Understanding Repair, Reconditioning, and Rebuilding
Are you considering buying a used piano or restoring an old one? It’s important to understand the difference between piano repair, reconditioning, and rebuilding. At Melodious Piano Boutique, we help families and musicians in Singapore make informed choices when it comes to piano quality and care.
Buy Reconditioned Pianos from Japan | Used Upright & Grand Singapore
In the realm of piano restoration, three terms—repair, reconditioning, and rebuilding—are frequently discussed, each carrying nuanced meanings without precise definitions. When commissioning restoration work or considering a piano with prior restoration, clarity on the specific tasks undertaken is paramount.
Declarations like "This piano has been reconditioned" or "I'll rebuild this piano" often lack uniformity, as what one technician terms rebuilding may be considered reconditioning by another.
Repair jobs focus on rectifying isolated broken parts, such as a broken hammer, a missing string, or an improperly working pedal. Unlike reconditioning or rebuilding, repair does not necessarily involve a comprehensive upgrade of the instrument but addresses specific, broken, or improperly adjusted parts.
Reconditioning encompasses a general upgrade of the entire piano, minimizing part replacement wherever possible. For instance, this might involve resurfacing hammer felt instead of replacing hammers and twisting bass strings to enhance tone.
Definitions of reconditioning can vary, with some technicians considering the replacement of hammers, tuning pins, and strings as part of a reconditioning job, while others might term such work as a partial rebuild.
Piano Rebuilding & Restoration in Singapore | Like-New Quality Repairs
Rebuilding represents the most comprehensive level of restoration, ideally aiming to put the piano into a "like new" condition. However, in practice, the extent of rebuilding may vary based on the instrument's needs, value, available resources, and the meticulousness of the rebuilder.
Components like restringing, replacing the pinblock, repairing or replacing the soundboard, and overhauling parts in the action are typical of a rebuilding job.
Refinishing the piano case is also generally part of the rebuilding process.