Grand Piano Restoration Process

Torn Piano offers piano tuning, repairs, rebuilding, sales, and other piano services in the Greater Vancouver area. Yonatan Torn, the owner of Torn Piano, has been a certified piano technician since 1981. He has European and American training and experience.
Piano services in Vancouver and Lower Mainland including North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Richmond, Delta, Surrey, Langley, and Abbotsford.
Products and Services
Piano Tuning, Piano Voicing, Piano Repairs, Piano Regulating, Piano Reconditioning, Piano Rebuilding, Piano Appraisal, Piano Sales, Practice Pedal Installation, Silent System Installation, Dollies And Wheels Installation, Pre Purchase Piano Inspections, Piano Benches & Accessories less...
Brands Carried
August Forster, Baldwin, Bechstein, Blüthner, Boston, Bösendorfer, C. Bechstein, Essex, Estonia, Fazioli, Grotrian, Hailun, Heintzman & Co., Hobart M. Cable, Hoffman & Kuhne, Kawai, Kemble, Kimball Piano Company, Wm. Knabe & Co., Kohler & Campbell, Mason & Hamlin, Niemeyer, Pearl River, Perzina, Gebr., Petrof, Pleyel, Pramberger, Samick, Sauter, Schafer And Sons, Schimmel, Seiler, Shigeru-Kawai, Steinway & Sons, Story & Clark, Suzuki, Weber Piano Company, Yamaha, Young Chang less...

[@maxpower7916]

I've been doing a lot of research into these things lately since i'm considering a crazy, semi-late career change from architecture into this wonderful craft and i can't helpt but comment that your set up is the smartest i've seen so far - all these adjustable benches and a custom jig for everything. You're exactly the kind of pro i'd like to learn from - sadly there's a very large ocean between us ;) thank you for sharing the video, i found it super inspiring - Greetings from austria :)

[@OE1FEU]

In Austria you should pay Gert Hecher in Vienna a visit. His collection of perfectly restored 19th century concert grands is spectacular and unique.

[@billboring7061]

Loved the process fantastic job . Would you pass on your or do just a regulation video. Thanks (still at it 76 )

[@PASHKULI]

you, Max, are not alone… same with me!

[@marvinsilverman4394]

how you win money with this?

[@PASHKULI]

@@marvinsilverman4394 Old and current piano maintenance, tuning… but you need the proper tools first, then finding clients either online or by word of mouth. IT is not easy at all as you also have to visit the clients houses\halls where the pianos are, which requires time management.

[@user-pd1vg1qq1x]

I cannot believe the amount of expertise and patience needed to restore a grand piano, Great Vid!

[@leoorona1482]

Standing ovation to the Master.

[@AlsInd]

it is always a pleasure to watch a master at work. i am restoring a 1920 sohmer baby grand i rescued. from my understanding it is an exact copy of the steinway. i used to play a concert steinway in college and in my poor and old age, i hope to restore this baby to play as sweet as that piano. lots of time and money for parts. maybe i will finish it before i die 🙂

[@clivefinlay3901]

I agree with everyone here, we all just witnessed a true craftsman at work obviously loving the work he does. Such people are rare and to be honest whatever he’s paid it ain’t enough!!

[@davidt8438]

I want to applaud at the end. Not for his playing but for his craftsmanship in all forms of repair/restoration work. I’m a woodworker and can see his skills at work and his movements to me were like a ballerina.

[@johanie.m.]

This is Pure Art ! From the beginning to the end, congratulations ! 🙏

[@ctvediting]

Excellent work. Wonderful that you have the patience, talent, and skill to recondition a great old instrument like this. Totally impressed.

[@gainweighttoday]

As a piano technician myself, I can say you are on point, very skilled and well equipped. Have a nice day, Sir! :) Greetings from Hungary.

[@kwamestamps35]

How much would this cost? How long does it take in real time?

[@MarkHopewell]

A craftsman at work and working without assistance. Much respect. Lest we forget too.... The absolute headache for the designer of this instrument designing, building and tuning this instrument from scratch during it's original build a century ago.

[@janhrdousek91]

one of the most impressive things i've ever seen. Wonderful job!

[@jessetingle9055]

Bravissimo. Beautiful restoration, really enjoyable to watch.

[@phineasbluster2872]

Maybe i watched & commented positively once before. But here i am again: the man is masterful. Great technician, great engineer! (I used to do minor piano restoration. ) youtube often gives us posers & freaks, so it's alrways wonderful to catch the real thing.

[@johndoremi3872]

What a happy man

[@MarcRiedel]

I would love a version of this with your commentary explaining what you're doing and why you're doing it. Great stuff.

[@SiscanuJohnny]

It was perfect execution, Mr. Torn thx for sharing! Большое спасибо, профессионал, я хотел бы иметь возможность узнать больше через ваш канал !

[@marvinsilverman4394]

to spend hours months with this I guess you have to love this

[@ZipoDoug]

LOVE old Heintzmans!

[@Robert-xv7io]

Nice video great work congratulations.

[@muharremkutlu1263]

great job

[@nathanbenjamin1577]

What fantastic patience and craftsmanship. Rebuilt pianos are expensive, but not for no reason I see.

[@Naeromusic]

The other side of the art of the piano, the rebuilding

[@johnnyp6202]

Wow that was awesome. I have watched a few restoration videos and they mostly skip the action. Was pretty amazing to watch. What does something like this cost, seems like many man weeks of work

[@javierloaisiga8665]

Excellent work. In this trade it is very important to have the appropriate tools. Greetings from Nicaragua.

[@palletcolorato]

Interesting, and very well done restoration!

[@stevemartin7721]

Great work. I love your pneumatic benches. And thanks for the tip with the paper clip too...I'll use that. Cheers from Australia.

[@TaniaKozlova]

Amazing! I’m mesmerized by this incredible work!

[@ChucklesKeys]

WOW, you do fantastic work.

[@zoey_praise]

I've definitely fallen in love with your work. IMPRESSIVE!!! The lady at the end though...

[@patrickho9007]

From a piano tech to U, an Artisan, we keep the heartbeat of piano going, U are the Ultimate surgeon that restores life. RESPECT! 🙏

[@kevincooney7081]

Beautiful work! As I'm sure is the case with all the other piano techs watching, I'm jealous of the setup! ;)

[@recordman555]

I'm sure a job like this could easily get into the tens of thousands of dollars. Sadly, few pianos are worth that level of restoration.

[@brentonwhitten8131]

Would you rather have a mint condition perfectly restored 1965 aston martin DB5 or a brand new Nissan Versa. The piano he is working on starts at 30 grand in somewhatvdecent condition, by the time he was done with it its probably going to sell between 50 and 80 grand.

[@kristopherdetar4346]

I’m a new sub and this is now my favorite video on YT. Excellent work Sir !! Got a lot of helpful hints to help me with my restorations. Your a genius !! Thank you for posting your craft.

[@cptriker1]

Mr. Torn, wow. I don't have a piano and watched this ENTIRE video and this was an in-depth repair that was border-line insane. I know jobs would be priced "as-reviewed" but this is about the max of a hard-core restoration. I'm just dying to know what the range of this repair a customer would expect. Also, how many weeks did it take to complete this one job? Without a doubt, you are a Master Technician.

[@MrClaudio1951]

WELL DONE! WONDERFUL WORK...INCREDIBLE...I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO PUT DISLAKE

[@9fq6z]

What a skilled man! Amazing!

[@Sandoz-tq7qj]

Great skill 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@imelbook]

All process are being done by one person? And I thought each stage needs to be on specific skill.

[@musicacomoqueira498]

Thank you for the songs we are listening to while enjoying looking at your great job... May God keep His blessings on you

[@TheGildedPiano]

What is that awesome plate tilter around 1:40? Also what is that amazing pneumatic table at 15:11?

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

cool!

[@markfigotin2651]

Wow!!! Great job! Thank you for sharing this beautiful video! Each operation requires unique skills and patience. Therefore, the result is great! Greetings from Toronto.

[@buypianomalaysia2348]

great video and i learned alot from you sir ! from Malaysia.

[@williammaestre9318]

God bless you maestro

[@donizetebatata2060]

Ótimo pra todos ter conhecimento

[@jordanafridman5859]

Thanks for sharing. As a pianist, I've always been curious about what goes into making/upgrading a piano.

[@alexlatiff4198]

Excellent

[@jimhoward2538]

excellent video! Very skilled technician . Thank you!

[@dougatkins7316]

Bravo! Well done.

[@musicacomoqueira498]

I loved it ... great job

[@samspianos]

Thanks for sharing Yonatan!

[@maximivanyuschenko9989]

this is a magnificent master!

[@daniochoa2110]

I’m amazed

[@Deteknician]

underrated :thumbsup

[@CoenvanDongen]

great work and great jigs you have there!

[@jonsuttle8104]

I was thinking I might be able to get an old grand piano and restore it myself. Then I looked into it...

[@abupavarico5216]

your equipment so good...

[@profeluisegarcia]

The man we need in South America

[@ilvidel]

As a non-technician, I think this video would be much more interesting of you explained what you're doing in each step. Some things i can infer, but most of the time in left wondering what that tool is, what you're looking for, what your measuring...

[@ekklectriccurrent2094]

Outstanding work! Awesome video. Amazing, state of the art shop. I'm currently finishing up a restringing, reconditioning and regulation of a Steinway M. I dream of having a shop like this someday. Very, very impressed by this video! 👍

[@donizetebatata2060]

Ótimo trabalho

[@nos7799]

Simplesmente perfeito!!!!!!!

[@tellazia]

Meraviglioso!

[@guitarguitar77]

Incrível!

[@BruceEEvans1]

I really enjoyed watching this but any kind of voice over would be preferable to the interminable piano noodling.

[@junior6351]

Congratulations of Brazil.

[@carodose7459]

I would have preferred hearing each step as it was done rather than the music provided. But this was highly entertaining.

[@nicaservle9332]

Bravo pour ce beau travail. Je vais me lancer dans la restauration d'un piano Kawai KG5 de 1971. Pourriez-vous faire une vidéo s'il vous plait pour faire un tutto sur la mesure de la charge avec une ficelle.

[@komoru]

Curious as to why you shimmed the soundboard rather than replace with new? Cost? I think with all the effort, I'd rather have an all new soundboard with proper crown.

[@christiangeiselmann]

When preparing the sound board for filling the cracks, what did you do with those vertical wire-through screws? I suppose, this was for re-gluing the bars to the board?

[@TornPiano]

I utilized glue and a specialized tool to reattach the ribs that had become detached from the piano’s soundboard.

[@mehranofff]

this is a great video, I enjoyed watching it, thank you so much I just have a question at around minute 5 when you measure the downbearing, are you trying to match the downbearing with the original db before you remove strings? or is it a general rule for db you are following? because i did not see you measure db before you remive strings

[@TornPiano]

I check and correct down bearing before setting the strings and then after just to make sure it works correctly.

[@saiddavlatov4599]

Thank you very much for the video, I really want to learn piano restoration, can I learn from you?

[@TheSamehemil]

I am wondering If anyone can help me take to study and work in manufacturing of this amazing instrument, I work in piano restoration since 2010 , I live in Egypt and I can't find anyone to help me learn more in that field

[@rich2034]

Amazing...how much goes into restoring a piano!

[@TornPiano]

The cost of piano repair depends on the condition of the instrument, what needs to be changed, and how much time needs to be spent on it.

[@AcheampongEugene-dj7mr]

Nice one boss, please I want to learn how to restore piano,please how can I contact you boss?

[@ozgurgermanotta5370]

❤❤

[@MAD4FAK4]

WOW ok, I'm not going to attempt to restore my old Ehrbar Grand piano.. One question though how did you protect the logo print on the wood? I see you sanded over it, and the logo is there afterward, I'm confused 🤨

[@TornPiano]

This is a new logo.

[@Cherfield-D-Blessedman]

Nice video, what is the best quality keytops for grand piano, please?

[@TornPiano]

Genuine Kluge keytops from Germany.

[@maritzaorpe71]

Increíble. Estoy restaurando mi piano ¿qué barniz usas para la tabla de resonancia?

[@TornPiano]

I use polyurethane lacquer for soundboard refinish.

[@TonePianos]

What is the purpose of the jig that shows up around 13:30? Is it for side-to-side stability while cutting and sanding?

[@TornPiano]

Yes, it's for stability.

[@11ish61]

thanks for the vid; how long did this whole rebuild take?

[@TornPiano]

The time it takes depends on how many hours I work in my workshop. Since I also offer piano services elsewhere, it can take several months.

[@brucekan1985]

How much time spend on this piano?so great to watch.

[@TornPiano]

The start to finish process typically takes 2 months.

[@mrz80]

Did you mask off the soundboard decal, or have a new decal printed?

[@TornPiano]

I have glued a new one.

[@robertacton1271]

I'd rather listen to a narrator explaining the process.

[@oliviaallred8077]

What is the tool used at 5:14 called and what is it used to measure?

[@TornPiano]

Downbearing Dial from Bolduc Piano Co. Quick reading of the actual down bearing directly in the piano.

[@good6894]

@@TornPiano Thank you!

[@gavinpursinger6923]

My old 6'10 hf miller could use this if I win the lottery...Great left han chromatic near the video end...thx

[@jroar123]

So how much did it cost to rebuild the piano? What do new ones cost? (Or even a used one)?

[@TornPiano]

The cost of piano repairs varies based on the extent of work required and the desired level of restoration. Similarly, new pianos come in a range of prices, with some being affordable and others from reputable brands being more expensive.

[@pianossaurorex5267]

Yonatan how long does it take, i mean, the entire restoration process?

[@TornPiano]

It depends on how many hours a day we spend for restoration project. The start to finish process typically takes 2 months.

[@frankle246]

Very nice work. How much to restore a baby grand piano?

[@TornPiano]

The price of piano restoration depends on its condition, and this can vary significantly.

[@frankle246]

@@TornPiano Thanks for your responding. How can I contact you. You are in US right?

[@TornPiano]

I am in Vancouver, Canada.

[@frankle246]

@@TornPiano I am in Cali. So, the transport fee may be quite amount right.

[@glennlopez6772]

Grand pianos of all sizes are not easily refurbished at home! Removing the metal frame requires equipment to lift it off. There is a crane and stand as shown here. It would require specialist movers to tow it away to a factory! Thanks for the video! Good job done!

[@lisaburkemo4706]

My neighbor giving me a player piano... Lexington Bostich U.S.A Virtoulo...? Oak ( I think?) needs rollers. How much to restore this? How do I sell it...How much restored as opposed to restored? What about shipping? Where do YOU live? Could I ship it to you? Do you want to buy it? You seem well versed.

[@jacktrablinski1291]

it’s not worth it. people cant even sell restored player pianos for anything above $500. have it restored if you’re keeping it

[@joaovtaveira]

13:03 what does this do?

[@TornPiano]

The Hammer Square Articulated. This device indicates verticality of the hammers.

[@joaovtaveira]

@@TornPiano oh! Thanks.

[@studentjohn35]

Was never a fan of Heintzman's version of the treble capo d'astro bar/

[@TokyoFreeze]

Wait... someone actually paid money to restore a Heintzman? XD

[@cynic150]

All excellent, except for the Chopin at the end.

[@Fryns]

Amazing how much you get for $150.... Suspect that it us more than that😅

[@trantienphuc6745]

303 like - 303 sub

[@joaovtaveira]

What a annoying music, it almost ruins the video. Fortunately it ends during the tuning process.

[@profeluisegarcia]

Muted¡ it is a matter of taste.

[@rossclarke4911]

The music was GREAT! Do you know who is playing?

[@curtisgrindahl446]

Wonderful video with HORRIBLE music... really?

[@good6894]

Although I'm also definitely not a fan of jazz, calling music horrible because you don't like that type of music is just silly! Lol

[@rossclarke4911]

I wish I could play like that!!