Piano Restoration - Cambridge Pianoforte Pianos and Tuning

Cambridge Piano Restoration
Agents for Steinway & Sons since 1987

Contact us About Restoration

Bringing History Back to Life

At Cambridge Pianoforte, piano restoration isn’t simply about repair, it’s about honouring musical heritage and uncovering forgotten stories. With decades of specialist experience, particularly with Steinway & Sons instruments, we are second to none when it comes to restoring pianos to their former glory.

Each restoration project is a journey of discovery. As we carefully dismantle and assess an instrument, we trace its provenance, uncovering the history of ownership and the life it has lived. It’s rather like “Who Do You Think You Are?” for pianos, every instrument has a story to tell, from Victorian drawing rooms to wartime evacuations, from concert halls to country estates. This historical detective work informs our restoration approach, ensuring we respect the instrument’s heritage whilst bringing it back to life.

The Cambridge Workshop: Where Craftsmanship Meets Artistry

Our superbly equipped Cambridge workshop is the heart of our restoration work. Here, a select team of highly skilled craftsmen dedicate themselves to transforming tired, neglected instruments into pianos that perform like new.

We focus primarily on the restoration of high-quality pianos, with particular expertise in Steinway & Sons instruments. However, our skills extend to all fine pianos that deserve the investment of expert restoration. Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom or a valuable historic instrument, every piano receives the same meticulous attention.

The Art and Science of Restoration

Piano restoration is a complex and lengthy process that demands skill, knowledge, experience, and extraordinary patience. It cannot be rushed. Each instrument presents unique challenges, and our approach combines traditional craftsmanship with artistic sensitivity.

Our goal is ambitious: to restore each piano to a condition comparable to a new instrument, whilst carefully retaining its integrity and character. This delicate balance requires deep understanding of both the mechanics of piano construction and the tonal qualities that make each instrument unique.

The process typically involves:

Structural Assessment: Thoroughly evaluating the soundboard, pinblock, bridges, and frame to determine what restoration work is required.
Action Restoration: Rebuilding or refurbishing the complex mechanical action, replacing worn components whilst preserving original parts where possible.
Stringing & Tuning Pins: Installing new strings and tuning pins to exacting specifications.
Soundboard & Bridge Work: Repairing or replacing the soundboard and bridges—the acoustic heart of the instrument.
Regulation & Voicing: Meticulously adjusting the action and shaping the hammer tone to achieve optimal performance.
Cabinet Restoration: Sympathetically restoring the casework to preserve the instrument’s aesthetic character and period features.

Committed to Local Craftsmanship

We take enormous pride in employing local craftsmen in our workshop. When specialist work requires outsourcing such as French polishing or ivory key restoration we partner exclusively with local artisans. This commitment keeps traditional skills alive in our community whilst ensuring the highest standards of workmanship.

From Neglected to New

The transformation is often remarkable. A piano that has been silent for decades, its action sluggish and its tone dull, can be restored to produce the rich, responsive sound it was designed to create. The satisfaction of hearing a beautifully restored piano play its first notes again never diminishes it’s why we do what we do.

One Illustrious Example

Among our notable restorations is a 1905 John Broadwood & Sons grand piano, originally commissioned by banker Robert Henry Benson for his Sussex estate, Buckhurst Park. What made this instrument extraordinary was its casework—specifically designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens to complement the music room he had created for the house.

Over two years, we sympathetically restored this rare surviving example of a Lutyens-designed piano to recital standard, preserving its historic integrity whilst bringing its performance to modern concert quality. It stands as one of only a few such instruments known to exist—a testament to both the craftsman who made it and those who restored it.

Is Your Piano Worth Restoring?

If you own a quality piano that has seen better days, we’d be delighted to assess whether restoration is the right path. Not every piano justifies the investment of full restoration, and we’ll always give you honest advice about what’s achievable and worthwhile.

For high-quality instruments—particularly Steinway & Sons, Bechstein, Blüthner, and other fine makers—expert restoration can breathe new life into an instrument that might otherwise be lost. The result is a piano that not only looks beautiful but performs to the standard its original makers intended.

Begin Your Piano’s Next Chapter

Whether you’ve inherited a family treasure, acquired a historic instrument, or own a fine piano that needs comprehensive restoration, we’d love to discuss the possibilities.

Contact us to arrange an assessment. We’ll evaluate your piano’s condition, discuss its history, and explain what restoration could achieve. Together, we can decide whether bringing your piano back to life is the right investment.

Ready to restore your piano to its former glory?

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 153 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   C W. 
 
 
 
  While looking for a piano to rent, we were lucky to come across Cambridge Pianoforte Centre - after our experience, definitely the go-to place for all things piano and music. In addition to receiving excellent, personalised advice, we also had the opportunity to try out several pianos. After the piano had been chosen, it was delivered promptly....and it has been played with great joy ever since :)) Many thanks for the prompt answers to our questions, your flexibility, the warm and friendly communication, and the fantastic support!! We really appreciate it.
  
 
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   luke hawkins 
 
 
 
  Excellent.
  
 
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   Philip Aslangul 
 
 
 
  Great place amazing and helpful staff
  
 
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   Angela Shaw 
 
 
 
  Thank you for a professional, stress-free removal. Excellent comms with Duncan and a super team on the day who were personable, careful, and considerate: they made it look so easy!
  
 
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   Kristin Samadi 
 
 
 
  Great service! Very happy with Cambridge Pianoforte - they were extremely professional and helpful in finding me a piano. I was also pleased with the technician who came to tune it. Highly recommended!
  
 
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   Joaquim Badia 
 
 
 
  If you need a piano in the area, this is the place to go to. Excellent team and options. Lots of sheet music too.
  
 
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   Angela Prince 
 
 
 
  We had a smooth and pleasant experience of renting a piano from Pianoforte. The process has been hassle-free, and we are very satisfied with their service. Duncan was welcoming, professional, helpful and always responsive.
  
 
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   Jenny Goodship 
 
 
 
  Exceptional customer service. Duncan was welcoming, helpful, and gave freely of his time; going the extra mile to find the right solution for me.
  
 
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   Ania 
 
 
 
  Excellent service, very friendly, professional staff. Went above and beyond to make sure my piano was delivered and installed in time for Christmas.
The best place in Cambridgeshire or more
  
 
  
  
 
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Cambridge Piano Restoration