Built in 1972 at the New York Steinway Factory, Steinway & Sons Model B Grand Piano #430030 is a unique instrument with a rich musical history. Steinway & Sons Model B Grand Pianos are among the world’s most coveted instruments – often used at professional institutions as recording instruments. Model B #430030 served in this capacity. This seven-foot grand piano was purchased and used at Fireside Recording Studio in Nashville, TN. This studio was founded by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. Co-owned by the singing duo, Wagoner later became sole owner of the facility after which Fireside was sold to various owners until it was closed just a few years ago. Recently, the studio closed and Steinway B #430030, which had served as the primary piano for the studio, was sold to a new owner in Texas.
This is a piano that we actually interacted with before being contacted by its new owner. We were asked by the studio owner if we were interested in purchasing the piano. Due to the fact we had a large inventory of early 20th century Steinway Model B Grands in our shop at that time, we politely declined. We were pleasantly surprised that we were able to see and work on this piano when it ended up at our shop as a rebuilding project!
THE PIANO RESTORATION PROCESS
The restoration and rebuilding of a piano’s action is one of the most essential parts of any piano rebuilding project. New hammers, shanks and flanges along with new Renner wippens (repetitions) were installed in the action. A new custom manufactured keyset was commissioned for optimum power and responsiveness. This keyset was weighed-off for the proper down and up weight. Expert action and tone regulation were conducted to ensure the finest response and a full, concert-level quality of tone. We spend many extra hours in this process to ensure that the piano does not just look like a fine instrument, but performs as one as well.
The original factory soundboard was carefully restored and refinished. A new custom fitted pinblock was fabricated. New blued tuning pins were driven into this block of hard maple and the finest Mapes wire and strings were coiled and brought up to pitch. We were very pleased with the end result of this restoration. The piano boasts a silky smooth action that is light and responsive. The piano’s tone is rich and full with a powerful bass that outclasses many other Model B Grands from this era.
At the request of the client, the cabinet was refinished in a rich polished ebony polyester finish. This finish is among the most durable finishes available in the piano industry. A state of the art QRS PNOmation3 Player Piano System was installed and properly regulated. A matching Jansen Duet Artists Bench serves as the finishing touch. We delivered the piano to its new owner in early November of 2018 and we are happy to report that they were quite pleased.
About Us – Since 1975
For over four decades, Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. has been specializing in the rebuilding of the world’s finest pianos. With a focus on Steinway & Sons restorations, our work has become the preferred choice of concert venues, professional musicians, and universities across the country. Located in the heart of Northern Indiana, we are proud to carry on the old school tradition of high caliber craftsmanship.
Our rebuilding facility and showroom features premium restored Steinway, new Kawai and select pre-owned Yamaha pianos. When completed properly a rebuilt piano truly becomes, art you can feel!
For more about our extensive restoration process, click here.
Chupp’s Piano Service & Restoration | Vintage Art Case Steinway Grand Pianos | Fine Piano Restoration & Sales since 1975
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.