Client Testimonials
– What Others are Saying About Chupp’s Piano Service –
“The Steinway I bought from you is a magnificent instrument.
Every single detail is amazing – warm and deep tone color, sensitive pedals, and the action – the heart of the piano, is capable of creating a great diversity of timbre. My technician also speaks highly of my piano!”
– Solungga Liu, DMA
Associate Professor of Piano, Bowling Green State University
“Dear Mr. Chupp,
Since Tim and Kyle left, I have been playing this beautiful piano. The action of the
piano and the color is simply amazing. Even with my limited piano skills, I can get some color changes. I heard this kind of beautiful sound in Clara Haskil’s Mozart recordings, but I did not think it was possible with my playing. The piano must have been adjusted perfectly before it left Indiana, the tuning stayed almost perfect.
Everything about delivery went smoothly. I am glad it was not raining when they came.
We plan to do some home concerts here. I can show off this beautiful piano. I have a 250-year old violin. Even though I do not know much about the piano, I can appreciate how much and what kind of works you put into to make it to this condition.I love the touch of the piano. I was surprised myself doing this big shopping by online. I simply trusted your background and what I saw in the picture. I am very happy that I found this. Thank you very much.”
Professor of Violin
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
“I have been privileged to travel all over this great nation and into Canada and Europe. I’ve performed in concert halls too many to count and have played on some impressive pianos that were top-notch.
However, I must say……..the Steinway & Sons Model D concert grand #256335 I played on in Shipshewana, Indiana, earlier this month from Chupp’s Piano Service was one of the best pianos I’ve ever played on, period!
I do not like stiff actions and this was very easy to play and yet had such a commanding sound and ‘feel’ that simply pulled the music out of me.
Thank you, Chupps Piano Service, for providing quality pianos that always go above my expectations. Keep up the great work!”
– Kim Collingsworth
Concert Pianist – The Collingsworth Family
“The Steinway is the finest piano in the world, deserving not only elite artists to play it but also elite technicians to care for it. Dennis Chupp is just such a craftsman. A Master Technician trained at the Steinway Factory in New York, he received personal coaching from former Steinway head Service Technician Fred Drasche and has collaborated with the nation’s leaders in the field of piano technology. His company, Chupp’s Piano Service, specializes in re-manufacturing and repair of vintage pianos, bringing glorious new life to instruments which had fallen silent through the ravages of age, damage and neglect.
He obsesses over each step of this labor-intensive, old-world process of transformation, patiently perfecting every last detail of the soundboard, pinblock, action, strings and of course, stunning woodwork and finish. The result is a re-born piano of warmth, resonance, and power. A Steinway rebuilt by Chupp’s Piano Service is worthy of the world’s greatest artists and most prestigious stages.
But above all, it is worthy of the name Steinway.”
– Dr. John Mortensen, Steinway Artist
Ohio Artist on Tour – Fulbright Specialist in Music – Professor of Piano, Cedarville University
“This is the Steinway piano heaven at the heart of the Midwest. I have never seen a finer showroom in America, full of pianos of astonishing quality and range. The rebuilds are of such precise craftsmanship, yet each instrument takes on a life of its own. Dennis Chupp—who has an incredible and international reputation for his work—and his dedicated team turn out the finest pianos I have ever played.
Dennis and his son Tim happily engage in lengthy chats about all aspects of their work, and are generous in allowing the exploration of their showroom. They don’t push their customers; their pianos calmly speak for themselves.
This place is a unique treasure—I try to pass through as often as I can, and recommend this as the very first place to look for Steinway and other rare instruments.”
– Zsolt Bognár
Pianist, Author, Host of “Living The Classical Life”
“Dear Dennis,
When I decided to begin the process of “active replacement” for my personal piano, I knew that there was only one call I needed to make. My experience with Chupp’s Pianos, while purchasing pianos for my school some years ago, was stellar and inspired complete confidence in my decision to return to your company. My hope was to upgrade to a more professional instrument but the acquisition of a Steinway seemed like a an unrealistic fantasy. That being said, here I sit with a gorgeous Steinway B in my home. I am still overwhelmed by this gorgeous piano and I still feel like I must be dreaming.
This was only possible with your help and guidance.
My entire experience with Chupp’s Pianos was first-rate from beginning to end. Every detail was anticipated and handled in a timely and professional manner. Your expert skills as a technician and artist combined with the beauty of this instrument has a created an piano which is truly magical. I fully appreciated your desire to customize this instrument for my specific tastes and desires as an artist…..and that you did! I am having difficulty walking past this piano without stopping to play it. Needless to say, other tasks lay in wait while I continue to go through my repertoire hour after hour. I am also excitedly planning to learn new repertoire because I think it would sound so gorgeous on this instrument.
Once I made the decision to purchase this instrument, I was concerned about moving the piano to Ann Arbor and shifting my current instrument to a new location. Once again, I was assured that Chupp’s Pianos delivers all over the country and again this process exceeded my expectations. The delivery was smooth as silk and the team was professional, helpful and personable. They attended to every detail and took great care moving both instruments.
In addition to the piano and the move, I appreciated you attention to other details that I desired such as a cover, the climate control system, an artist bench, a hygrometer, the polishing cloth and my very own Steinway mug…..which I have used every day.
I am endlessly pleased with my entire experience at Chupp’s Pianos and will continue to highly recommend you and your company to others, as I have done in the past. This experience has simply confirmed what I have known for the past fifteen years. Dennis and all the folks Chupp’s Pianos make this company truly exceptional! What a gem in the heart of Indiana!”
– Catherine A. Walker
Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre | University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI
“The best company I ever worked with.
I bought and had a piano refurbished. It was delivered last week it was perfect! All sight unseen. First time I ever did that. They took great care of me.
I am an extremely happy client!”
– David Schwab
Fort Myers, FL
“I searched all over the Midwest looking for a used concert grand for our church, and after playing dozens of pianos in Minneapolis, Iowa, and Michigan, I didn’t find a better piano or a better value than at Chupp’s in Indiana.
When the piano arrived, the word spread throughout town and people were so excited that a couple dozen people showed up just to watch the piano get unloaded and installed in the sanctuary. People who had never seen a 9′ Steinway were actually moved to tears at just the sight of it!
And the sound is incredible. Every day people have been coming in to play it and hear it. They all say the same thing: they didn’t realize a piano could even sound this good!”
– Stephen Baker
Director of Music Ministries, Bethany Lutheran Church, Spencer Iowa
“I had taken piano lessons as a child for few a years. While I enjoyed it, it was a chore to practice, so quit after
elementary school. I had hoped to resume it down the road. 24 years later, I finished school and training and settled in Connecticut. My parents still had the old upright piano in their home and let me take it to my home. I started taking piano lessons on it and hoped that one day I would progress enough to be worthy of a vintage Steinway Grand. That was 23 years ago.
About eight years ago, after 15 years of weekly lessons, I thought I might be ready to make that acquisition. I started searching the local piano market, the NYC market, and eBay. I was very particular about the Steinway C that I would purchase. It had to have ivory keys with a beautiful wood case. I expected the feel and sound to be just right. Finally, I wanted it to be restored to, or above, Steinway standards. Of course, it also had to be priced reasonably. I made many phone calls, inquiries, and visits over the next five years to find my piano. My searching eventually led me to Dennis Chupp about three years ago.
He had a 1898 flame mahogany Steinway C, fully restored, with the ivory keys. The pictures looked perfect, but I would not buy a piano without touching and hearing it. Mr. Chupp solved that problem by offering to bring the piano to my home and give me a few hours to be with it before making a decision. If I didn’t want to keep it, for any reason, his men would put it back on the truck, no charge. We had agreed on the price before it arrived, assuming it was as represented.
“It has become the centerpiece of our living room. I come home every evening and unwind by playing this piece of art.”
The piano arrived and was exactly as expected. It was and is magnificent. Over the three years that I have enjoyed this heirloom, my appreciation of it and the work Mr. Chupp put into restoring it has continued to increase. It has become the centerpiece of our living room. I come home every evening and unwind by playing this piece of art. My wife started piano lessons last year along with our elementary-school-age daughters.
Piano tuners, a professional jazz pianist, and numerous accomplished amateurs that have seen and played this piano have all been very impressed with the sound and feel. This has been one of, if not the best, investments I have ever made. Thank you, Dennis.”
– Dr. Howard Lantner, M.D., P.C.
Hartford, CT
“Thanks so much for the tour of your shop. I was wonderfully impressed with the overall quality of your work. What struck me was how you seemed to bring out the best of what each instrument can do, rather than (wrongly) to apply a single vision to every instrument you work on. Or worse, still, no vision whatsoever.”
– Robert H. Silverman
Concert Pianist
“We wanted to express our deepest appreciation for the outstanding help and expertise we received when purchasing our piano recently. We had talked about getting a piano to replace one we sold a number of years ago. One morning while using the internet to see what was out there for sale we came across Chupps Pianos. We were impressed by their variety, their expertise, and their workmanship. The opportunity to purchase a Steinway in great condition at such a value was stunning.
Thank you to everyone at Chupps Piano for their professionalism, their class, and their kindness to us. Please feel free to share this recommendation with others or even have them contact us directly if that helps with others being able to have the beautiful sound of a quality piano in their life!”
– Dr.’s Marc & Marceil Royer
“Dear Dennis,
Thank you for your ongoing efforts on behalf of selling my beloved Steinway D.
Your personal approach and generous attitude have been very consoling and always engineering trust and confidence.
Parting with such a fine instrument was rather “wrenching” to me.
You have been patient, kind and determined, for which I am grateful. Your integrity, enthusiasm and obvious expertise in all our past dealings will certainly be the incentive for future ones as they may arise.
My very BEST wishes for continuing success in your business.
Health and prosperity for you and yours always!
Sincerely,”
– Pina Antonelli
Concert Pianist
“Dennis,
As my favorite old stringed instrument dealer, used to say, “I believe that the sale of musical instruments should be a service profession!” Indeed, I thought of my old friend as I watched you with Weyburn and Thelma on Thursday last week. Superb quality was actually only a part of the equation.
I was so impressed with the way you listened to Weyburn and helped him come to a good decision. And then, the way you accommodated him by entering into the surprise aspect of his gift — went way beyond the expectation of professional courtesy. I’m guessing that you fully realized the gift of happiness you gave them. And that you’ve had that experience before!
Let Kathryn and me add our thanks also. And kudos for elevating what many might think of as a daily job to a completely higher level.”
–Emeritus Professor of Music, Goshen College
“Dear Dennis, I wanted to write you a quick note letting you know how much we are enjoying the Steinway Model B we purchased from you.
It is a lovely instrument with a wonderful sound. The piano was in almost perfect tune when it was delivered, even after the cross-country move. The delivery company did a friendly and capable job.
Thank you again!”
– Adam & Kate
“Hi, I have recently purchased a Steinway L, #251617, which was evidently restored by you. I love it! I love the tone…everything about it! Thanks so much! Great work!”
– Robert
“Dear Dennis and the Entire Chupp’s Team,
I am seriously failing for words to describe the beauty of the two pianos you restored for me. The Steinway came first and it’s remarkable restoration was breathtaking. Then the unusual Everett came and we could hardly believe the volume of sound that it produces. Now I am enjoying picking the piano that will render the music at its finest. Every key plays perfectly, every sound is rich.
Now that both are together again, I appreciate these instruments more than ever before. I always knew they were both special, but to play them now, it is just a decadent experience. Even my tuner said that when he presses a key to tune, that it is so beautiful, he feels like he is “playing” these pianos and enjoys every sound! It really shows how much your staff really appreciates and cares for the pianos that come their way.
Every step of the process of achieving this remarkable result has only added to the whole, wonderful experience. BRAVO!! I have played many fine instruments of rare value, but I couldn’t want anything more.
This IS the most exciting time of my life. Thank you!”
– Carolyn Duning Ripp
“I could not be more pleased with the Mason Hamlin AA that Dennis Chupp and his team rebuilt for me. When I visited the New Paris workshop and saw the piano for the first time, it was shabby to say the least, and nearly unplayable. Dennis talked me through my options, and convinced me to let his team do a near-complete overhaul of the piano, including replacing a cracked soundboard, rebuilding the action, and refinishing the case.
Throughout the seven-month rebuild, their craftsmanship was phenomenal, their communication was timely, and the end result is a piano that I believe exceeds anything I could have bought brand new.
This was a big decision for me, the largest musical instrument purchase I’ve ever made, and I felt comfortable and confident throughout the entire process. I work in the music industry, and have to applaud excellence when I experience it. Consider this my most ringing endorsement.”
– Nick LaMendola
Music Industry Professional
“One of my wife’s lifelong dreams has been to own a Steinway piano, as her parents and grandparents did. Playing the piano has always been a huge part of my wife’s family’s life.
Although not a musician myself, but one that can appreciate quality and fine art, I approached Dennis Chupp to help me with the purchase of a Steinway Model O for my wife’s birthday. Dennis not only took the time to explain his experience and the business to me, but walked me through the intricacies of why a Steinway along with his restoration business is second to none.
After much research and reference calls, we made the decision to proceed with a complete restoration of a 1921 Model O. This included having the finish changed from mahogany to ebony and a piano player system added. With Dennis’ guidance, appreciation for the art, and pride in his craftsmanship, both my wife and I were delighted with our newly restored piano: which is filled with rich history and amazing sound.
That same quality that Dennis represented was evident when we visited (from Boston) his shop and met the entire team. Everyone was warm and knowledgeable, answering all of our many questions about the individual pianos that they were working on as well as our own. That same attention to detail and pride was evident in the work that each team member put forth regarding each piano they were restoring.
Dennis also arranged for the delivery of our piano from Ohio to Boston as well as connected us with a piano tuner in our area. Everything went absolutely seamlessly and we could not be happier to have our piano finally home! After initially researching multiple options for obtaining a Steinway Model O, we are so thrilled with our decision and our piano, as well as working with our new friends at Chupp’s Piano. We would recommend no one else!”
– Julie and Don Marcus
I recently inquired about a used piano that I saw on Chupp’s Pianos website. Dennis promptly replied and invited me to visit the showroom. I mentioned that I would be traveling near their showroom over a holiday weekend so he and his son, Tim, were kind enough to open the store on the holiday to accommodate my schedule (now that is customer service!).
Tim was extremely patient as I spent hours at the store deliberating between a few pianos and, after much deliberation, chose a rebuilt 1926 Mason & Hamlin. Tim also gave me a tour of the piano restoration workshop, which I really enjoyed. As a former piano major, piano teacher, and church musician, I had not owned a piano for over five years since moving into my new home.
Buying a grand piano is a major investment, so I had plenty of trepidation as to the cost, new versus used, and the brand after having searched online over a period of time. Overzealous salespeople are a real distraction to me, so I liked that Tim did not pressure me into buying anything, but instead let me browse and discuss at my leisure. I am absolutely delighted with my “new” piano and am grateful that the Chupp’s made the purchase and delivery so effortless. Thanks again, guys!
– L.S.
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Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc | Expert Piano Service & Restoration Since 1975 | Vintage Steinway & More