienced with a Steinway piano could irreparably damage your investment.

References

• Steiwnway and Sons: Restoration
• The Immortal Piano Company: Upright Steinway Repair Checklist
• Precision Piano Services: Steinway and Sons Piano Restoration

Resources

• Piano Tuning and Repair Tools: Quality Piano Tuning Tools