Steinway & Sons Model 45 #356674 – Walnut Cabinet – Fully Restored, Art Case Vertical Piano
Manufactured at the New York Steinway & Sons Factory, this beautiful Model 45 Upright Piano is a unique and rare instrument. The piano’s serial number indicates a date of 1957. Built in a Hepplewhite-esque case design, this piano features incredible carvings and veneer work. Upon close inspection of the instrument, seemingly flat cabinet pieces are revealed to be crafted with a slight curvature. Interlocking veneer pieces of varying geometries create an instrument that gets more beautiful the longer it is gazed upon. Covered in a rich, pleasant cut of walnut, this cabinet is a wonderful example of the quality that was once standard in the nation’s leading piano factories.
We were tasked by a private client to find them an upright piano to feature in their new residence. When newer Steinway Verticals did not match expectations, this vintage instrument was located and selected. Our team found it to be in good condition and a near-perfect candidate for a full, extensive restoration. As piano restoration specialists, grand pianos are the ones most worked on here at our facility. It was a nice change of pace to see a historic upright piano receive the same care and attention typically reserved for their grand cousins.
The piano’s action is where almost every moving part of the instrument is located. New Steinway hammers and shanks were installed in the action. Expert action and tone regulation were conducted to ensure a quick, sure touch and a full quality of tone. Our piano technicians spend many extra hours in this process to create a piano that does not just look like a fine instrument but performs as one as well. These minute and exacting adjustments are what take any restored piano from being simply acceptable to exceptional. The piano’s keyboard was restored with new, premium quality keytops and the original sharps were restored.
The belly (interior) of the piano was fully rebuilt. This process included the installation of a new solid spruce soundboard. The soundboard is custom fit to the case to ensure the resonate tone expected of a Steinway instrument. The cast iron plate was re-bronzed and the raised text was hand-lettered. New Klinke blued tuning pins were installed along with the highest quality music wire and custom-manufactured soft copper wound bass strings. New damper felts were installed and the damper system regulated for smooth operation.
The piano was refinished in a hand-rubbed lacquer. This allows for optimum finish clarity and a beautiful final result. The original walnut veneer shines like new and shows that the wood selection available to the Steinway factory on ‘normal’ pianos such as this, was once second to none. The refinished cabinet was paired with restored, solid brass hardware. From a purely visual standpoint, this instrument is one of the finest upright pianos we have ever seen.
OUR HISTORY – A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
For over four decades, Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. has been specializing in the rebuilding of the world’s finest pianos. Founded in 1975 by master piano technician Dennis Chupp, we continue the historic art of piano craftsmanship. 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 feature 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
Recent Works
Kurtzmann Vintage Upright Piano – Quartersawn Oak
Built in 1912 at the Kurtzmann Piano Factory of Buffalo, New York, this art case grand piano is a truly stunning example of historic piano manufacturing! The late 19th century through the early 20th century saw the golden era of the piano take form, as hundreds of competing companies fought to gain their share of the burgeoning piano market. This intense competition forged lasting quality and names that continue to represent the finest in craftsmanship.
Baldwin SD-10 Concert Grand Piano | Ebony – Restoration
One of the most famous names in music history, the mark of Baldwin has been affixed to some of the most coveted pianos ever manufactured. The legendary SD-10 Concert Grand Piano became the preferred choice of numerous concert artists and piano aficionados. During Baldwin’s heyday, they were only second to Steinway when it came to the length of their affiliated artist rolls. The Thursday Music Club of Zanesville, OH needed to return their Baldwin Concert Grand to a concert performance level. That is when they contacted the team here at Chupp’s Piano Service.
1926 Mason & Hamlin Model AA Grand Piano | Mahogany – Restoration
The piano’s serial number of #34557 indicates a factory manufacture year of 1926 meaning it was built in the company’s legendary Boston Factory prior to its closure later that decade.The cabinet features rounded arms with double, linked moldings wrapping around the case. The piano’s wide tail coupled with the brass ferrule capped legs create an imposing, strong stance. The minimalist music rack is eminently functional and contributes to the sturdy, American appearance of the piano. The cabinet is covered in a pleasant Mahogany veneer contrasting against the brass hardware and fallboard decal.
Steinway Model O Grand Piano Art Case/Crown Jewel | Louis XVI – Walnut – Restoration
Manufactured at the New York Steinway & Sons Factory, this beautiful Model O Grand Piano is a unique and rare instrument. The piano’s serial number indicates the manufacture year to be 1917. Crafted in an impressive double-legged Louis XVI style cabinet, this instrument embodies the sweeping, luxurious styles that were popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Steinway Model O Grand Piano Art Case/Crown Jewel | Brazilian Rosewood – Restoration
Manufactured at the New York Steinway & Sons Factory, this beautiful Model O Grand Piano is a unique and rare instrument. (The piano’s serial number indicates a date of 1916, Steinway records show a completion date of March 2nd, 1917.) Built in a ‘modern’ Sketch 380 Sheraton style case design, this piano features square arms and an arrow point music desk. Standing on octagonal spade style legs, this piano is virtually identical to ones built today. What makes this instrument a rarity is the wood that was utilized. The piano is covered with a rich veneer of exotic Brazilian Rosewood!
1906 Steinway & Sons Model B Grand Piano #124817 – Circassian Walnut
The Steinway & Sons Model B Grand Piano is one of the most legendary makes of piano ever crafted. It was this style of instrument that entertained First Class passengers onboard the R.M.S. Titanic and continue today as the preferred practice piano of countless amateur and professional musicians. Steinway & Sons Model B #124817 stands among the most stunning instruments we have ever had the chance to rebuild here at Chupp’s Piano Service. This particular piano was selected for restoration by a client and we are proud to be able to provide them with this musical piece of art.
Steinway Model B Grand Piano #430030 – Fireside Recording Studio – Parton/Wagoner
Built in 1972, 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 seen in professional institutions as recording instruments. Model B #430030 served in this capacity. This seven-foot grand was purchased and used at Fireside Recording Studio in Nashville, TN. This studio was founded by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton.
Kurtzmann Louis XV Art Case Grand Piano – Circassian Walnut
Built in 1918 at the Kurtzmann Piano Factory of Buffalo, New York, this art case grand piano is a truly stunning example of historic piano manufacturing! The late 19th century through the early 20th century saw the golden era of the piano take form, as hundreds of competing companies fought to gain their share of the burgeoning piano market. This intense competition forged lasting quality and names that continue to represent the finest in craftsmanship.
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