Author Archives: rich agnew

What is a grand piano regulation?

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Major Parts of the Piano

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As the illustration shows, the pianos is a composite, intricate, piece of machinery that combines ingenuity with graciousness.  Here are some of the major components of the piano: A: Soundboard  B:  Front Stretcher  C:  Action Stack  D:  Pedal Lyre  E:  Cast … Continue reading

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Step 6: New Felting/Pedal Plating or Chroming/Final Coats of Piano Lacquer

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As the project nears completion, all the previous labor-intensive steps are producing fine results.  Lacquers come in a variety of sheens and in this project I used the highest sheen possible.  Piano lacquer has a rich amber tone to it … Continue reading

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Step 5: Sanding Sealer and Decal Replacement

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After the first few coats of sanding sealer is applied, the decal is replaced using a company that has copied most of the decal designs from the past and present.  The decal is accurately positioned and then rubbed on and … Continue reading

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Step 4: Pore Filling/Staining

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Pore filling helps to produce a less “open” finish creating an ultra-smooth finish.  This is a semi-liquid material that also stains the surface thus doing two things in one application.  Here, a walnut pore filling stain was used.

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Refinishing: Step #3 Sanding/Regluing

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All the piano cabinet pieces have to be carefully sanded.  I start with 120 grit.  Flat pieces can be sanded with a standard sander but curved and smaller intricate pieces have to be done by hand. Any loose pieces should be re-glued … Continue reading

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Step 2: Stripping

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Refinishing:  Step 2  Furniture Stripping This is probably the most unpleasant part of the project but it has to be done and done right.  The old varnish has to be all removed.  This is done by using various agents.  The … Continue reading

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Refinishing Step 1: Disassembly and Cleaning of the Upright Piano

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After the piano enters the shop, it has to be disassembled and the screws labelled so that everything goes back where it should.  This includes all hinges, pedal hardware, locks, and other hardware that is attached to the cabinet.  The … Continue reading

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What is involved in piano refinishing and why is it so expensive?

Piano refinishing is a very labour intensive project.  I will endeavor to demonstrate this through the following pages to show the various steps that are involved in doing a proper job.  Please go to the category called “The Piano Shop” … Continue reading

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My piano guy says it’s not worth it to fix my piano because its too old. Can this be true?

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Yes, this could very well be true.  In particular, we have some pianos that have come from England which were made as far back as the 1850’s.  It’s just not possible to find parts and the structure many times is … Continue reading

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