FAQ

Q: Why should I buy a restored piano over a new piano?
A: Restored Pianos:
Restored pianos generally have a superior tone compared to today's modern pianos. They have more elegant cabinets and veneers - sometimes with intricate engravings. They hold their value better and are not made with composite board or have any plastic components other than keys. Many have real Ivory-covered keys. They were built by craftsmen using solid, seasoned wood and have a true life expectancy of 80-100 years before the need for restoration.

New Pianos:
Many newer pianos are built in Asia, but also in the USA, Russia and Western Europe. The majority are mass-produced in an assembly-line. To keep manufacturing costs down, the quality of parts suffers, kilns are used to artificially 'season' wooden parts and some soundboards can be made out of multi-laminated wood! Cases are usually plain in character or refinement. Poor quality instruments lose their value quicker, compared to older restored pianos. Beware of German and American sounding names with lower prices. You get what you pay for.


Q: Should I have my piano restored?
A: Not all traditional pianos are worth restoring. Some lesser-known makes/models are not sturdy enough or musically good enough, to justify the investment. Selection of your piano is important. If you have a good name piano such as Steinway, Mason & Hamlin, Knabe, Chickering, Baldwin, Petroff, Sohmer and a few select others-these are worth restoring.


Q: Why should I buy a restored piano or have my piano restored from Craftsman Piano?
A: We use the finest quality parts and materials at a low cost. Our technicians take pride in paying attention to every detail and are truly dedicated to doing the job as if it were their own piano. We guarantee our grand pianos for five years.


Q: What parts do we use when restoring our pianos?
A: We use the world's finest parts which are used in the best pianos such as the Hamburg Steinways, Bosendorfers and Mason & Hamlins.


Q: How long would it take to have my piano restored?
A: The piano restoration process takes approximately 12-16 weeks from the time your piano is picked up.


Q: How long do you guarantee your pianos?
A: We guarantee our grand pianos for five years on all parts and labor and three years for uprights.


Q: If I have my piano restored, do you supply a piano in the meantime?
A: Yes, if you have your piano restored by us and need a piano in the meantime, we will supply you with a piano until your piano is completed.


Q: If I am looking for a particular piano which you currently do not have, can you find me a piano that I am looking for?
A: Yes, we search within our network of dealers without any obligation.


Q: What about cost of shipping?
A: Often, cost of shipping is calculated into the cost of the instrument. In many cases the costs are negotiated in the purchase price.


Q: Once an instrument is purchased, how does the insurance work?
A: Until the instrument is delivered, the carrier has it insured for full purchase price. Because we often sell our instruments for "below market value", the buyer may elect to purchase additional insurance.


Q: How are the transactions made?
A: Each purchase can be different. Wire transfers are a good option. Bank checks or money orders work well too. Personal checks are accepted but, it slows down the delivery process as we will not ship an instrument until the check has cleared.