If buying a piano is confusing... finding a rebuilder is even MORE confusing! I have decided to have my Mom's 1928 mahogany Steinway M rebuilt. It needs everything. I have spoken to a couple of rebuilders, including Steinway in NYC.

My question is this: Is there a good, reliable source of information on piano rebuilders to help me narrow down my search?

I am in NC.

Thanks,
Gail

Anywhere close to the Piedmont section. I know of a fellow in Logan if that helps....

It's best to visit the shop or factory and view a few samples of their work. Cunningham Piano here in Philadelphia turns out excellent pianos.

Gail,

I wrote a series of articles which are designed to help pianists answer this question for themselves. They may help you come up with the criteria that suite your needs.

They are published on my website

http://grandpianosolutions.com/articles-and-videos.html

...Hope this helps...

Jim Ialeggio

Take a look at Russell Gordon Piano Workshop, or www.russellgordonpiano.com. While I am a piano technician, Russell is a mentor, a true guru, particularly with Steinway grands.

Wow Jim! Great articles! I will need to read through them again, maybe two or three times! Thanks!
Gail

Dave,
I have read great reviews about Cunningham and have visited the website several times. I have made a couple of inquiries but haven't heard back yet... It's the end of the holiday season so I will be patient. Maybe you could get someone's attention for me .
Thanks,
Gail
P.S. Would love to visit the facility and see some work in progress!

Wow... Russell Gordon's references leave me feeling so inadequate... I am blessed to inherit this piano... I need another lifetime to appreciate its potential. I pray that my daughter will. Meanwhile, the subject of pianos is fascinating! and I work through the early methods books :-).

I recommend that you consider John Johanson in Greenville at Mosaic Piano. 336-389-1320.
He was the rebuilder at John Foy's and now has his own business. An extremely knowledgable
technician and close to home.

If you are getting a Steinway rebuilt which according to your words "needs everything", then geographic location of the rebuilding shop becomes less of priority. Whether you ship your piano 10 miles or 500 miles, shipping cost will not rise proportionately to the distance. You are doing the right thing by considering sending it as far as New England. You will be not only investing a lot of money, this rebuild should last several decades for a home use piano if done properly by the right person.

The Steinway was put on the truck today! Seven months to new or nearly new! Yippee!