Piano Restoration A Second Life for Heirloom Pianos
Complete restoration for vintage and heirloom instruments - handled with respect for the piano's history and craftsmanship.
Piano Restoration by Paul the PianoMan
Some pianos deserve more than a repair. A family heirloom or a quality vintage instrument can be brought back to life with a full restoration - from cabinet refinishing and soundboard work to a complete action rebuild.
Paul has over 13 years of experience as a piano technician and restores pianos from his base in Pretoria. Clients across South Africa and abroad can combine restoration with Paul's piano moving service, so the instrument is collected, restored and delivered by the same team.
- Cabinet Refinishing
- Soundboard Restoration
- Action Rebuilding
- Restringing
- Hammer & Damper Work
- Historical Accuracy
What does a piano restoration involve?
Every restoration starts with a full evaluation. Paul inspects the cabinet, soundboard, bridges, pin block, strings and action, then explains what the piano needs and what it will cost before any work begins.
Depending on the instrument, a restoration can include refinishing the cabinet, repairing or restoring the soundboard, restringing, replacing hammers and dampers, and rebuilding and regulating the action - all with care to keep the piano true to its original character.
Is my piano worth restoring?
Well-made pianos from respected makers, and instruments with real sentimental value, are usually worth restoring. Others may be better served by a repair or replacement. Paul's evaluation service gives you an honest answer and, if needed, a written valuation for insurance or resale.
Areas we serve
Restorations for clients in Pretoria, Johannesburg and all of Gauteng, across South Africa - Western Cape (Cape Town, Stellenbosch), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban, Pietermaritzburg), Eastern Cape (Gqeberha, East London), Free State (Bloemfontein), Limpopo (Polokwane), Mpumalanga (Mbombela), North West (Rustenburg, Hartbeespoort) and Northern Cape (Kimberley) - and abroad, with collection and delivery through Paul's piano moving service.
What Clients Say
Verified reviews from Wise Move - rated 9.9/10 from 50 reviews.
"Highly, highly recommended! Paul and his team exceeded my expectations in every way. We had some very tight spaces and the stairs by both places were challenging. Paul and his team took it all in their stride with such friendliness, professionalism, and care for my very old piano. Paul is incredibly knowledgeable with the inner workings of pianos and offers tuning, restoration and refurbishment services. He opened my piano up and even told me the year of manufacture! Thank you Paul, it was really a pleasure meeting you!"
"They were on time, very capable and friendly. Even helped with the next steps to get our piano restored and tuned."
"Paul and his team handled my piano with the utmost care and professionalism. Paul is extremely knowledgeable about pianos. I can recommend him with the greatest of confidence."
Piano Restoration FAQ
How long does a piano restoration take?
It depends on how much work the piano needs. Paul gives you a timeline together with the quote after evaluating the instrument.
What is the difference between a repair and a restoration?
A repair fixes a specific problem. A restoration brings the whole instrument back to excellent condition - typically the cabinet, soundboard, strings and action together.
Can you collect my piano from another province or country?
Yes. Restoration can be combined with Paul's piano moving service for clients across South Africa, and international collection and delivery can be arranged.
Can you tell me how old my piano is?
Usually, yes. Paul can identify the maker and approximate year of manufacture from the serial number and construction.