Explaining the emergence of the “European Piano Rebuild” – What’s The Difference…
Over the past several years individuals shopping for a restored piano here in the United States may have encountered pianos listed for sale associated with the term “European rebuild” or “European piano restoration”. Sometimes this is listed in smaller print – but what is a European piano rebuild? Where are these restorations completed? The piano industry is at its best when as personal and as close to the individual as possible, therefore, we hope to shed more light on this newer phenomenon. The piano, of course, finds its origins in Europe. It was in the early 1700s that Bartolomeo Cristofori unveiled his comparatively diminutive ‘pianoforte’ to Italian noblemen. Brands like Bösendorfer (now part of Yamaha), Bechstein, and Fazioli continue to astound musicians worldwide.
However, our topic today centers around the American piano market and primarily its most beloved and coveted instrument, the Steinway & Sons Grand Piano. It is here that we can speak most candidly and with the most authority.
American quality is at the heart of a Steinway & Sons instrument. Even the Hamburg-crafted instruments find their scale designs and core principles derived from those of their New York cousins. Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg grew his company and his family name to become the world leader in piano development. Since 1853, Steinway & Sons has endured war, economic turmoil, and shifting marketplaces to establish itself in the vernacular and recognition of the American consumer. Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. is one of many family-owned and operated American piano restoration services that have grown to focus on the restoration and rebuilding of vintage Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, and other instruments from the golden era of piano making. Our rebuilding workshop is located in New Paris, Indiana. It is tangible, easy to visit, and open to all who are interested in the purchase or restoration of a piano.
“You can lay off some of your workers and get your piano rebuilding done overseas. You can make more money, and your family can just run the office and complete sales!”
This is a sales pitch that we have received from piano restoration factories. In Europe. They have encouraged us to ship our piano restoration work outside of the United States and to basically shutter our shop. (Interestingly, this is similar to an offer we once received from Steinway & Sons, but that is a story for another time…)
There are two or three firms currently in operation that take advantage of exchange rates, low wages, and a factory-like approach to workmanship to undercut pricing here in the United States. We fully understand that there is no fiscal way that we can ever compete dollar for dollar with this approach. Where we can compete, exceed, and quite honestly dominate is in our quality of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and personal service to you, the musician.
This is a situation that we have refused.
To be transparent, we have tried their work! A few years ago, we requested that one of these European rebuilding companies complete cabinet refinishing ONLY on a piano that the client wanted to see completed in a polished polyester finish. The refinishing quality was good, but we have decided to continue refinishing and rebuilding our work here in the United States. In the end, we want American quality and quality control. Refinishing and restoration masters that we have worked with here in the United States both in our shop and at other shops here in the country are the closest linkage between the resurrection of a vintage piano and their eventual client. This historic expertise is something we (and many other piano technicians and restorers) wish to shepherd responsibility into the next generation.
American-made Steinways deserve American rebuilding work
In recent conversations with clients, we have observed that many of them have noticed a large uptick of online listings, showing restored Steinway & Sons grand pianos for sale at some other piano stores and restoration companies. After a deeper review of some of these listings, it is becoming clear that these pianos are NOT being restored and rebuilt here in the United States. Rather, the ‘cores’ of the instruments are being shipped overseas to Poland and other countries where labor is cheaper and the exchange rate is favorable. The pianos are then ‘restored’ and shipped back over. Often, the cabinets are highly modified to modernize their appearance, and the mechanical restoration is completed in a more mass-produced fashion. We have seen examples where the piano’s scale design has been modified as part of this process!
Piano restoration companies are not the only group taking advantage of the European rebuild ‘secret’. This has allowed some piano stores that do not have restoration facilities or capabilities to begin to offer ‘piano restoration services’ as part of their offerings. (Many Facebook marketplace listings seem to be from these mall-style pop-ups.) However, this amounts to nothing more than having the instrument crated up, shipped over to Europe, and back again—with a moderate upcharge added by the local piano store. Often, the transparency of the restoration’s origin may be a bit obscured, requiring the client to dig deeper in order to understand the exported labor process.
This blog post is not written to disparage companies that have chosen to utilize European facilities to replace or supplement their own rebuilding work. Rather, it is to clear the air and encourage customers to know more about the piano restoration process and the exact services they are requesting. An educated piano industry and piano clientele ensures a healthy market for ‘the king of musical instruments’ for many years to come.
About Us: Since 1975, Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. has been specializing in the full rebuilding and restoration of vintage grand pianos. Located in the heart of Northern Indiana, our work has grown to become the preferred choice of numerous concert venues, institutions, and pianists around the world. We understand the nuances and exacting precision needed to ensure a piano that is truly tailor-made for your tastes and playing preferences.
Founded by Master Piano Technician Dennis Chupp, our team is made up of top piano specialists. Our work continues to be executed with a focus on the piano as a musical instrument foremost in mind. From pianos destined for a loving home to those crated for the concert stage, we strive to complete the finest work possible. For more information about our craft, feel free to get in touch with us via email or phone. If you are seeking a piano that has already been restored, our facility in New Paris, Indiana features one of the largest selections of fully restored Steinway & Sons pianos anywhere in the Midwest United States Click to view our selection of premium restored Steinway & Sons Grands, Pre-Owned Yamaha, and many other fine pianos.
Questions Answered in this Article: What is a European piano rebuild? Where are European piano rebuilds done? What’s the quality of European piano rebuilding compared to the United States? What are the advantages of choosing American piano restoration and service? Why are piano stores importing piano rebuilds done in Poland?
VIDEO: Founded by Dennis Chupp, Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. has grown from Dennis himself as the single tuner/technician to a complete team of piano professionals who are experts in the entire piano restoration process. In this interview, Dennis discusses what inspired him to begin working in the piano tuning business and how his field of expertise steadily grew, thanks to continued study and the mentorship of many expert piano technicians.
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