Why Buy A Restored Steinway Piano?

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Purchase a Restored Steinway Grand Piano

Question: “I have read a lot about vintage Steinways vs. new ones. Why should I consider purchasing a restored Steinway over a new one?”

Here at Chupp’s Pianos Service, we often receive questions related to the differences between new and restored Steinway & Sons Pianos. After talking with our clients about the benefits of each type of piano, these conversations often lead up to the ultimate question: “Should I buy a new Steinway, or a vintage restored Steinway piano?”

At the end of the day we often find that the selection of a finely restored piano is the best way to go. Restored pianos are excellent musical investments that are often superior to brand new pianos. The workmanship found during the ‘golden era’ of piano manufacturing was truly standard setting and the work that goes into a full Steinway piano restoration ensures their return to a high-performance level. Below you’ll find the top 3 reasons considering a restored Steinway & Sons piano might be in your best interest over a new one.

1: The Steinway Piano’s Cost

Right off the bat, we’ll discuss the most pressing matter for many piano buyers­ – cost. New Steinway & Sons Grand Pianos increase in price every year. Today, a new Steinway Model B Grand Piano would put you back well over $105,000.00. A fully rebuilt, vintage Steinway & Sons Model B is often priced at 40% less than it would be if purchased new. Our facility is located in Northern Indiana and our overhead is lower than many other piano rebuilding shops. This allows us to price our restored pianos well under the high ‘New York’ prices while still completing work that is industry leading.

We do our best to work with and provide you with as many options as possible in your pursuit of owning a Steinway piano. Steinway piano restoration gives you options when it comes to quality and price that you just won’t get when compared to buying new from a dealer. When it comes to value, a premium restored Steinway is truly the best option. Financial value is not the only area where restored Steinways lead the way.

2: A Restored Steinway Piano’s Quality

Pianos originally built during the period prior to World War II are considered by many experts to be part of the ‘golden era’ of piano manufacturing. During this time period, there were over 300 piano builders competing within the United States alone. This led to spirited competition that resulted in amazing advancement and innovation within the piano industry. Standard practices were established during this time and craftsmanship was at its peak. This high level of workmanship combined with access to top quality materials resulted in some of the finest pianos ever to be manufactured. Rich cabinet veneers and the finest woodworking were standard during this time. Figured Brazilian Rosewood cabinets and incredible art case designs are just a couple of the options available if you choose to purchase a golden era Steinway. The overall build quality of these pianos was truly extraordinary and their continued use today proves the caliber of the craftsmen who built these instruments so long ago.

“to build the best piano possible…” – Henry E. Steinway

There were several leading piano builders during this time. This included Baldwin, Mason & Hamlin, Chickering, Weber and of course Steinway & Sons. Many of these legendary companies rose and fell over the years leaving Steinway as the leading piano manufacturer in the United States and arguably, the world. The Steinway name has come to represent luxury and lasting craftsmanship like no other. Today, vintage Steinway & Sons instruments are in high demand- not only for their lower cost when compared to new pianos, but also due to their incredibly high quality and intrinsic musicality. Many well-known artists and individuals have specifically chosen rebuilt Steinway Grand Pianos for their private homes and their professional use. [Famous musicians and composers including Sting, Taylor Swift, and John Williams have all chosen vintage Steinway pianos.]

Many professional pianists have purchased their restored Steinway pianos from us here at Chupp’s Piano Service. We’ve even had Steinway Artists remark after playing our rebuilt pianos that they didn’t think Steinway pianos of this quality existed anymore. [Read Dr. John Mortensen’s testimonial here.] Many of our restored concert grands continue to exceed any and all expectations while being featured on numerous university and performance center stages. We do more than simply change out a few Steinway parts. We spend many extra hours beyond the industry norm, ensuring these pianos perform to top concert standards. When it comes to high quality, golden era restored Steinways continue to lead the way.

3: The History of a Steinway & Sons Piano

Circassian Walnut Cabinet | Fallboard Logo

Founded in 1853, Steinway & Sons has a rich and varied history. As one of the only remaining American piano manufacturers and one of the world’s most respected brands, Steinway has long represented luxury and time-honored craftsmanship. A fully restored, vintage Steinway Grand Piano represents those qualities, unlike any other instrument. A golden age restored Steinway is an amazing piece of both history and art. When properly rebuilt these close to 100-year-old instruments can perform like new, yet they retain their sense of history.

Unlike many ‘piano shaped objects’ that are churned out of factories today, vintage Steinways truly are ‘lifelong’ instruments that can be passed from one generation to another. With the company still in business here in the United States, the name of ‘Steinway’ is sure to continue on for decades to come. Often described as restoring the soul of the instrument, rebuilding a vintage Steinway is a task that is very labor intensive but is also incredibly rewarding. A rebuilt Steinway is an instrument that can be utilized by you today, and your children in the next. These instruments are pieces of history that are as functional as they are a piece of visual beauty. Restored Steinway pianos continue to symbolize the very finest in terms of quality, longevity and uncompromising quality.

In Conclusion | Restored Steinways

If you haven’t already, we hope that you consider the very viable option of purchasing a vintage, restored Steinway grand piano. As you might’ve noticed reading above, we have specialized in the full restoration and rebuilding of these wonderful instruments for over forty years. A family owned and operated business, our work is of the highest quality and we pride ourselves in continuing the tradition of high caliber craftsmanship that was standard at Steinway during the ‘golden era’ of piano building. From conducting extensive action analysis on every Steinway action we restore, to using only the finest custom manufactured bass strings, care is taken at each and every step. Each piano that leaves our shop is expertly regulated, voiced and the touch-weight adjusted to the very highest concert level. Steinway piano restoration requires top techniques and a dedication to the craft. We are located in Northern Indiana and our showroom and rebuilding facility features one of the largest collections of fully rebuilt Steinways in the Midwest. Contact us today for more information or to set up a private selection appointment.

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Chupp’s Piano Service | Specializing in Premium Restored Steinway Grand Pianos | Vintage Mason & Hamlin | New Kawai Pianos